Archives for April 2022

If you’ve recently had a baby, you may have noticed that your hair isn’t quite as full and luxurious as it once was. However, Marla Ahlgrimm says this is not unusual, and dermatologists do not consider this temporary shedding to be true hair loss.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that hormone changes caused by pregnancy and birth can result in what the medical community calls excessive shedding. Fortunately, although it can be scary during a time when you are also learning to acclimate to life as a new mom, this type of hair loss typically resolves itself within the first 12 months after giving birth. 

Although you cannot stop post-pregnancy related hair loss, Marla Ahlgrimm says there are a few things that you can do to take better care of your hair until it begins to grow back. These include:

• Invest in quality, volumizing shampoos. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that volumizing shampoos contain a higher number of protein particles, which make the hair appear fuller by coating them in a protective layer.
• Use a weightless conditioner. Look for a conditioner formulated specifically for fine hair. Even if your hair is normally thick, the lighter formulation is better for thinner hair.
• Only condition the ends. Marla Ahlgrimm says her hairdresser gave her great advice many years ago: condition the hair, shampoo the scalp. Avoid heavy conditioners on the scalp, which can push the hair down further, making it appear even thinner than it is.
• Change up your style. Speaking of a stylist, Marla Ahlgrimm says that yours may even be able to recommend a new hairstyle to make your thinner hair look fuller. More importantly, shorter hair isn’t as easy for the baby to grab, and your little one is less likely to get strands of hair wrapped around their fingers or toes.

Men and women tend to be equal in many ways. However, Marla Ahlgrimm says that the fairer sex is still at a disadvantage in some arenas.

Sexism

Despite a push over the last 20 years or so and a century after women gain the right to vote, many women report issues such as sexual harassment and unequal opportunity in the workplace. Coupled with societal expectations and a lack of women in powerful professional positions, women continue to struggle in many industries. The good news, says Marla Ahlgrimm, is that the vast majority of men and women alike support equality, and gains are being made every day.

Trauma-centered feminism

Feminism is the combination of actions, political movements, and widespread ideologies that help to establish equality between the sexes. It’s a beautiful thing, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Unfortunately, there is also an emerging sector of women pushing feminism not for equality but for protection from men. This is often triggered by issues, such as college campus rape and sexual assault, that leave women fearful. As the US is considered one of the top most dangerous countries for women, we must look for ways to preemptively prevent violence against women so that we can all come together harmoniously and on equal ground.

Caregiver disrespect

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women make up the vast majority of caregivers for both young children and aging parents. This also holds true for those who care for adult brothers and sisters as well as disabled spouses. Even women who maintain a job while performing caregiving functions are often viewed as less professional or valuable than the career-minded men in their lives. Marla Ahlgrimm says that we must learn how to respect caregivers for the important jobs they do, which is to nurture the future and to provide compassion to our most vulnerable.

Ultimately, Marla Ahlgrimm says that women are catching up to men in most areas. She encourages everyone to take a look at their actions to make sure that they show equal respect and give equal opportunity to everyone.