What is Postpartum Hair Loss? Postpartum hair loss is a form of telogen effluvium. It occurs suddenly and the hair loss is diffuse. This type of hair loss is not uncommon for many women. It often occurs one to six months after giving birth.

What causes Postpartum Hair Loss? In the normal cycle of hair growth, women tend to loose hair in what is called the resting stage. The hair in the resting stage, around 10% of your hair, often comes out during normal processes of maintenance. However, during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes in your body, fewer hairs actually enter that resting stage which allows it to naturally shed. For this reason, some women’s hair actually becomes fuller during pregnancy. However, after delivery, once your estrogen levels return to normal levels more hair enters the resting stage and becomes ready to shed. The telogen hairs tend to shed over a short time, around three to six months, and in large quantities. Don’t worry. This is a temporary state.

Will my hair grow back? Yes! Generally speaking, your hair will return to its normal growth cycle. The telogen hair sheds because the newly growing hair pushes out of the follicle. So shedding hair, in a sense, is a sign of recovery. In a year or less, you should make a full recovery.

What measures can I take? There aren’t many measures you can take to prevent this type of hair loss. Since it is temporary, you can try to avoid hairstyles that pull or strain you hair such as cornrows, pigtails and hair weaves after delivery. Be gentle with your hair; be conscious of the shampoos and conditioners you use, avoid fine tooth combing, blow drying and other instruments that require heat. You are also encouraged to eat healthy and balanced meals including healthy servings of fruits and vegetables with antioxidants and to take supplemental vitamins. Lastly, you should try as much as possible to reduce stress in your life.

References:

American Pregnancy Association

LiveStrong.com

Coupe, Robert L.M. “Diagnosis of Hair Loss”. Canadian Family Physician. 1992 April, vol. 38 pp863-936

Kayla Martell had competed five times for the title of Miss Delaware. The first three times she competed without a wig and the final two times she competed with a blond wig, including the final competition in which she was crowned Miss Delaware.  In her interview with CBSnews, Miss Martell stated, “when I competed without the wig it was great because I was really representing who I am.”

She often expresses that she feels as comfortable with her wigs as she does without them.  In fact, she states that she didn’t even own a wig until she began wearing it for competition.  On a daily basis, doing things like shopping, spending time with friends, and working out, Kayla proudly sports her clean-shaven head, or the very short fuzzy style that grows naturally. For this reason she felt no conflict in competing with her wig in the National Miss America contest.  She easily removes and reaffixes her wig on television and claims that family support and her position as a role model is what gives her the confidence to compete and be herself.

Just as she appears in public spaces both with and without her wig, she encourages women and girls to make that decision for themselves with no moral right or wrong attached to their choice.  Her blog, Kalya’s Corner, aims to create “a safe space,” entertain and also raise awareness about “the many causes of women’s hair loss.”  She offers advice, insights, and creates a forum for women and children who suffer from hair loss to ask questions and benefit from her experience. Also in her blog, she addresses varied topics from whether or not there should be a bald Barbie, to interviewing women undergoing chemotherapy.

This young woman shows us that we’re able to pursue our passions and desires fearlessly. Once you are able to embrace your hair loss and view yourself as beautiful, desirable, even a role model to other women, others will be able to view you in that light. It’s not only a matter of inner beauty it’s also a matter of letting what is inside, how you feel about yourself, show through on the outside.

External Links:  Kayla’s Corner Blog

What exactly is “Good Hair?”

There are about 100,000 hairs on the average human scalp. Human hair comes in many colors, shapes and types. Hair can be curly, course, straight, wavy, kinky, long, short, brown, blond, red, black, gray, and white. Regardless of ethnicity or hair type, the fundamental composition of hair is the same. So, what makes one better than the other, if it is all the same substance?

The dispute on what is good hair and what is bad hair and what is deemed beautiful has been debated for a millennia. Societal practices and customs have determined what is perceived as good or bad hair and what is thought to be beautiful hair. These ideas come from preconceived notions and societally determined values of beauty. It is heavily reinforced though the media and in popular culture. Fashion designer Zahiyya Abdul-Karim, owner of Region, a small apparel company that promotes natural beauty for women, added her thoughts to the good/bad hair debate. “The only good hair is healthy hair. Adding chemicals to hair makes it weak and damages the hair. The less chemicals you use, the better off your hair will be.”

Good hair does not just stop at the locks on your head. Physicians on the website WebMD argue, “when it comes to healthy hair, it’s not just what you put on your tresses that count—it’s what you put in your body, too.” The best way to have healthy hair is through having a balanced lifestyle and diet. The use of natural and organic hair lotions and moisturizes can be a start. Eating balanced meals and following a diet plan is another important part of taking care of your body. And when you care for your body, your hair will reap the benefits.

Having a positive attitude about yourself is helpful for your self-esteem and overall well-being. If you can look in the mirror every morning and appreciate the beauty in front of you, it’s one step in the direction to loving yourself. Beauty may be a debated hot topic for the next 100,000 years. But the most important thing embracing your own innate beauty, taking good care of yourself and your hair, and just simply “embracing the journey.”

References:

“Hair dyes and cancer risk reviewed”. National Cancer Institute. 10 Aug. 2011 http://cancer.gov

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH. http://www.nih.gov/

Parker, Hilary. “Top10 the food for healty hair”. WebMD (2012) http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/top-10-foods-for-healthy-hair

Interview

Zahiyya Abdul-Karim, owner of Region, 11 Feb, 2012. www.regionusa.com

Getting the Right Nutrition

According to the National Institute of Health, what we eat is very important for building our immune system. A diet comprised of seasonal fruits and vegetables can help keep a person healthy. Nature does not work in random ways; the fruits and vegetables that are in season can be part of your daily meals and snacks. Try to cut down on processed foods in order to help you have well-rounded meals.

Fluids are for You

The Center for Disease Control suggests drinking plenty of water when you have the flu. However, your diligent water drinking doesn’t have to start when you get a nasty bug. If you drink water everyday, your chances of getting the flu are less than if you are dehydrated. Carry around a water bottle and make sure you’re filling it up throughout your day. If you work in an office that tends to be warm, freeze your water the night before and drink cool, refreshing water all day long.

Exercise

Exercise is always recommended because it keeps your body strong and active. A strong and active body usually includes a strong immune system. Recent medical findings suggest that a moderate amount of daily exercise will lead to a sustained body response in the face of illness. Therefore, if you’re not already hitting the gym, now might be the perfect time to start. If you’re not sure where to start, consider purchasing a membership to a gym, starting a home exercise program (there are plenty of DVDs out there), or talking a short walk outside. Remember to consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen.

Why is it Vitamin D Important?

Vitamin D for humans is obtained from exposure to sunlight, food, and dietary supplements. There are a number of benefits associated with Vitamin D, which is sometimes referred to as the “sunshine vitamin.” According to the National Institute of Health, an important job of vitamin D is to regulate calcium levels in the body. People who are exposed to normal quantities of sunlight do not need vitamin D supplements because sunlight promotes sufficient vitamin D synthesis in the skin.

Vitamin D also helps the body stay immune to the common cold. By regulating calcium in the body, Vitamin D helps bones to grow and to stay healthy. According to Dr. Sahelian and other physicians around the globe, Vitamin D helps to keep away depression symptoms. Furthermore, it is an agent that facilitates weight loss. Usage of Vitamin D in moderate or recommended quantities by your doctor may help keep away small illnesses like the common cold and other more serious health issues. Consider visiting your doctor to see if your vitamin D levels are acceptable.

Healthy Bones, Proteins, and Immune System

We all know the important role that bones play in the human body. Not only do we need them but also they’ve got to be strong. According to the National Institute of Health, vitamin D helps your bones maintain the right nutrition levels essential to a healthy life style. Vitamin D may become especially important for older adults whose bones are likely more brittle and fragile. Vitamin D also helps the body to keep proteins and salt levels on track. This allows your body parts to receive the desired level of nutrition.

The American Cancer Society reports that studies suggest that risk of developing some types of cancer is lower for people who have higher levels of vitamin D in the body. Proper vitamin D intake may improve the immune system and reduce the probability of falling victim to many common and uncommon viruses.

Major Vitamin D Sources

Major sources of Vitamin D include milk, dairy products, cereals, eggs, cod liver oil, some sea food products, and others. The most important and easily accessible source of vitamin D is taken for granted: sunlight. Exposure to the sun is a natural, moderate way is an ideal way for you to get your fix of vitamin D. However, the American Cancer Society reminds us that prolonged exposure to sunlight can place you at risk for skin cancer. Therefore, make sure you use sunscreen along with appropriate clothing when heading out to catch some rays.

Female Hair Loss

Women experience hair loss for a wide variety of reasons. For many, medical treatment such as chemotherapy has caused temporary hair loss. For others, hair loss occurred spontaneously and will not re-grow. Women often experience anxiety as a result of their hair loss because of concerns around the judgment of others. Many women have tried conventional and alternative solutions to help their hair grow. However, these solutions may not have worked at all or they only worked moderately and only serve to increase a sense of isolation and helplessness.

The Psychosocial Problem

Research has demonstrated that the emotional and mental issues that surface after hair loss may be more impactful than the hair loss itself. According to David H. Kingsley, PhD., research shows that hair loss often results in lowered self-esteem, increased depression and anxiety, perceived lack of self-control, and avoidance of social gatherings. While many respondents experienced these symptoms in different intensities and with varying duration, a problem experienced by many was the lack of support from friends and family.

Feeling loved, validated, and understood by the people in your life is a vital part of keeping yourself happy and healthy in the face of life’s difficulties, including female hair loss.

Help from Your Support System

Dr. Kinglsey suggests that family and friends must take the hair loss seriously. Women especially benefit from the unconditional support of their closest friends and family to walk through this difficult time together. Additionally, your physician and hair care consultants can provide encouragement and a listening ear. However, the only way that people in your life will know how to help is if you talk with them about your feelings and tell them the best way to support you.

You can begin a conversation by sharing how your hair loss began and describing the effects it has had on your life. Make sure to discuss the emotional impact of the hair loss, specifically speaking to the effects on your relationships. You can explore your reactions to hair loss by thinking through how the stress has changed across time, in different contexts, and with different people.

After you share your side of the story it is then the responsibility of your friends and family members to give a voice to their emotions and thoughts. They may have concerns and ideas that they, too, want to talk about concerning your hair loss. Listen empathically to your loved ones and offer support. Once you have both shared your emotions and reactions, there is common ground to move forward.

Identification of the Problem

If you’re worried about hair thinning, begin to check your pillow in the morning. The friction between your head and the pillow can pull out your hair, especially if the hair is loosely attached to your scalp. Also, look in the shower drain and hairbrush and measure how much hair you’re losing. If you see hairless patches on your head, that is a clear message that the hair loss has begin. However, it does not happen overnight so keep track of your hair thinning so you aren’t caught by surprise if bald patches appear. If you notice more hairs on your pillow or brush than normal, it’s time to take precautionary measures. If you see that hair thinning and baldness has occurred, start checking out options for hair care and repair. Success is not guaranteed, but you should still visit a hair care professional to avoid more loss than necessary.

Don’t hide the patches

When people begin to experience hair loss or thinning, the first response is usually to cover up the balding spot by combing hair in a way to hide it. This isn’t your only option! Visit a hair loss consultant near you to learn about other options, such as wigs and hair extensions. Also, you can check out various magazines and online sites that offer alternatives that are a perfect fit for your style and life.

Cuts Your Locks

A common misconception held by many women with thinning hair is that growing it long will hide it. Unfortunately, long hair tends to highlight thinning and bald patches more than a shorter cut. Many women also fear that if they cut their hair it won’t grow back. Instead of getting a trim, they go months without a haircut. This can cause other problems such as split ends and damaged hair. Regardless of how fast (or slow) your hair grows, resolve to make a date with your hairdresser every six weeks for a quick trim. If your hair is beginning to thin, take a trip to your local Transitions hair loss studio or clinic and check out the many hair loss treatment options available there, including topical hair loss control products and FDA approved laser hair therapy.

The Clean Shave

This option is certainly not for the faint of heart. If bald patches on your head are too large or numerous to cover or camouflage, consider shaving your head clean of all hair. A clean, shaven head is not the end of the world. You can still pull off the sexy factor without hair. When you are completely bald, you also have the option of using a vacuum wig. This is a wig that attaches to your scalp via a vacuum seal. To learn more about this amazing alterative for active lifestyle women, make an appointment to see a trusted hair loss professional near you.

Most of us know how important a stylish ‘do can be for a first impression, which is why we spend so much time and money on hair care and products. While losing hair can be difficult, almost all of us have to face it in different stages of our lives. There are several things you can do to look sexy even after losing your locks. When hair begins to thin, don’t hesitate.  Seek out a trusted hair loss professional and discover a whole new, sexy you.

In a conversation with professional hairstylist, Nicole Brown, she described situations that she often encounters with her clients concerning saving money. One of these situations includes clients being concerned with trying to save on hair care. One particular client said that one of the things that she would do was wash her hair at home first before coming into the salon for her appointment. At home, the client would use cheap products to wash her hair. Brown warned her client on several occasions about the dangers of washing her hair with cheap, uncertified products. Doing so can damage and break your hair. The client didn’t listen and continued to go on compromising the quality of her products. Unfortunately, over time her client’s hair began to break off dramatically and became weak and thin. Her long hair had to be cut short to give it time to rebuild itself.

Choosing the right hair care products if you are wearing a wig or hair replacement system can be even more challenging, since you are now dealing with non-growing hair as well as your own natural growing hair. In this instance, it is wise to consult with your hair replacement studio or clinic for a recommendation. They are familiar with your own natural hair type, as well as your wig or hair replacement system, your lifestyle, your level of personal activity and a host of other factors, and can make a professionally informed recommendation that you will be happy with and can live with for a long time.

Inexpensive (i.e. cheap) products can keep money in your pocket in the short-term. Maintaining healthy hair, particularly if you are wearing a hair replacement system, a hair integration, or wig not only ensures that your hair will look it’s best, but it also ensures that your investment in yourself and your hair is being well taken care of.

1. Revitalize your skincare routine. The American Cancer Society discusses the possible skin changes that may occur during treatment, which include color changes, redness, itching, peeling, dryness, rashes, and acne. In light of these changes to your skin, your skin care routine should shift accordingly. Chemocare.com suggests staying away from perfumed products, bubble baths, and lanolin-based creams and lotions. These ingredients dry out your skin. Check the ingredients of the products you currently use. If one of your favorite products contains ingredients that may further irritate your skin, don’t throw it away! Just place the products aside until your cancer treatment is over. Temporarily replace these products with more gentle scrubs and cleansers. Substances that keep your skin hydrated include petroleum and mineral oil. Use bath oils instead of soap to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy on a daily basis
2. Choose a hair care expert. Do your research before heading to any old store to purchase a wig. It’s important to find a professional hair loss expert in your area who will take the time to consider the options with you. Jan Ping, Emmy-winning TV cosmetologist, hairstylist and cancer survivor, says, “going to a professional experienced in hair loss and hair replacement is important because they can help you and guide you through all the stages of hair loss. Trusting someone else can be a relief when you’re not feeling well.
3. Choose a wig early. When it comes to selecting a hairpiece, it’s best to take care of as much as you can pre-treatment. Women who visit a hair loss professional before losing their hair will find it much easier to select a hair loss solution that matches the color and style of their natural hair. Also, making decisions when you’re feeling healthy is much easier than choosing a wig or hair prosthesis during cancer treatment, after you have already begun to lose your hair. Your skin color and tone may look different during treatment, which may call for a hair color adjustment that may be slightly lighter or darker than your natural color. When you meet with a hair loss professional whom you trust, you can speak candidly with that person about exactly how you’d like for your hair to look.

Caring for your skin and hair is caring for yourself. Many women have kept the same skin and hair care routine for years. Even though shifting a pattern is difficult, it is essential to change your routine when your skin and hair undergo changes. If you’re coping with symptoms that are expected during cancer care, remain patient with the process and treat yourself gently.

References

American Cancer Society. Understanding Chemotherapy. A Guide for Patients and Families. http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/treatmenttypes/chemotherapy/understandingchemotherapyaguideforpatientsandfamilies/understanding-chemotherapy-more-side-effects-skin-and-nail-changes

National Cancer Institute. Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects. Skin and Nail Changes. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/chemo-side-effects/skin-and-nail