How to Deal with Hair Loss During Pregnancy

Having a new baby can be a very exciting time, minus the not-so-fun side effects that can come along with pregnancy. There are many changes going on in your body, especially hormonal shifts, along with added levels of stress. A combination of these factors ultimately can lead to pregnancy hair loss as you notice your hair shedding more than usual. Pregnancy hair loss can affect women at any time during their pregnancy and months after giving birth.

So, you’re probably wondering how to stop hair loss during pregnancy—we’ve done the research for you! Whether you’re dealing with early pregnancy losing hair, during your pregnancy, or after having your baby, there are ways to help alleviate pregnancy hair loss. 

Let’s get into why it happens in the first place, how to prevent hair loss during pregnancy, and go over some solutions to remedy your pregnancy hair loss, such as pregnancy safe hair growth products and hair extensions. 

What Causes Pregnancy Hair Loss?

If you begin to notice in early pregnancy losing hair or during your pregnancy an excess of hair shedding, it may be triggered by:

• Hormonal fluctuations
• High levels of stress
• Blood pressure changes
• Blood sugar changes
• Thyroid abnormalities
• Anemia 

Some women may experience hair falling out during pregnancy first trimester due to stress on the body as the balance of hormones has shifted significantly. 

The most common time women have reported pregnancy hair loss is usually around three months after giving birth. This occurs because when your hormones begin to go back to normal levels, this triggers hair shedding that may have been delayed during pregnancy to fall out all at once. The good news is that pregnancy hair loss is temporary, and your hair will return to its normal state.

How to Prevent Hair Loss During Pregnancy

The first important step is to speak with your doctor if you’re dealing with pregnancy hair loss. This could indicate underlying health issues, so always discuss options with them first. If you’re desperate to know how to stop hair loss during pregnancy, we’ve got some tips for you to take the best care of your hair as possible.

Manage Stress Levels

We know this is way easier said than done! Pregnancy can come with all types of stressors. Doing your best to maintain a healthy sleep schedule and daily routine can help reduce your levels of the stress-inducing hormone cortisol in your body. Adding time in your day for meditation or prenatal yoga can also help to relax your mind and body. You could also try getting a scalp massage to help stimulate hair growth AND relieve a bit of that stress.

Focus on Your Haircare Routine

To try to prevent pregnancy hair loss, it’s essential to take extra care of your strands during this time. Avoid putting your hair in tight hairstyles that can pull on your hair, such as high buns or ponytails, hair weaves, or cornrows. Limit how often you heat style your hair or use the lowest heat setting possible, as this can damage your hair follicles (try some heatless styling techniques!) Use hair products that are free of harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens. Be extra gentle when brushing your hair. You’ll want to be especially careful when your hair is wet since that’s when it’s most fragile.

Stick to a Healthy Diet 

Strengthen your hair from the inside out by adding healthy foods to your diet. You’re probably already eating healthy for your baby (we won’t judge you for indulging!), but it’s also good for your strands too! Fresh fruits, veggies, healthy proteins, and fats can promote healthy hair growth. Fruits and veggies contain flavonoids and antioxidants that may help protect your hair follicles. Ask your doctor or a nutritionist what the best foods are for your overall health, baby, and hair.

Dealing with Pregnancy Hair Loss After It Occurs

Once you’ve done all you can to try to prevent pregnancy hair loss and you’re still dealing with high levels of hair shedding, there are a few options you could turn to. Continue to follow through with the prevention methods listed above, which are vital for overall hair health. There are also pregnancy safe hair growth products available that you can use to encourage thicker hair during this time.

If you want to cover up noticeable thinning of your hair, you can try a band-style hair extension (like our Band It!) since it sits on the top of your scalp, and there’s less pressure on your actual strands. If you need help choosing what hair extension method will work best for you, leave a comment below or email us at info@wickedrootshair.com.