Post pregnancy hair loss is a common phenomenon. During pregnancy a woman goes through a number of physical and mental changes. Hence, after pregnancy she has to face a number of physical after-effects, hair loss being one of them.
CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS
There are 3 distinct phases of hair growth. Anagen is the growing phase, catagen is the transition phase and telogen is the resting stage [when the hair is shed].
Women normally lose 100-300 hair daily due to combing or washing, that is 10%-15%of their hair is in the resting stage clinically termed telogen phase. But in pregnant women the hormones [estrogen and progesterone] being high, they don’t lose much hair during pregnancy. Hence, post pregnancy when the hormones return to their normal level, the hair starts to fall out in order to regain the normal cycle. The telogen phase, which was delayed due to pregnancy, sets in and makes all those hair fall out at once.
Another reason could be the sudden discontinuation of taking oral contraceptives. Once the woman gets pregnant, she stops taking these contraceptives. This also affects the hormones and may lead to hair loss.
Stress is another major cause of hair loss. During pregnancy a woman goes through lots of emotional changes. But after the arrival of the baby, these upheavals are intensified manifold. Such stress affects the crowning glory, thereby leading to hair loss. More severe the stress more will be the hair-loss.
Breast-feeding is often one of the causes of hair loss. During breastfeeding, the nutritional reserves of the woman can be depleted thereby leading to a greater probability of hair loss.
WHEN DOES THE HAIR LOSS OCCUR
The post pregnancy hair loss usually sets in 3 months after the delivery and can continue till 6 months after delivery. If the hair fall is been delayed due to pregnancy then around 60% of the hair fall will happen in a stretch of the time, in order to make way for the new growth of hair.
HOW TO CONTROL IT
One should remember that post-pregnancy hair loss is a normal part of the pregnancy cycle. There is nothing one can do to stop it. However, a number of steps can be taken to make the new grown hair healthier and comparatively reduce the amount of hair loss post pregnancy.
Regular oil massages [during and post pregnancy] can be very relaxing for the scalp. It keeps the scalp well conditioned and can also help reduce the amount of hair loss post pregnancy
Use mild shampoos and conditioners, preferably the ones containing biotin and silica.
The hair is at its weakest when wet. Hence, it is advisable to use a wide toothed comb .
A good nutritious diet consisting of high protein and iron rich food, plenty of fruits and vegetables, can be extremely beneficial for the hair. One should try to incorporate nutrients like vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, biotin, zinc etc. in their diet.
Too much use of blow-driers, chemicals like hair colors, and too tight hair styles should be avoided. If the hair loss is severe, a shorter hair style can save the day.
Lastly, it is also advisable to consult the doctor in order to ensure a proper balance of hormones.
