Pregnancy and Hair Loss

During my pregnancy, I had nice hair and great skin. This was a result of my rising hormones, which kept my hair thick and shiny. Now that those hormones are gone, my hair is going with them – at an alarming rate – causing me to wonder if everything is okay.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, loosing copious amount of hair 3 or 4 months after delivering is normal.

They say:

During pregnancy, an increased number of hairs go into the resting phase, which is part of the normal hair loss cycle.

The rise in hormones during pregnancy keeps you from losing your hair. After delivery, the hormones return to normal levels, which allows the hair to fall out and return to the normal cycle. The normal hair loss that was delayed during pregnancy may fall out all at once.

Up to 60% of your hair that is in the growth state may enter into the telogen resting state. The hair loss usually peaks 3-4 months after delivery as your hair follicles rejuvenate themselves.

*This hair loss is temporary and it should returns to normal within six to twelve months.* There are a number of things that you might do to have healthier hair and/or reduce hair loss during pregnancy and after delivery:

• Consult with your health care provider to ensure a proper balance of hormones
• Avoid pigtails, cornrows, hair weaves, braids and tight hair rollers which can pull and stress your hair
• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables, which contain flavonoids and antioxidants that may provide protection for the hair follicles and encourage hair growth
• Use shampoos and conditioners that contain biotin and silica
• Hair is fragile when it is wet, so be gentle; avoid fine tooth combs
• If you need to use blow dryers and other heated hair instruments, try to use the cool setting
• Supplement your diet with the following nutrients:
  • Vitamin B complex (Catergory A)
  • Vitamin C (Catergory A)
  • Vitamin E ( Likely safe if amount does not exceed the RDA; possibly safe if it does)
  • Zinc (Likely safe when used orally and appropriately; likely unsafe when used orally in high doses