There also is an increase in blood circulation during pregnancy, and this may accelerate hair growth. We will further understand this phenomenon in the following section.
Hair Becoming Thicker During Pregnancy
Our hair has a natural growth cycle. Individual hairs grow on the scalp over 2 to 3 months and are pushed out by new hair strands afterward. However, this cycle changes during pregnancy (2). You might experience your hair growing thicker around 15 weeks into pregnancy. However, in reality, individual hairs do not grow thicker. They instead stay longer in the growing phase of the hair cycle, leading to a thicker appearance. This change happens due to an increase in the estrogen hormone. But it is important to note that not all women experience thicker hair during pregnancy.
Hair Becoming Thinner During Pregnancy
Some women may experience increased hair fall during pregnancy due to decreased estrogen hormone. It is believed that a decrease in estrogen could be caused by hormonal imbalances during pregnancy or the discontinuation of contraceptives, which can also lead to hormonal hair loss. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
Why Does Your Hair Fall Out After Having A Baby?
Pregnant women will also experience an increased hair loss after delivery. This happens when their estrogen levels normalize, sending the additional hair from the growth phase to the resting phase. This is when more hair falls out than usual, until around 3 to 4 months after the child is born. Monica Caron candidly shared her post-pregnancy hair loss experience. She initially dismissed it until clumps of hair fell out. She noted in her blog, “One day while showering I ran my fingers through my hair, and about a handful of hair came out. I hadn’t washed my hair in a week… It got bad. REALLY BAD (i).” Monica embraced the experience, encouraging open conversations about post-pregnancy changes, asserting, “It’s time we start talking about what really happens after you have a baby.”
Is there anything you can do to prevent hair loss during your pregnancy? Yes, there is.
How To Prevent Hair Loss During Pregnancy?
Consider the following tips to possibly prevent hair loss during pregnancy:
Consume a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein to support hair health. Avoid tight hairstyles that tend to tug on the hair and scalp. Use gentle hair care products and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the hair and scalp. Manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or meditation. Consult with a healthcare provider to promptly address any underlying health issues. Incorporate scalp massages to improve blood circulation and promote hair growth. Consider taking prenatal vitamins recommended by your doctor, as they contain essential nutrients that support hair health. Avoid excess heat styling and harsh treatments as they can weaken the hair shaft.
Illustration: Does Hair Grow Faster During Pregnancy?
If you are pregnant, watch this video. Discover the best tips and advice to keep your hair healthy and beautiful while preparing to embrace motherhood. Is hair growth common in pregnancy? Yes. Hair growth is common in pregnancy, but so is hair loss. During pregnancy, the human body experiences various levels of hormonal imbalances, which can have an effect on the hair. However, not everyone undergoes the same kind of hormonal changes. An increase in estrogen levels leads to thick hair growth, while a decrease in estrogen levels leads to hair fall. Do hair and nails grow faster during pregnancy? Yes. Hair and nails could grow faster and stronger due to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy. Can stress affect hair growth during pregnancy? Yes, studies suggest that stress leads to the release of the hormone cortisol, which may cause hormonal imbalances that may affect hair growth (3). However, there are limited studies in this regard. Can prenatal vitamins promote hair growth during pregnancy? Yes, while prenatal vitamins support the overall development of the baby and the health of the mother, studies suggest that biotin may also promote hair growth during pregnancy (4). Further studies are warranted to understand how far prenatal vitamins help with hair growth.
