Hair loss and breastfeeding: what to do?

Breastfeeding is a special time that strengthens the bond between mother and baby, but it can also bring with it some physical challenges, including hair loss.

In fact, many women notice thinner hair and abundant hair loss in the months following childbirth, often associating this phenomenon precisely with breastfeeding.

But is it really breastfeeding that causes hair loss? What are the factors that affect it and, most importantly, how can you safely treat the problem without affecting your baby's well-being? In this article we will explore the causes of hair loss at this stage and the best treatments to strengthen the hair.

Hair and breastfeeding: why does it fall out?

During pregnancy, many women notice an improvement in the health and appearance of their hair. This change is mainly due to increased levels of estrogen, hormones that play a key role in prolonging the anagen phase, which is the active growth phase of the hair.

Normally, each hair follows a life cycle divided into three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition) and telogen (rest and fall). Under normal conditions, about 85-90% of hair is in the anagen phase.

During pregnancy, estrogen keeps hair in the anagen phase longer, temporarily reducing normal daily hair loss. The result? Hair that appears thicker, shinier and stronger.

However, after childbirth, there is a rapid drop in hormone levels, particularly estrogen. This hormonal imbalance leads many hair, which had remained longer than usual in the growth phase, to go into the telogen phase at the same time. This phenomenon, known as postpartum telogen effluvium, manifests as more intense hair loss.

This is a physiological and temporary process, which tends to resolve spontaneously within 3-6 months, when hair grows back once hormone levels stabilize.

However, in some situations such as stress, nutritional deficiencies, prolonged breastfeeding, thyroid disorders fall may be more pronounced or longer.

So, breastfeeding itself does not directly cause hair loss, but it can certainly accentuate its effects for several reasons:

• Increased nutritional requirements: producing milk requires a lot of energy and nutrients. If the diet is not balanced, the body may direct available resources to vital processes, neglecting hair.

• Iron and mineral deficiency: many breastfeeding moms have reduced levels of iron, zinc and B vitamins, which are essential for hair growth.

• Stress and lack of sleep: sleepless nights and the new pace of life can increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol, affecting the hair growth cycle.

During this delicate and changing period, a proper hair care routine can help limit hair loss and promote faster and healthier regrowth.

Routines to strengthen hair during breastfeeding

To protect and strengthen hair it is important to adopt a specific routine, including:

Gentle cleansing, to respect the scalp and strengthen the hair fiber

Anti-fall treatments, to stimulate regrowth and reduce thinning

Re-mineralization, to restore vitality to hair stressed by lactation

Step 1: Gentle cleansing

Healthy hair always starts from the right cleansing. During breastfeeding, it is essential to choose a gentle shampoo that not only cleanses the scalp but also strengthens the hair structure. PHYTO FORTIFIANT PLUS ESTĒREL is specially designed for fragile and devitalized hair that is prone to shedding and it is safe to use while breastfeeding.

With hydrolyzed soy and wheat proteins, it nourishes and fortifies the hair fiber, while copper and zinc trace elements improve keratinization and support hair bulb function. Perfect as a first step for stronger, more elastic and voluminous hair, ready to deal with the stress of breastfeeding.

How to use: Apply shampoo to damp scalp, massage gently and leave on 2-3 minutes before rinsing.

Step 2: Anti-hair loss treatment

If hair loss is intense, it is essential to intervene with a targeted and specific treatment. FORTIFIANTE 10 VIALS ESTĒREL is a fortifying lotion that stimulates regrowth and deeply strengthens the hair, treating the widespread hair loss typical of breastfeeding.

Its formula, based on Silanols and Iron Citrate, helps rebalance the scalp and nourish the hair bulb, counteracting iron deficiency, often accentuated during this phase. With consistent use, hair will appear stronger and less prone to breakage.

How to use: Apply the lotion to the damp scalp and proceed with drying without rinsing.

Step 3: Strengthening and remineralization

After months of breastfeeding, hair may appear thinner, duller, and lacking in tone. In addition to shedding, many mothers notice a weakening of the hair fiber, making the hair less full-bodied and more prone to breakage. To restore strength and vitality to hair, is essential a restoring and restructuring treatment such as the CHEVEUX DÉMINÉRALISÉE PLUS ESTĒREL, a remineralizing lotion for fragile hair that deeply nourishes and rebalances the scalp.

Thanks to the combination of Keratin, B Vitamins and trace elements of copper and zinc, this treatment, stimulates the production of keratin, which is essential for hair structure, rebalances the scalp, reducing hair loss and breakage, and gives strength and radiance to weak and dull hair.

How to use: Distribute the contents of one vial onto damp hair, massage gently without rinsing.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is not the direct cause of hair loss, but it can make it more brittle due to the high energy and nutritional expenditure involved in this phase.

During this period, it is essential to support your hair with a specific routine that can treat hair loss, nourish the scalp and strengthen the hair fiber.

With targeted and safe treatments such as ESTĒREL professional treatments, it is possible to preserve the hair health even during breastfeeding, and show off a strong, full-bodied and shiny hair.