PREGNANCY HAIR
During pregnancy, many women experience changes in their hair due to hormonal fluctuations. These changes can vary from person to person, but some common effects include increased hair growth (there has to be some silver lining to all these hormones!), changes in hair texture, and changes in hair thickness. Here's an overview of what happens to women's hair during pregnancy:
Increased Hair Growth
Hormonal Changes: During pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, particularly increases in estrogen and progesterone levels, can prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle (anagen phase) and reduce the shedding of hair. This can result in thicker, fuller-looking hair.
Delayed Hair Shedding: Normally, hair shedding occurs naturally as part of the hair growth cycle. However, during pregnancy, hormonal changes can delay the shedding phase (telogen phase) of the hair cycle, leading to less hair loss and the appearance of increased hair volume. (Sorry to say this hair is lost postpartum.)
Changes in Hair Texture
Altered Hair Texture: Some women may notice changes in the texture of their hair during pregnancy. For example, straight hair may become wavier or curly, while curly hair may become straighter. These changes are also attributed to hormonal fluctuations affecting the hair follicles.
Increased Oil Production: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can stimulate the sebaceous glands in the scalp to produce more oil, leading to greasier hair or changes in hair texture.
Changes in Hair Thickness
Thicker Hair: Due to the prolonged growth phase of the hair cycle and reduced shedding, many women experience thicker, fuller-looking hair during pregnancy.
Postpartum Shedding: After childbirth, hormone levels return to normal, and the hair growth cycle resumes its usual pattern. This often leads to a temporary increase in hair shedding, known as postpartum shedding or telogen effluvium, as the hair follicles shed the excess hair accumulated during pregnancy.
While many women experience positive changes in their hair during pregnancy, it's essential to keep in mind that individual experiences may vary, and not all women may notice significant changes. Additionally, postpartum shedding is a common phenomenon that occurs after childbirth, and hair typically returns to its pre-pregnancy state within several months.
Sources:
American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Changes in Your Body During Pregnancy: Hair Growth and Texture. https://americanpregnancy.org/your-pregnancy/changes-in-your-body-during-pregnancy-hair-growth-and-texture-6329/
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