Pregnancy

Many women report that their hair looks its best ever during pregnancy. The increased level of oestrogen results in the individual hairs being retained in the growing phase (anagen) for a longer period than usual, so that very few hairs are shed during pregnancy. For this reason, the hair will often appear much thicker and fuller than previously.

Approximately 3 months after delivery, or after stopping breastfeeding, the hairs that were not shed during pregnancy begin to fall. This hair fall can be quite dramatic, and many women understandably become very worried. However, this is a normal process that cannot be prevented, and the hair fall should stabilise after an average of 10-12 weeks. If the hair loss persists, there may be underlying contributing factors, so a Philip Kingsley trichologist should be consulted for further advice. Not all women experience this post-partum hair loss, an estimated 50%, and some may experience it with one pregnancy and not another.

During pregnancy, there is a reduction in the amount of sebum produced, so the hair will have fewer tendencies to become greasy, and the hair itself may feel a little drier. Occasionally scalp conditions such as psoriasis can temporarily disappear during pregnancy. The hair and scalp usually reverts to its previous state once the baby is born.