Why does this happen? First, you need to know that their are three phases of hair growth; catagen, telogen, and anagen. In brief, the catagen stage is the transition stage in which the hair stops growing, and prepares to shed and a new hair forms in its place. Only about 3% of your hair is in this phase at any time and last about 2-3 weeks. The telogen phase is the resting phase, the follicle is forming a new hair in the follicle and releasing the old hair. It can last up to 100 days and about 10-15% of your hair is in this phase and typically hair shedding is 25-100 strands. Now the life span of a hair if 2-6 years. The catagen stage is the active stage in which the cell regenerate and hair grows on average of 6 in. per year. Most of your hair is in this stage at any given time.
So why is hair loss after pregnancy? During pregnancy, increased levels of estrogen prolong the growing stage. There are fewer hairs in the resting stage and fewer falling out each day, so you have thicker hair. After you give birth, your estrogen levels drop and a lot more hair follicles enter the resting or telogen phase. Soon you'll have more hair coming out in the shower or on the brush. This unusual shedding will taper off and your hair will be back to its pre-pregnancy thickness about six to 12 months after you give birth. It may seem drastic, but in my 20 years of service I have counseled several women through this time.
Do not run out and get braids or a weave. These styles do not prevent this process, your hair will shed even in the braids and if not combed out properly afterwards will lead to matting and more hair loss.
Do brush your hair thoroughly before shampooing to remove loose hair to avoid matting and tangling. Running water over your hair without removing loose hair will cause the hair to become locked together and increases tangles.
The good new is that it will return and with in 6-8 months and you would have forgotten all about it.
In the meantime don't stress, continue your supplements, and drink plenty of water.
