Pregnancy Hair Loss and Other Common Tress Issues to Know About

You know the stereotype: Pregnant people are typically thought to have thicker, shinier, more luscious hair. But some people do experience pregnancy hair loss or thinning hair while pregnant. “I’m 8 weeks pregnant, and for about two weeks have had some major hair loss daily,” says The Bump community member nikkipell31. “I know 100 hairs is normal, and I’m losing about 400+ a day (yes, I’m crazy and counted them). I feel like I’m going bald!”

While experts say it’s less common than postpartum hair loss, hair loss during pregnancy is a concern for many. Hormonal changes and nutritional deficiencies often play a role, so it’s important to consult with your doctor if you’re concerned. Read on for everything else you should know about pregnancy hair loss and other common hair changes.

Key Takeaways

• While postpartum hair loss is more common than pregnancy hair loss, hair thinning during pregnancy still happens to a lot of people.
• The most common causes of pregnancy hair loss are hormonal changes, nutrient deficiencies and/or stress. Health conditions such as thyroid disorders can also lead to hair falling out.
• If your pregnancy hair loss symptoms are severe (i.e. clumps regularly falling out), you should see a healthcare provider to check for underlying issues.

How Common Is Pregnancy Hair Loss?

Pregnancy hair loss is less common than postpartum hair loss—which affects between 40 and 50 percent of women, according to the American Pregnancy Association (APA)—but it can definitely still happen, experts say.

Causes of Thinning Hair While Pregnant

The most common causes of thinning hair while pregnant are hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies and/or stress, says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologic surgeon at the Shafer Clinic in New York City. “While pregnancy often increases estrogen levels, prolonging hair growth, this can also lead to a sudden shift in the hair cycle, causing more hair follicles to enter the resting (telogen) phase and eventually shed,” she says. (For reference, “anagen” is the growing phase and “telogen” is the resting, or falling-out, phase.)

Engelman adds that health conditions such as anemia and thyroid disorders (whether previously existing or acquired in pregnancy) can also cause hair thinning during pregnancy.

How to Treat Hair Loss During Pregnancy

If you’re experiencing severe hair loss during pregnancy, it’s best to see your healthcare provider, who can evaluate you for any nutrient deficiencies and health conditions and prescribe a specific treatment. To help prevent pregnancy hair loss and treat mild hair loss, there are quite a few things you can do at home.

How to promote hair growth during pregnancy

Here’s what experts recommend when it comes to growing those luscious locks.

• Eat a balanced diet. “A well-balanced diet rich in micronutrients like iron; vitamin B, C, D; zinc and collagen can help to promote hair growth while pregnant,” says Skyler Jacobs, CNM, a certified nurse midwife with Modern Obstetrics and Gynecology of North Atlanta and the founder of Well & Worthy Co..
• Add self-care for your hair. Engelman notes that pregnancy-safe hair oils can help slow hair loss, and suggests using a scalp scrubber, which may “encourage growth by improving circulation and stimulating hair follicles.” Jacobs also recommends scalp massage to protect your hair.
• Be gentle on your tresses. “Be gentle when brushing, and invest in a high-quality detangling brush to prevent breakage,” says Engelman. “Minimize the use of hot tools, as heat damage can lead to breakage and frizz.” If you color your hair, she suggests getting highlights, which require less chemical processing, instead of a full dye job. Jacobs recommends wearing your hair in a loose style to prevent pulling.

Can you prevent hair loss while pregnant?

“You can’t entirely prevent hair loss, but there are methods to support hair health and minimize the possibility,” says Engelman. (See above!)

When to See a Doctor About Hair Loss During Pregnancy

Jacobs says that if you have excess hair loss—for example, clumps of hair falling out when you’re not in the shower—or if your pregnancy hair loss lasts for several months, you should see your healthcare provider.

Engelman adds: “If your symptoms become severe, I recommend consulting a doctor to check for concerns such as anemia, nutritional deficiency or thyroid issues.”

Other Common Hair Changes During Pregnancy

When it comes to pregnancy hair changes, hair growth during pregnancy is more common than pregnancy hair loss. “The appearance of hair growth is actually more common in pregnancy than hair loss due to the slowing of the hair in the ‘growing stage,’” says Jacobs. “Our hair naturally goes through a growing, resting and then falling-out stage. While pregnant, our hairs spend long amounts of time in the growing, or ‘anagen,’ stage.” You may notice your hair growing faster, and you may see texture changes as well, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.