Hair loss is very common in pregnancy. It occurs in a woman within three or four months after delivering a baby. At the time of pregnancy, a lot of hairs follicles go in the resting phase and that results in hair loss. It is not a serious condition, and doesn’t lead to permanent hair loss.
However, if you are experiencing an unusual loss of hair during pregnancy, then there could be more than hair loss cycle. In this article, we will look more into the hair loss issue in pregnancy and natural remedies to control it.
How is hair loss linked to pregnancy?
Hair loss mostly occur in women after 3 months from delivery. Progesterone Hormones are at its peak in pregnancy. This prevents you from losing your hair. Your hair can become dry, and brittle, that can cause it to break near its roots. It happens mostly in the later months of pregnancy.
After delivery, this hormone returns back to their normal levels. This causes your hair to fall and continue with the normal cycle. So, the normal hair loss that was delayed due to high amounts of hormones in pregnancy resumes the normal cycle after pregnancy. This causes a sudden hair loss once hormone levels are restored to their normal levels after pregnancy.
Around 60% of hair are impacted to above phenomenon. In this 3 to 4 month of hair loss, your hair follicles get rejuvenated. You need not worry about this hair loss problem, as it is temporary in nature. Your hair begins to grow back once it reaches back to its normal levels in six months, or year after delivery.
Reasons to lose hair in pregnancy
Illnesses: If a woman is suffering from pre-existing ringworm, or gestational diabetes then it can result in hair loss. In addition to it, medicines prescribed for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and high blood pressure leads to increased hair fall.
Changes in Hormone: Increase and decrease in the level of hormone is the major reason behind hair loss. Fluctuations in the hormone interrupts the normal hair loss, and growth cycle. Excessive hair follicles going into the resting phase, causes excessive hair shedding. In medical terminology, it is called “telogen effluvium”. This is a transitory condition that disappears on its own in just a few months.
PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: PCOS is a type of hormonal imbalance wherein a woman secretes more amounts of male hormones in the body. This can result in male pattern hair loss on the scalp region in women.
Scalp disorders: Skin allergies, scarring scalp, or scalp infections can all lead to thinning of hair. This can result in hair loss in a pregnant woman.
Reproductive causes: In some women, when they terminate birth control medication, it leads to hair loss. Some other causes for hair loss can be abortion, stillbirth, and miscarriage.
Natural Remedies for Treatment of Hair Fall During Pregnancy:
Go organic: Only use organic, and natural products on your hair, and scalp. It will cause less chances of allergic reactions on scalp, and skin infections. These products are safe for people with sensitive skin.
Massage: Another way to reduce hair fall is by massaging your hair with scalp nourishing oils like almond oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, mustard oils, and olive oils. It stimulates blood circulation on the scalp and prevents hair loss.
Aloe Vera Gel: Scalp infections, and dryness are one of the reasons for hair fall. Aloe Vera extracts help in curing most of the skin disorders.
Indian Gooseberry: Amla is a beneficial natural remedy to treat hair fall. You can drink Amla juice, take it in capsule form, or apply Amla oil into the scalp. It will help in strengthening your hair follicles, and root and prevent hair fall.
Neem: Neem is touted for its antibacterial, and scalp nourishing properties. it kicks off skin infections, and bacterial growth on the scalp. Apply neem oil, or the paste of neem leaves on the scalp to get maximum benefits.
Essential Oils: Peppermint oil, lavender oil and castor oils are the three best oils that not just prevents hair fall, but also promote hair grown. Mix a few drops of peppermint and lavender oils in three tablespoons of castor oil. Apply it on the scalp. Wash it after an hour.
Gentle Combing: Do not be harsh while combing your hair. Use a wide toothed brush and comb your hair gently to prevent hair loss.
Conclusion
Hair loss is an obvious problem that almost 40% to 50% women face during pregnancy. These natural remedies help in reducing hair fall to a great extent. With a little effort, and time, not just your hair, but your whole body will return back to its pre-pregnancy state.