POST-PARTUM HAIRLOSS IS REAL;
YOU'RE NOT IMAGINING IT

Congratulations mom, your body has done some amazing things recently! But creating the miracle of life can also take a toll on the body, and especially your hair (alopecia).

During pregnancy, increased hormone levels that promote pregnancy (estrogen, progesterone) also have a positive effect on skin and hair. These help to produce fuller collagen, improved complexion, and thicker, fuller hair.

On average, most humans lose up to 100 strands of hair per day, but this can be dramatically increased in the post-partum phase due to the rapid reduction of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone returning to their pre-pregnancy levels.

Post-partum or post-natal alopecia (hair loss) affects up to 50% of new mothers and can appear between a few days or a few months. This can be exacerbated by an increase in blood volume as your body regulates to a new blood pressure, which can also contribute to pushing out these hairs. Finally, the adjustment and sleepless nights can increase cortisol, which over prolonged periods has been shown to add to post-partum alopecia.

Gained a baby but losing your hair? Don’t worry, this is not the end of your best hair. Modern medicine has made leaps and bounds to understand the causes and treatments available. A hair loss consultation with a specialist trichologist can identify post-partum alopecia from other culprits for hair loss, such as anaemia, hypothyroidism and auto-immune conditions.

Treatments should be targeted to the cause, and while most post-partum alopecia eventually resolves after 6-12 months, it can be markedly improved with platelet mesotherapy/platelet rich plasma (PRP) or topical minoxidil. These are both safe for women and have not been shown to transmit any harm to the baby during breastfeeding. Rest well (whenever possible) and continue with a varied diet including dark leafy vegetables, vitamin C , iron and zinc for ongoing collagen and follicle health.

Things to avoid include blow drying or ironing wet hair which can damage strands, tight styles which can cause traction alopecia, and harsh dyes or perming agents. Finally, take care with hair tourniquets, a rare circumstance where loose hairs can wrap around the baby’s fingers or toes.

You have made it through the most challenging parts of birthing and adjusting, and your body is adjusting also. Take the time to do what is best and rejuvenating for you, your baby and partner. Whenever you need help with your hair, we are ready to assist.