Giovanna Fletcher’s honest post about postpartum hair loss is touching mums everywhere
Giovanna Fletcher has touched mums with her honest post about postpartum hair loss [Photo: Instagram/mrsgifletcher]
There’s a reason Giovanna Fletcher is one of the most relatable mums on the celebrity circuit. She recently spoke out about the judgement mums face over their post-baby bodies and now she’s tackling another postpartum problem – hair loss.
Taking to her Instagram, the mum-of-two shared a close up image of the regrowth of the hair she lost during the pregnancy of her second son.
“The regrowth… waaaah! I look like a troll! Xx” she wrote in the accompanying caption.
And the post clearly touched a nerve with other mums as it has since been liked almost 15K times with hundreds sharing their own stories of pregnancy and postpartum hair loss.
“Aagh! I’ve just discovered this!! Been googling only to discover its yet another side effect of pregnancy I wasn’t aware of!!” one woman wrote.
“Omg I’ve got so much “baby hair” it’s so annoying. I look like I’ve been electrocuted,” added another.
“I never realised that my hair would start to recede and then grow tuftys back!! Been feeling self conscious as baby is 6 months!! You’re doing a fab job at normalising the effects of pregnancy,” another mum commented.
Giovanna often speaks out about the issues surrounding motherhood [Photo: Instagram/mrsgifletcher]
So why does postpartum hair loss happen?
“During pregnancy, raised oestrogen levels keep hairs in their anagen (growth) phase for longer than usual,” explains Anabel Kingsley, Trichologist at Philip Kingsley. “After giving birth, or stopping breastfeeding these levels drop, returning to normal. This can cause hairs retained during pregnancy to shed in a short period of time, resulting in a type hair shedding called post-partum hair fall.”
And postpartum hairloss is reassuringly common. “In a study we conducted, we found that approximately 50% of women experience partum hair fall. We do not know why some women experience it and others do not. It is impossible to predict and it can also occur after one pregnancy, but not another,” Anabel Kingsley continues.
Unfortunately, though, it can’t actually be prevented. “If post-partum hair fall is going to occur, it must be left to run its course. But try not to worry, the loss is only temporary and all hairs lost should grow back as usual. However, it can be made worse by certain factors or continue for longer than it should – and these can often be avoided,” explains Annabel.
So, when you can expect the hair to grow back? “Approximately 6 months either after childbirth and/or the cessation of breastfeeding,” explains Sara G Allison, Trichologist and founder of Hair Today More Tomorrow. “If your hair does not return to its original condition after a few more months then see your doctor or a qualified trichologist such as myself for some blood tests.”
And according to Sara the worst thing you can do is worry about it! “Stress can cause hair loss too!,” she warns. “Just take care of yourself try and get as some sleep, eat healthily and include good quality protein in your diet. When you have finished breastfeeding you can optimise your nutrient quota and maximise your hair growth by taking Hair Today More Tomorrow, Multi & Omegas which ensure you have all the nutrients you need for healthy hair all in one box.”
To give the appearance of thicker hair Phil Smith, Hair stylist and creator of Phil Smith BE GORGEOUS recommends trying thickening hair products. His range is available from Sainsbury’s nationwide.
Giovanna Fletcher Gets Real About Her Postnatal Baby Bump - And Weight Loss Expectations
