Many women have heard of postpartum depression, but not as many are familiar with the condition known as postpartum hair loss. Hair loss after pregnancy is a very common condition amongst women. Many women begin to notice postpartum hair loss while shampooing their hair in the shower, when it seems as large amounts of hair are falling out.



One of the most well known symptoms of pregnancy is the change in hormones that every women experiences. This, coupled with the trauma to the body of pregnancy itself, is a leading cause of womens hair loss. The increase in hormones causes the hair follicles to function improperly, leading to hair loss.

This specific form of hair loss in women does not generally require treatment as a woman's hair growth will return to normal after hormonal levels are able to rebalance. Some women are especially sensitive when it comes to their hair and may want to take preventative measures to in order to hold hair loss down to a minimum.

Women who have thin hair before pregnancy may be especially concerned about postpartum hair loss and might want to take preventative action to avoid the condition. The use of gentle brushing techniques accompanied by very gentle hair care products are some of the best ways to avoid excess hair loss.

Pregnant women and those who have just given birth should be especially careful to avoid the chemicals involved in hair dying or perming. Hair loss after pregnancy is guaranteed to become worse if the hair is exposed to these damaging ingredients.

Notably, there is not very much research detailing whether or not the chemicals in hair care products are damaging to babies. Yet another reason to stay away from these products altogether. It is recommended that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding stay away from salons altogether as breathing in the chemicals from dyes may be just as harmful as topical absorption.

You are what you eat and pregnant women are eating for two. Take special care when choosing the foods you eat during pregnancy as the proper food choices will help to promote healthy skin and hair. The healthy food choices you made during pregnancy should continue to apply for years after.

Check with your hair care professional if you have any questions regarding your postpartum hair loss. He or she is familiar with the condition and will be able to provide additional information for dealing with your condition.