Hey friends! So, you know how your body goes through a ton of changes during pregnancy? Well, the surprises don’t just stop once the baby arrives. One thing many new moms experience is postpartum hair loss, and a video that’s gone viral on Instagram really highlights just how intense it can be.
Posted by the talented stylist, Jenna Blake, who runs a salon in California, the video shows her pulling an impressive amount of hair from her client’s scalp four months after giving birth. “Nothing quite like the post-pregnancy shed! You know the feeling—when you look down and see that drain completely filled!” she captioned the post. It’s a wild sight, and I couldn’t help but watch through a mix of fascination and horror. Jenna gently tugs, revealing what looks like a whole head of hair! It’s all thanks to those hormones, right?
After watching, I was left speechless, but Jenna reassured Yahoo Style that this kind of hair loss is totally normal. “Many of my clients joke that I’ll be helping them with their hair loss after they have their babies,” she shared. The American Pregnancy Association backs this up, explaining that this hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, typically occurs one to five months postpartum and affects about 40% to 50% of women. (If only it would help with chin hairs too!)
So Why Does This Happen?
While you’re pregnant, higher estrogen levels keep more hair in the growth phase, which is why many pregnant women enjoy thick, beautiful hair. After giving birth, estrogen levels drop, leading to more hair entering the resting phase and eventually shedding. But don’t worry—this is usually a temporary situation, and your hair should bounce back by your little one’s first birthday.
Now, if you’re wondering whether your hair will shed in clumps like in the video, it might depend on your hair type. Jenna pointed out that curly hair tends to tangle more and can come out in larger chunks. The video has garnered over three million views, with many moms chiming in about their own experiences—some reminiscing about the hairballs they encountered post-baby.
Resources for Expecting Mothers
If you’re currently on the journey to motherhood and want to explore your options, check out resources like Make a Mom for at-home insemination solutions, including the reusable option. You can also learn how this process works by visiting how it works. For those considering home insemination, NICHD is a fantastic resource for pregnancy information.
In Summary
Postpartum hair loss is a common and natural occurrence that many women face after giving birth, often peaking around four months postpartum. While it can feel alarming, it’s usually temporary and not severe enough to cause bald spots. And if you’re navigating the journey to motherhood, resources like Make a Mom can help you along the way.
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