Post-pregnancy hair loss is very common among new mothers. During pregnancy, most women experience luxurious, full hair. However, soon after giving birth they often experience a substantial amount of shedding resulting in significantly thinner hair. There is an explanation for this strange process and there are ways women can reverse these hair thinning issues.
Why is my hair thinning after birth?
Hair goes through an ongoing natural growth cycle that consists of growing, resting, and shedding. During pregnancy, there is an increase of hormones in a women’s system. This hormone increase causes the shedding portion of the hair cycle process to slow down. For this reason, the majority of pregnant women experience an excess of volume in their hair throughout their 9 months of pregnancy.
The hair loss issues tend to happen after giving birth. Once a woman delivers her child, the amount of hormones in the body begin to decrease. In as little as two months after birth, women experience an excess of shedding because their hair is now catching up on its altered cycle. As the shedding begins, it will continue until the follicles have made up for the time they did not shed during pregnancy. Usually women only lose the additional hair that was grown while pregnant and the hair returns to its normal pre-pregnancy state once hormones balance. However, with dramatic fluctuations of hormones, it is possible to lose way more hair than expected, leaving women with thin, brittle strands of hair.
What can I do about it?
The next question is obviously, “How do I get thicken my hair?” While there isn’t a universal solution for post-pregnancy hair loss, there are several solution that will add much need volume and nutrients to your locks.
Thickening Shampoo
Regular use of an effective thickening shampoo will gradually boost up your hair’s health while adding volume. Most thickening shampoos contain ingredients such as: jojoba oil, caffeine, Vitamin B, emu oil, and saw palmetto extract. When searching for thickening shampoos, it is important to seek out products that do not contain harmful sulfates including sodium laureth sulfate, which is an unnecessary foaming agent that strips hair of its natural nutrients.
Vitamins
There are several oral vitamin supplements that help boost hair health. Biotin has been a popular vitamin known to help the health of hair and nails. Deficiencies in Biotin can cause hair loss, and taking it regularly can help stimulate growth. Other helpful vitamins include Selenium, which boosts hormones that promote hair growth, and Zinc, which can cause hair loss if there is a deficiency in your body. Vitamin C is also essential to scalp health by regulating proper circulation to the pores and should be taken daily.
It usually takes several months for hair to revert back to its normal healthy state after pregnancy, but thickening shampoos and vitamins can help to boost hair thickness and growth. Always remember to use healthy alternatives for your hair regimen as harmful ingredients may further damage your hair.
