What beautiful hair-to-be!

July 2, 2018

Expectant mothers are all beautiful. It will be the shapes that are rounded, it will be the radiant face, the hair will be stronger and brighter. Yes, because it is no coincidence that the hair of pregnant women appears even thicker and silkier: also in this case, there is the 'hand' of hormones. It is estrogens which, produced in greater quantities, have a positive effect on the hair, strengthening it, regulating the production of sebum and acting against whitening. In detail, the high production of estrogen helps lengthen the life cycle of the bulb. As? By slowing down the activity of the sebaceous glands (the same ones that produce the sebum that suffocates the bulb) and thus allowing the bulb to have ample space to grow and strengthen. At the same time, the action of prostacyclin intervenes , a lipid produced in the arteries and veins and contained in the placenta. By promoting the dilation of blood vessels, this substance stimulates tissue circulation and hair growth. Hairdressers suggest taking advantage of the rapid growth of hair to try some new cuts , with a 'tiramisu' effect: ideal against the moments of discouragement that a new mother can seize when she notices the changes in her body.

In cases where, on the other hand, the hair should prove to be weaker (usually due to a lack of minerals, vitamins or incorrect hormone levels), it is advisable to give up the 'classic' shampoo, which tends to open the scales of the hair shaft . Better to use a water soluble oil with which to massage the scalp well. You can also occasionally apply a nourishing mask. And grandma's advice always remains valid: use a spoonful of apple cider vinegar to give brightness to the hair. AND THEN? Unfortunately, as a result of childbirth, hair tends to lose its shine due to a post-partum physiological process called defluvium. At the hormonal level, the opposite effect of what happens during pregnancy occurs: the reduction in the amount of estrogen and prostacyclin will cause a weakening of the hair . In addition, in breastfeeding mothers, the action of prolactin is added, a hormone that weakens the hair. Without forgetting that breastfeeding means losing many vitamins and mineral salts, which further accentuates the problem. To remedy this, some experts suggest starting an anti-hair loss treatment in the last month of pregnancy; not everyone, however, agrees, considering it sufficient to intervene later, if and when the hair begins to lose its body. It is equally important to take care of the diet : foods such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains, dried fruit, legumes and eggs are particularly suitable for filling the deficit. It is also recommended to massage the scalp to stimulate it. In recent years, new techniques such as platelet gel are spreading, which is obtained by centrifuging the mother's blood and then making it penetrate the scalp via iontophoresis, therefore in a non-invasive way. It seems to be a panacea against hair loss. In any case, don't worry, hair loss shouldn't scare you: normally this phenomenon (which also involves the nails, which become weaker) stops after about 12 months and the hair returns to being beautiful and strong.