Postpartum Hair Loss

Kate Middleton, Kim Kardashian, Kate Hudson and Selma Blair are victims too!

First, what exactly is Postpartum Hair Loss? Hair loss after pregnancy is the sudden shedding (sometimes in clumps) that many new mothers experience between three and six months after they give birth. Second, why does this happen? Due to the increased estrogen levels during pregnancy a woman’s hair “rests” and does not shed like it usually does (about 50 to 150 hairs per day is considered normal). When the estrogen levels revert to normal (after giving birth) all bets are off. The hair begins to shed once again. This is called telogen effluvium.

In most cases the hair loss is minor and returns to normal but in others you might see clumps of hair falling out and the thinning process continues and your usual beautiful full head of hair does not return. Celebrities like Kate Hudson, Kim Kardashian and Selma Blair panic just like everyone else and although hair growth return is the usual order of the day, there can be reasons where the hair remains thin and normal growth is curtailed. A variety of medical conditions can cause hair loss, including:

Thyroid problems. The thyroid gland helps regulate hormone levels in your body. If the gland isn’t working properly, hair loss may result.

Alopecia areata. This disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles — causing smooth, roundish patches of hair loss.

Scalp infections. Infections, such as ringworm, can invade the hair and skin of your scalp, leading to hair loss. Once infections are treated, hair generally grows back.

Other skin disorders. Diseases that can cause scarring, such as lichen planus and some types of lupus, can result in permanent hair loss where the scars occur.

Celebrities and even royalty such as the ones mentioned above don’t wait around for their hair to grow back; they take action.

If you are experiencing Postpartum hair loss or thinning hair contact us to learn more about what solutions are best for you.