Pregnancy And Hair Loss

Hair Loss During Pregnancy and Post-Partum Hair Loss
Advice and Treatments From Simone Thomas Hair Loss Clinic in Bournemouth

Pregnancy is a challenging time for a woman’s body.  Major hormonal changes are taking place as well as the physical stresses of supporting growing baby and the birth itself.   All these factors can have a significant impact on the hair’s growth cycles, density and condition.

At Simone Thomas Hair Loss Clinic in Dorset we have wide experience of dealing with pregnancy and post-natal hair loss.  Book a consultation and we can assess your hair and recommend treatments to help restore your hair’s strength and thickness.  Pregnancy hair loss is a problem that’s seldom talked about but it’s suprisingly common, and you can be assured of a sympathetic and understanding approach at our Westbourne clinic.

How does pregnancy affect your hair?

Many women report that their hair looks thicker and shinier than it ever has during pregnancy, but this is not the case for everyone.  Some women experience dry and brittle hair while others can find their hair falling out, particularly in early pregnancy.   These changes are caused by fluctuations in your hormone levels as well as the demands pregnancy places on the body.

While you are pregnant, your oestrogen level increases, keeping more of your hair in the anagen phase (the growing phase of the hair’s life cycle) for longer, delaying it entering the telogen, or shedding phase.  This results in the longer, thicker and healthier looking hair that many women report, particularly during the third trimester.

What causes hair loss during pregnancy?

Despite this, some pregnant women can experience pregnancy hair loss, especially in early pregnancy.  Surging oestrogen and progesetrone levels at this stage can trigger a response in the hair’s follicles, causing the hair to become brittle and thin.    The shift in hormones during the first trimester can put great stress on the body, and the shock of this change can put more of the hairs on your head into the telogen, or shedding phase.   This can result in a condition called telogen effluvium in which you can lose up to three times the average daily hair loss of 100 hairs. 

Hair loss in pregnancy can also be caused by health issues such as iron deficiency, severe morning sickness, thyroid problems and gestational diabetes.  If you are concerned about any of these health issues it’s important to speak to your doctor.

Every pregnancy is different as is each woman’s response to the changes going on in her body.  At Simone Thomas hair loss clinic we are highly experienced at diagnosing the causes of hair loss and treating it.   Book a consultation by completing the form below and we can advise you on how to protect your hair during pregnancy and help restore it to its usual health and thickness.

Why am I losing my hair after pregnancy?

Post-natal hair loss is a very common problem after giving birth.    Increased hormone levels during pregnancy can cause women to retain more hair than usual, resulting in fuller glossier locks.  Once the hormone levels drop when the baby is born (or you finish breast feeding), the hair returns to normal, and the hairs that were being kept now all move to their shedding phase.

This can appear alarming as you might shed a large number of strands over short period of time, but rest assured that this is completely normal.  Post-partum hair loss usually resolves itself without treatment.  Although you may see more hair coming out when you wash and style it, these actions won’t actually increase the shedding, although we’d advise treating your hair gently at this time and following the steps below to protect it.

Why isn’t my hair growing back after pregnancy?

Postpartum hair loss usually peaks at 2 -4 months after giving birth and should slow down at around 6 months.  If after this stage you find your hair is not recovering its usual volume, we’d recommend seeking advice from a trichologist.   Book a consultation at Simone Thomas hair loss clinic and we can help identify any underlying issues which may be causing your hair loss.

How to keep your hair healthy during and after pregnancy

Your hair and scalp may need extra care during and after pregnancy.   By taking good care of your hair after you give birth, it can help to ensure that it grows back normally.

You may wish to switch to a mild shampoo for thinning hair, such as Nioxin, available at our Bournemouth hair loss clinic.   Be careful to treat your hair gently, brushing out tangles from the ends and avoiding pulling at the roots.  Limit colouring and chemical treatments (some of which may not be suitable during pregnancy – check with your hairdresser).

We also recommend eating mineral-rich foods including iron and zinc, which are important for hair growth, as well as for your developing baby (but please be sure to check which foods and vitamin supplements you can take when pregnant or breastfeeding). 

Book a consultation with the post-natal hair loss specialists at Simone Thomas Hair Loss Clinic Bournemouth

At Simone Thomas we are well known for our ability to help women recover from hair loss.   We understand just how stressful hair loss can be at any time, and particularly when you are also caring for a new born baby.

Georgie Culley, Features Editor of The Sun says:
‘I suffered from post-natal hair loss and Simone has been a life saver!  Yes, had great results.  My hair feels fuller and much healthier, so I’m really pleased! I still have a little way to go but it is much better than before I started.’

Visit our Wellness website here to see more success stories and Wellness resources to help restore your hair to your crowning glory.

Our highly qualified and experienced teams can help with the diagnosis and treatment of your hair loss.  Book a consultation today by calling 01202 760003.  Alternatively you can book online or request a consultation by completing the form below.