We often account for how pregnancy changes our bodies but one thing that slips our mind is hair. Some women are blessed with luscious, thick hair during pregnancy and well after, whereas others may deal with hair loss post-birth. A surge in pregnancy hormones like estrogen makes hair grow faster and better, making it less likely to shed. Another added benefit? Your blood circulation is at an all-time high, making it easy for all the nutrients to be absorbed by your body. While it is absolutely normal to lose 50 to 100 strands of hair a day, the high levels of estrogen in the body during pregnancy encourage strands to stay in the growth phase for longer. Better hormonal status = better hair.
Post-pregnancy, a number of factors lead to hair loss including lack of sleep, nutritional deficiencies and more. “The biggest issue most women face is hair loss for up to three months post-partum. This is the difference between hair loss and post-pregnancy hair loss,” explains Dr Rashmi Shetty, dermatologist and founder of Mumbai-based skincare clinic Ra Skin And Aesthetics.
Hair concerns most women face post-partum
• Change in hair texture
• Hair loss and shedding
“The reasons for this include a sudden change in hormones. When pregnant, our bodies work towards nourishing and growing the baby and post-delivery, the hormonal levels plummet down,” explains Dr Shetty. Other reasons include the stress of a newborn as well as sleep deprivation. “In Indian cultures, very hot oil hair treatments and baths are encouraged. Whilst this may suit some people, it may lead to hair loss for others,” she adds.
How to take care of your mane post-partum
• Don’t give up on all the prenatal supplements that you’ve been taking… “Speak to your doctor and narrow down on the essential ones you should be taking. You may need iron and zinc supplements if you’ve dealt with a lot of blood loss during delivery or maybe some multivitamins to nourish your hair.”
• Be gentle… “With your hair and scalp. Continue and cultivate healthy hair habits. For example, if you’ve been going for hair spas, try to be regular with them and if you’ve been gently oiling your mane, don’t skip that.”
• Use hair oils and peptide serums… “Good old coconut oil is great to apply. In terms of serums, try the LogiHair Serum Intensive Hair & Scalp Therapy after consulting your dermatologist or a trichologist.”