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.
Marla Ahlgrimm has co-authored two ground-breaking books,