In this article:
How Do Pregnancy Hormones Change Your Hair?
Hair grows through a cycle, which includes a growth phase, a transition phase, and a resting phase, after which the strand sheds and a new strand starts growing. The increased level of estrogen in pregnancy prolongs the hair growth phase, keeping more hairs in the active phase of growing for a longer period. Fewer hairs go into the resting and shedding phase, thus fewer hairs fall off compared to what usually happens. As a result, your hair looks thicker and fuller, especially from the second trimester when the level of estrogen is at its peak.Why Does Your Hair Feel Thicker During Pregnancy?
It may feel like your hair is thicker and harder to deal with during pregnancy. This is due to excess hairs being in the growth stage at the same time, which means your hair is denser overall. This can be more obvious around the second trimester and reach its peak during the third.Why Does Your Hair Feel Drier or Brittle?
Changes in hormonal levels, including progesterone and thyroid hormones, can make your hair feel drier, more brittle, and even cause breakage. Nutritional requirements will also affect your hair. The body gives priority to the needs of the baby, so if your diet is deficient in iron, biotin, zinc, or proteins, the hair could be one of the parts of your body where the lack of nutrients becomes visible.Drier, brittle, or thinning hair during pregnancy could signal that you should have your iron or thyroid hormone levels checked. If you notice that your hair is noticeably drier than it was before your pregnancy, especially if the difference occurred suddenly, you should talk to your physician and ask for a blood test.
Why Do You Experience an Oily or Itchy Scalp?
In addition, the progesterone hormone stimulates the sebaceous glands, resulting in increased secretion of oils in the body. This means that your hair can become oily much faster than it would otherwise. Another pregnancy-related problem you can experience is an itchy scalp. It is mostly associated with hormonal changes.What Causes Hair Loss During Pregnancy?
Although it is rare compared to post-pregnancy hair loss, there can be cases where hair loss happens during pregnancy. If you notice an excessive amount of hair loss while you are pregnant, it is because of iron deficiency anaemia and problems with the thyroid in pregnancy, as both can lead to hair loss. Excessive hair loss during pregnancy is not a normal occurrence. However, mild and occasional hair loss is normal. Contact your doctor if you experience excessive hair loss.Hair Care Tips for Pregnant Women
The following tips will help you to continue taking proper care of your hair while being pregnant:- Use a sulphate-free shampoo if you have sensitive skin or dry hair.
- Deep condition your hair on a weekly basis if you have dry and brittle hair. You can apply a mask of coconut oil or argan oil for about 20 to 30 minutes and then wash it off.
- Do not use any heating instruments because during pregnancy, you may be more sensitive to heat and dryness of hair.
- Brush your hair gently. It is recommended that you use a wide-toothed comb on wet hair, starting from the ends.
- Take care of protein, iron, and biotin intake into your body. Eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and dairy products encourage hair growth.
- Do not tie your hair tightly. The tension of sensitive hair follicles may result in hair breakage in the hairline area.
When to Contact Your Doctor?
Most of the problems occurring with the hair during pregnancy are caused by hormonal changes and are temporary in nature. Consult your doctor in case:- You are suffering from hair loss during pregnancy.
- You are suffering from patchy hair loss.
- Your hair is becoming dry and brittle, with other symptoms like fatigue, feeling cold, or constipation.
- You are experiencing itching, irritation, or rashes on the scalp.
- You are worried about deficiencies in nutrition, which affect the hair and require testing of iron and ferritin levels.
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FAQs on Why Does Your Hair Feel Different During Pregnancy?
- Is my hair going to return to normal after pregnancy?
Yes, in most cases. In about six to twelve months after giving birth, hair goes back to its pre-pregnancy condition. - Are biotin supplements safe during pregnancy for hair health?
Use of biotin is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, it is not advised to take large amounts of this vitamin without consulting a health care professional. - Will I lose my hair after giving birth?
Yes. Because of the reduced hormone levels after birth, your hair experiences a shedding stage that is termed telogen effluvium, causing hair loss. It occurs 2 to 4 months after birth and takes 6 to 12 months to resolve.