Beat hair loss caused by giving birth
- By Susan Whitford
- Published 10th October, 2008
- Hair News
- Unrated
Susan Whitford
Susan Whitford has twelve years experience as a health and beauty journalist in the United Kingdom. Susan has worked as a staff writer and features editor on a number of consumer magazines.
Hair loss is one of childbirth's more unwelcome side effects. The good news is that usually the condition is temporary: hair growth tends to return to normal when the new baby stops breastfeeding.
When a woman is pregnant, she will experience very high levels of progesterone and estrogen. The increase in estrogen often stimulates hair growth, and many pregnant women experience thick and glossy hair.
However, when the baby is born, these hormone levels will drop to their normal state and many new mothers will experience Telogen Effluvium (excessive postpartum shedding). This condition normally lasts from one to four months after giving birth.
To retain as much hair as possible, pregnant women and new mothers should ensure they eat plenty of fruits and vegetables which contain vital nutrients to protect and nourish the hair follicles.
Another preventative measure is to wash and condition the hair with a garlic shampoo and conditioner. If garlic shampoo proves hard to obtain, look instead for products that contain Biotin and Silica. Also, avoid brushing or using combs with small teeth as they will place unnecessary stress on the hair.
When a woman is pregnant, she will experience very high levels of progesterone and estrogen. The increase in estrogen often stimulates hair growth, and many pregnant women experience thick and glossy hair.
However, when the baby is born, these hormone levels will drop to their normal state and many new mothers will experience Telogen Effluvium (excessive postpartum shedding). This condition normally lasts from one to four months after giving birth.
To retain as much hair as possible, pregnant women and new mothers should ensure they eat plenty of fruits and vegetables which contain vital nutrients to protect and nourish the hair follicles.
Another preventative measure is to wash and condition the hair with a garlic shampoo and conditioner. If garlic shampoo proves hard to obtain, look instead for products that contain Biotin and Silica. Also, avoid brushing or using combs with small teeth as they will place unnecessary stress on the hair.