Exploring Postpartum Hair Loss

While it may come as a surprise, it is not uncommon for women to experience postpartum hair loss. A new mother may be shocked to find she is experiencing excessive hair loss in the shower. She should find comfort in the knowledge that this type of female hair loss not permanent.

The symptoms associated with being postpartum and hair loss generally go hand in hand as the body has experience major traumatic changes. A woman's hormones go through major changes during pregnancy and immediately thereafter. This radical increase in hormones has a direct impact on the health of skin cells, including hair follicles, thus leading to postpartum hair loss.

This specific form of hair loss in women does not generally require treatment as a woman's hair growth will return to normal after hormonal levels are able to rebalance. Some women are especially sensitive when it comes to their hair and may want to take preventative measures to in order to hold hair loss down to a minimum.

If you are concerned about postpartum hair loss, be sure to brush your hair gently and no more often than necessary. Switching to gentle and more natural hair care products may help as well. Baby shampoos are just as effective for adults as they are for infants. Avoid blow drying your hair and do your best to avoid harsh styling products.

Pregnant women and those who have just given birth should be especially careful to avoid the chemicals involved in hair dying or perming. Hair loss after pregnancy is guaranteed to become worse if the hair is exposed to these damaging ingredients.

Physicians and pediatricians spend an incredible amount of time studying medications and their impact on a mother during pregnancy. These studies, unfortunately, have not stemmed to the use of hair care products. While we know the chemicals in hair dyes are damaging to the mother, scientific research has not determined whether or not these chemicals are safe for the infant in the womb.

You are what you eat and pregnant women are eating for two. Take special care when choosing the foods you eat during pregnancy as the proper food choices will help to promote healthy skin and hair. The healthy food choices you made during pregnancy should continue to apply for years after.

Check with your hair care professional if you have any questions regarding your postpartum hair loss. He or she is familiar with the condition and will be able to provide additional information for dealing with your condition.