Answering Your Questions About Pregnancy and Hair Loss

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing. From picking out baby names to sharing news of the bump on the ‘gram, it can be a super-special time of celebration and expectation.

If you’re pregnant or have been pregnant, you’ve probably been inundated with pearls of wisdom from well-meaning loved ones on how your body changes.

Everyone has a story to tell! You might expect the morning sickness, swollen ankles, and unexpected cravings, but did you know you can experience hair loss during pregnancy and afterwards?

Check out the video below as Dr Michelle Rodrigues takes us through everything we need to know about pregnancy, from hair loss to stretch marks.

Being pregnant doesn’t mean you’ll definitely see your locks shedding, but pregnancy and hair loss are closely linked.

Of course, you might be one of the lucky ones whose hair suddenly thickens and grows longer than normal!

And if you have curly hair, you might suddenly notice straighter strands poking through.

But if you’re suddenly shedding strands at a rapid rate, it could be down to hormonal changes and the additional stress your body is under.

If you start to notice your hair thinning during pregnancy, you might be wondering - can pregnancy cause hair loss? The first thing you should do is take a trip to the doctor.

While hair changes are usually a sign of shifting hormones, it’s always best to get these things checked out by a medical professional.

You can experience hair loss after pregnancy and breastfeeding hair loss, so it’s good to make sure it’s not a sign of any underlying health issues.

What causes hair loss during pregnancy?

When you’re not pregnant, you lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair every day. The first trimester of pregnancy can be a big shock to the body; there’s a lot going on! As the body works to balance out hormones and create a safe space for the baby to grow in, you might experience higher levels of stress. As a result, you could lose up to 300 hairs a day instead of 100.

This condition is called telogen effluvium, and the good news is that it generally doesn’t last longer than six months. Telogen effluvium also doesn't result in permanent hair loss.

You might also find yourself losing hair during breastfeeding, a condition sometimes referred to as postpartum alopecia. Once your baby has been born, you might suddenly find yourself losing clumps of hair. As your estrogen levels start to decrease after the delivery of your bundle of joy, it’s common to experience hair loss or thinning hair.

Losing hair during breastfeeding can happen quickly, and it usually peaks around the four-month mark. Although it might seem alarming, one of the best things you can do is to not panic.

How common is hair loss during pregnancy?

Super common! Hair loss after pregnancy and breastfeeding is totally normal and happens to many women. Just when you think your body can’t go through any more, you suddenly start to experience changes in your hair! It doesn’t seem fair, does it?

Just remember that it’s a temporary phase. As your baby grows, so will your lovely locks. It’s a very natural process and many women experience it. Though you can’t fully control hair loss, once you’ve checked with a medical professional, you could start taking some hair vitamins for pregnancy to help out your hormonal hair. We've listed some of our favourites below for you to try out!

Haircare tips during pregnancy and postpartum

There are many tricks you can try to get your hair looking the way you like it. If you’re wondering how to help with hair loss after pregnancy, these tips should help.

Tip 1: Add texture and build volume

• If you have very straight hair and it suddenly starts to thin out, the thinning will be quite noticeable. Instead of piling loads of product onto your strands, try pumping up the volume with fast-acting Cloud Nine rollers. They won’t make your hair super-hot or damage it further. But they will give you a bit of body and bounce to make your hair look thicker.

• You could also try something as simple as a texturising dry shampoo. This bestselling vegan formula from Klorane refreshes hair and gives it a bit more body. Plus, it’s super-simple to use! Just a couple spritzes and you’re good to go.

Tip 2: Avoid colouring your hair

• When you’re feeling stretched out and worn out, it’s tempting to compensate by covering those greys and keeping your colour looking vibrant. But when you’re postpartum, you’ll want to treat your thinning hair as gently as possible. And while your baby is in your belly, you definitely want to be careful about the way you treat your body. The safest thing to do for your hair and for baby is to skip the hair colour for a while. Besides, not colouring your hair with chemicals will help it grow long and strong again!

Tip 3: Try a new style and get regular cuts

• Whether you have a little one on the way or you’re reading this with a babe in arms, you’re probably feeling more tired than you were before pregnancy. Having a baby is, of course, an exhausting process. It’s important you take time out for yourself and minimise your stress. A trip to the salon will keep your split ends at bay and give your hair’s texture and thickness a boost. If you’re really struggling with hair loss, perhaps talk to your hairdresser about trying a new style. You never know—it could be your best look yet!

Tip 4: Eat healthfully

• Following a balanced diet before and after your baby is born is an important part of the process of creating life. When you're pregnant and breastfeeding, everything you eat will help nurture your baby and give your body the nutrients it needs to support you both. Make sure you talk to a medical professional about any special needs. But a diet that’s rich in calcium, leafy green vegetables, meats, fish, and whole grains will help your both stay strong.

Tip 5: Minimise stress

• One of the main reasons you lose hair during and after pregnancy is because your stress levels are high. If you’re wondering how to grow hair during pregnancy, it’s important to balance out those raging hormones with some dedicated me time. Relax with a bath, try meditation, and listen to soothing music. Whatever you need to do to find a sense of peace, do that and do it often.

Tip 6: Take hair vitamins during pregnancy

• Though it’s important you always check with a medical professional, taking vitamins for your hair while pregnant can help keep your strands looking and feeling great. Apotecari produces a range of safe hair supplements that you can take while breastfeeding and even when you’re pregnant.

If you’re looking for ways to take care of your hair during and after pregnancy, we've combed the reviews and found the products being recommended.

If you’re wondering, Can I take hair vitamins while breastfeeding? You can feel safe when you rely on Apotecari Mane Event 1 Month Supply. Optimising your hair and helping it grow strong and long, this formula is non-GMO and free from gluten, wheat, dairy, lactose, shellfish, and eggs. This supplement will support your hair growth cycle, so your hair stays healthy from the roots. It will also help to keep your hair, nails, and skin in the best condition too! This formula is good for anyone who’s experienced broken, dry, damaged hair from heat-styling. Stress plays a major factor in the health of your hair. If you’re experiencing a lot of hair loss during or after pregnancy, this supplement could help you get things back on track.

The biophotonic jar maintains the freshness of the ingredients and of the natural Pomegranate, Strawberry, and Coconut flavour. Apotecari Hair Food 2 Month Supply is a vegan and cruelty-free formula that anyone can enjoy. The ultra-fine powder blends well with any plant-based milk. You can even take it with water and still enjoy the taste! This supplement powder contains ingredients that can encourage collagen production. The antioxidants in the formula protect you from free radicals and daily pollutants. The powder also contains Brown Rice, Sunflower Seeds, and Pea, as well as other fun ingredients such as Baobab, Beetroot, Davidson Plum, Kakadu Plum, and Native Peach.

Crowning Glory supplement supports and hydrates the hair with a blend of plant-based Omegas. Mane Event supplement optimises hair growth and keeps your lengths in the best condition. This formula will help your hair grow strong and long. Hair Food is a daily supplement you can enjoy with your morning smoothie; it’s a great way to boost your day with a little extra nutrition. Shake up your Hair Food in the Signature Shaker, which is made of wheat straw ‘plastic’, which means it’s completely compostable. And finally, use the UV Glass Bottle to stay hydrated all day long! The Apotecari The A Team Pack has everything you might need, and it makes a great gift! This is one our list of go-to products for fast hair growth.

Finally, a few important things to know about the hair supplements mentioned in this article:

• Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have recently had surgery or been in an accident.

• Take your supplements as directed - exceeding the recommended dosage won't get you results faster, but it will cost you more money.

• If you're concerned about hair loss, chat to your health professional for personalised expert advice, because no two heads of hair are the same.

If your scalp is feeling uncomfortable and oily, you’ll love Dr Hauschka Revitalising Hair & Scalp Tonic. The unique formula is dermatologically tested for sensitive skin. With consistent use, this tonic will keep your hair and scalp flake-free and feeling super-fresh. Stimulating blood flow to promote healthy hair growth, this is a great post-pregnancy product to get your hair back to its best. Neem Extract, Stinging Nettles, Birch Bark, and Burdock Root revitalise the hair and scalp. The Horse Chestnut in the formula promotes healthy moisture balance in the hair. And Calendula soothes the scalp to reduce inflammation. This product is suitable for everyone suffering from a dry, irritated scalp. By tending to your scalp, you can help your hair grow long and strong.

Suitable for all hair and scalp types, Klorane Quinine Keratin Strength Fortifying Spray is non-greasy and non-sticky. Vitamins B3, B5, B6, and B8, along with Keratin and Amino Acids, build up your weak hair so it starts to look and feel stronger. Delivering nutrients to the core of your hair’s fibre, this formula helps reduce breakage and split ends. It also works to boost fine, limp hair that’s lost its lustre post-pregnancy. When you use this treatment for the recommended 3 months, you’ll soon start experiencing denser, healthier, softer hair. Revitalise the scalp post-pregnancy and soothe stressed-out hair. Super easy-to-use, this formula can be applied to towel-dried hair. Use up to 8 sprays to cover the scalp and up to 3 sprays on the hair itself.

Dermatologically tested Klorane Desert Date Shampoo works to restore the hair to its former glory—even if you’ve long been mistreating it with chemicals and very hot styling tools. Cleansing the scalp as well as the hair, this formula preserves the natural balance of the hair with a gentle touch. Perfect for everyone to enjoy, this formula transforms dull, lifeless hair naturally. Not every shampoo gently nourishes your hair; some strip away the scalp’s oils. This nourishing formula is perfect for dry, damaged hair because of the unique Desert Date blend. If you’re looking to rebuild your hair after a period of stress, this is one of the best shampoos for damaged hair and could be your perfect haircare pick-up.

If you’re been searching for one of the best shampoos for damaged hair, you’ll love this blend from Kevin Murphy. KEVIN.MURPHY Angel.Wash is a weightless formula that boosts volume and body. If you’re suffering with thinning hair that looks way less than its best, this shampoo works to visibly thicken the hair and reduce breakage. If you’re rocking colour-treated hair, this formula won't strip the colour away. The paraben-free, sulphate-free solution keeps your hair in the best condition. Oat Protein provides structure, fullness, and body, while Sunflower Seed Extract shields strands from potential UV damage. Green Tea Extract provides vital antioxidant protection. Hydrolysed Wheat Protein adds fullness, strength, and shine. And Superoxide Dismutase prevents your colour from oxidising. One of the best shampoos for dry and fine hair, this kind formula is gentle enough for daily use or however often you like to wash your hair.

If you've been looking for a natural conditioner that will help you get your hair back to its best post-pregnancy, you’ll love this soothing formula from Aveda. Made with a blend of detangling ingredients, this conditioner adds shine and provides long-lasting nourishment. Aveda Shampure Nurturing Conditioner has been made with 25 pure flower and plant essences, which come to life when you use the formula. Simply massage into wet hair and rinse with cold water after a few minutes. Follow up with some heat-free styling to keep your hair in the best condition possible.

VIRTUE Recovery Conditioner works to enhance the manageability and shine of your hair. Repairing any damage that’s been caused by heat, this conditioner fills in cracks in the hair cuticle with pure Keratin for a smooth, healthy finish. If you hate your post-pregnancy thinning hair, you might enjoy the nourishing benefits of this unique conditioner. Perfect for anyone whose hair is crying out for extra care, this formula heals strands that have been stressed out by heat-styling. Fragranced with a blend of Coconut, Yuzu, and Warm Woods, this Leaping Bunny-certified formula is cruelty-free and free from preservatives and other nasties. Pea Protein protects the hair from daily styling, and Hydrolysed Quinoa helps the hair retain moisture and colour.

*All information contained in this guide is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute advice given by a healthcare professional. If you are pregnant, always consult with your doctor before trying new hair care, body and wellness products.

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