Have you ever heard the saying that during pregnancy you should cut your hair short so it falls out less? And seeing that most expectant mothers tend to have short or not-very-long hair during pregnancy makes it seem even more believable. But does cutting hair short truly help reduce hair fall!?
Hormones change, so does hair
During pregnancy, the hormones in a woman's body change. Estrogen levels rise very high for an extended period, making hair look even thicker and darker, because this hormone slows down hair shedding. The only issues are oily or dry hair due to hormonal changes. But if you experience hair fall when it normally doesn't fall, it indicates that the body is low in iron, causing insufficient nourishment of the hair roots.
Cutting hair short can help reduce hair fall
Though it cannot help 100%, cutting hair short during pregnancy can help reduce breakage and hair fall, because the longer the hair, the more weight the hair roots have to support, and nutrients have difficulty reaching, making hair weak and prone to falling. Importantly, during pregnancy when hair is oily or dry due to hormonal changes, keeping hair very long can make it harder to manage and can negatively affect the hair. Cutting hair short makes it easier to manage.
Heavy hair fall after childbirth — short hair helps too
Before childbirth it's not so bad… but after childbirth the shedding is very heavy during the first 6 months, or longer for some, which is normal for all mothers. After giving birth, estrogen levels drop drastically, causing a lot of hair to fall — so much that wherever you sit you find shed hair. If hair is long it's very easy to notice how much is falling, which worries some people. Cutting hair short is another good option that makes managing hair easier and makes the amount of fall seem less compared to long hair.
Nourishment options beyond cutting short
For those experiencing hair fall during pregnancy or heavy hair fall after childbirth, cutting hair short does help to some extent, but additional nourishment and care is recommended. Especially during pregnancy, eat foods rich in iron to ensure the body receives enough iron, as it doesn't only affect hair fall but also affects the unborn baby and the mother's body. In addition, avoid using chemicals on the scalp and hair as sensitivity may increase, and it is recommended to use a gentle shampoo with properties that nourish the hair roots to be strong and healthy, to prepare the hair to cope with post-partum hair fall.
