Can the texture of your hair change after giving birth?

One of life's most bizarre experiences is becoming a parent. After the trauma of childbirth, your body may seem more delicate and worn out than ever, even if you are still in wonder of the marvel it has just made. At the same time, your heart feels like it is overflowing with love. Energy fluctuates in waves, hormones are everywhere, and you have to adapt to a new physical, mental, and emotional version of yourself.Your hair also starts to tell its own story during all of these changes. Hormonal changes in the months following childbirth cause considerable hair loss in many women. However, it is frequently unexpected to learn that not only does the amount of hair alter, but occasionally the texture does as well.Many women feel that their hair is fuller, shinier, and thicker during pregnancy—almost like a natural glow-up. This occurs because elevated estrogen levels prolong the hair's development phase, inhibiting regular shedding, according to Dr. Ruben Bhasin Passi, dermatological consultant at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, who spoke to India Today.This adds that extra vigor and volume.

However, things take a turn for the worst when the baby is born and hormone levels fall. "When hormone levels suddenly drop, the body adjusts, and hair goes through noticeable changes, often leaving new mothers surprised by the difference," she says.The doctor continues by explaining that hair naturally goes through three phases: anagen (growing), catagen (rest), and telogen (shedding). Pregnancy-related elevated estrogen retains more hair during the development period. Many of those hairs transition into the shedding phase simultaneously with the postpartum decline in estrogen.Hormonal changes, according to Dr. Passi, can affect the structure of hair follicles and alter the way new hair grows in addition to causing shedding. This could change the oil balance, thickness, or curl pattern of the hair. Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili, senior dermatology consultant at Arete Hospitals in Hyderabad, notes that hormonal changes aren't the only factor influencing postpartum hair texture changes; your body's physical and emotional stressors also play a significant role.