At the New England Center for Hair Restoration, we pride ourselves on providing some of the finest hair transplant solutions to patients in the Boston area. We offer advanced hair loss treatment options for men and women, all tailored to meet the unique needs of patients.

A number of women have had questions about hair loss they have experienced following the birth of their child. Let’s look into these matters in a bit more detail right now.

Why does hair loss occur after pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a woman’s hormones change significantly in order to ensure the health of the developing child and the needs of the mother’s body to help with successful childbirth. During pregnancy, women often notice that their hair grows thicker and fuller than it did before being pregnant.

After childbirth, a woman’s hormones will change, reverting to pre-pregnancy levels. In the process, this leads to a number of physical changes, which includes hair loss. This postpartum hair loss and thinning is the result of telogen effluvium, which means that the woman’s hair follicles have turned to a resting phase rather than a growth phase.

What is the hair loss like after childbirth?

The hair loss following childbirth can take many forms, generally occurring up to three or four months after your child is born. For some women, they experience issues with hair quality first, noting dryness or brittleness before the hair falls out. General thinning is common, and some patients may notice issues with more scalp showing in certain parts of their hairline than others.

Is the hair loss and thinning I experience permanent?

No.

As hormone levels return to normal and your body adjusts to them, hair growth and hair thickness will return to normal. In general, this will occur around six months to one year after childbirth.

Is hair transplant surgery necessary to restore my hair?

Generally no.

Since the hair loss and thinning is natural and temporary, the vast majority of women who experience hair loss following pregnancy will not require any sort of surgery. Even if there is some lasting hair loss after childbirth, the nature of female hair loss differs significantly from male balding, so surgical treatments are typically not ideal.

When you meet with you general practitioner to discuss these matters, he or she will be able to provide more direct advice on how to treat or reduce the hair loss as well as how to promote quicker hair regrowth. In some instances, medications or alternative therapies may be used to address these issues.

Tips for Dealing with Hair Loss During Pregnancy

In order to reduce hair loss and hair thinning after pregnancy, consider the following tips:

  • Avoid hairstyles that place stress on the hair and scalp (e.g., ponytails, cornrows, weaves)
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
  • Use natural hair care products that are easy on the hair and hair follicles
  • Avoid using blow dryers and other heated hair instruments

Schedule a Consultation at New England Center for Hair Restoration

If you would like to learn more about your treatment options for hair loss and thinning during pregnancy, it’s of the utmost importance that you contact our team of hair restoration specialists today. The team at the New England Center for Hair Restoration will work with you to ensure the best and most effective treatment possible.