Hair Loss after Pregnancy
Mothers experience many changes after having a child. Priorities and attention shift, and you may also notice some changes in your appearance and physicality. One thing many mothers don’t expect is hair thinning after having a child.
Many mothers in the Chicago, IL, area contact Dr. Raymond J. Konior and Dr. Sahar Nadimi to ask about postpartum hair shedding and hair loss treatment for women. Our team would like to explore post-pregnancy hair loss, what causes it, and whether or not it should be a cause for concern. Patient education when it comes to these matters helps put minds at ease so you can focus on spending quality time with your baby.
Is Postpartum Hair Shedding Normal?
Yes.
Many new moms will notice that they experience some hair shedding in the months after they give birth. This is normal, and you are not alone. You may have friends or family members who are mothers who’ve gone through the same thing. It’s helpful to talk to them about their experiences with postpartum hair shedding.
Causes of Hair Loss after Pregnancy
This hair loss after pregnancy has to do with hormones.
During pregnancy, your estrogen and progesterone levels will rise. In fact, you may have noticed thicker hair during pregnancy.
After childbirth, your estrogen and progesterone levels will take some time to return to pre-pregnancy levels. As these hormones dip, you’ll notice more pronounced hair loss than usual.
Is Postpartum Hair Loss Permanent?
No. Thankfully, postpartum hair loss is only temporary. It usually lasts around six months.
We don’t treat women for postpartum hair shedding if the condition has only been happening for several months. That said, the Chicago Hair Institute can offer advice on how to deal with this hair loss.
How Long Will it Take to Grow Back My Hair?
About six months after childbirth, the hair shedding should slow down considerably. By this point your hormones should level out to pre-pregnancy levels. It will take a few months for hair to grow back and achieve its original volume and luster.
About one year after pregnancy, you should notice that your hair looks and feels a lot like it did prior to becoming pregnant.
How to Deal with Postpartum Hair Loss in the Meantime
In the months following childbirth, there are several things that you can do to minimize the hair shedding you experience
- Eat a healthy diet and take dietary supplements as needed
- Use scrunchies or barrettes to keep your hair up instead of rubber bands or anything that yanks hair or excessively
- Gently use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair when needed
- Avoid excessive hair styling, curlers, and blow drying
- Avoid hairdos that pull or tug at the scalp
What If I Still Experience Hair Thinning More Than a Year Later?
If you still suffer from hair thinning well after you’ve given birth, that’s when you should consider speaking with your doctor or a member of our team. We can review your situation and offer an assessment about potential treatment options.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Hair Loss Experts
If you have experienced hair thinning after having a child, you are not alone. To find out more about female hair loss and treatment options, be sure to contact the Chicago Hair Institute online. You can also schedule an appointment by phone at (630) 932-9690.