One of the most difficult by products of pregnancy (besides having to get ALL new shoes because your feet have grown or ALL new clothes because you can't fit your old ones) is hair loss. As seen in this September 16, 2008 photo, even the gorgeous Halle Berry was seen with obviously thinning hair months after her daughter was born.
Berry's baby, Nahla Ariela was six months old at the time of this photo, about the time Sabina Topp's son was when she started noticing that her once thick hair was thinning in the front -- to her absolute horror!
"It didn't happen right away," said the mother of two, who noted that this did not happen in her first pregnancy. "But the girl who does my hair at the salon told me it was the baby before the dermatologist did," said Topp, who ran staright to the doctor to see if she could get some hair Rx.
Halle Berry Pictures
WESTWOOD, CA - JUNE 29: Actress Halle Berry speaks during the 2008 Los Angeles Film Festival Awards Ceremony "Spirit of Independence" at the Armand Hammer Museum on June 29, 2008 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
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WESTWOOD, CA - JUNE 29: Actress Halle Berry speaks during the 2008 Los Angeles Film Festival Awards Ceremony "Spirit of Independence" at the Armand Hammer Museum on June 29, 2008 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
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WESTWOOD, CA - JUNE 29: Actress Halle Berry speaks during the 2008 Los Angeles Film Festival Awards Ceremony "Spirit of Independence" at the Armand Hammer Museum on June 29, 2008 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Getty Images
WESTWOOD, CA - JUNE 29: Actress Halle Berry speaks during the 2008 Los Angeles Film Festival Awards Ceremony "Spirit of Independence" at the Armand Hammer Museum on June 29, 2008 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Getty Images
WESTWOOD, CA - JUNE 29: Actress Halle Berry speaks during the 2008 Los Angeles Film Festival Awards Ceremony "Spirit of Independence" at the Armand Hammer Museum on June 29, 2008 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Getty Images
HOLLYWOOD - JUNE 12: Actress Halle Berry speaks during the 36th AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Warren Beatty held at the Kodak Theatre on June 12, 2008 in Hollywood, California. The show will air on USA Network at 9PM PST on June 25, 2008. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for AFI)
Getty Images
HOLLYWOOD - JUNE 12: Actress Halle Berry speaks during the 36th AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Warren Beatty held at the Kodak Theatre on June 12, 2008 in Hollywood, California. The show will air on USA Network at 9PM PST on June 25, 2008. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for AFI)
Getty Images
Halle Berry at The 15th Annual Entertainment Industry Foundation's Revlon Run/Walk for Women held downtown Los Angeles on May 10, 2008 in Los Angeles, California..15th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women.Los Angeles, California United States.May 10, 2008.Photo by Alexandra Wyman/WireImage.com..To license this image (15795989), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Halle Berry and Beau Garrett at The 15th Annual Entertainment Industry Foundation's Revlon Run/Walk for Women held downtown Los Angeles on May 10, 2008 in Los Angeles, California..15th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women.Los Angeles, California United States.May 10, 2008.Photo by Alexandra Wyman/WireImage.com..To license this image (15796049), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Halle Berry and Beau Garrett at The 15th Annual Entertainment Industry Foundation's Revlon Run/Walk for Women held downtown Los Angeles on May 10, 2008 in Los Angeles, California..15th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women.Los Angeles, California United States.May 10, 2008.Photo by Alexandra Wyman/WireImage.com..To license this image (15796048), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
The good news was that the dermatologist said that it was most likely a temporary condition. The not so good news was the condition would continue as long as Topp was breastfeeding and hormone levels in her body remained high. The doctor prescribed biotin in a less than normal dosage because of the nursing and Topp noticed some immediate results.
Causes of Postpartum Shedding
During pregnancy, the levels of progesterone and estrogen are very high. The increase in estrogen often stimulates hair growth and reduces the amount of hair shed during pregnancy.
After birth, these hormone levels will drop to their normal state and many women will experience Telogen Effluvium, which is excessive postpartum shedding. This condition is temporary and will usually last one to four months after pregnancy.
When should you see a doctor?
If the condition lasts longer than 6-12 months, check with your doctor. In addition, if you are also experiencing brittle nails, fatigue, prolonged colds and weight gain, consult with your doctor as you may have a hypothyroid condition. 
Postpartum Shedding Hair Care Regimen
Here are a few tips to help you retain as much hair as possible.
- Make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables which contain vital nutrients to protect and nourish the hair follicles.
- Wash and condition your hair with a garlic shampoo and conditioner, which will help prevent shedding. A good line of garlic based products is called Nutrine. Or, apply garlic and olive oil to the scalp and let sit overnight or for 1 hour prior to shampooing. If you are not using a garlic shampoo, look for products that contain Biotin and Silica.
- After washing, gently detangle with a wide tooth comb and apply a moisturizer or oil. Avoid brushing or using combs with small teeth as they will place unnecessary stress on the hair.
Using your comb or fingers, gather and smooth hair into a bun or ponytail with a roller on the ends. Alternatively, use your fingers to plait hair in braids or twists and let airdry.
The main goal here is to opt for very easy, low manipulation hair styles that will reduce the need to comb, tug and pull on the hair. In addition, limiting direct heat and airdrying more often will allow the hair to retain thickness and strength. Just remember that the shedding is temporary and your hair will return to normal within a few months.
I hope this helps! For more tips, please join me on my blog or social network.
Additional reporting by Angela Bronner.
Comments: (135)
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By: Marcus Malcolm Martin Mandela Michele on 10/10/2008 12:50PM
Thanks for this helpful and interesting article on postpartum hair loss. I especially liked the part about eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and using garlic based hair shampoos and conditioners. My wife lost most of her hair after the birth of our now 13 year old daughter. Although she looks fantastic in her many stylish wigs, she has lost more hair ever since then and still suffers from this condition after all these years. Any suggestions?
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By: MsDarkalicious on 10/09/2008 7:55PM
I remember with my first pregnancy my hair grew during the whole pregnancy and even after my son was born. My second pregnancy was with my daughter and my hair started to shed during the 5-6 months and it was really thin but at the roots was this new hair coming in so pretty and black. By the time she was born in March, my hair had grown about 6 inches and was very thick and just pretty. My hair also grew with the third pregnancy never did have any problems and this baby was a boy also. i just want to put this question out there, when pregnant with a girl does she make the hair come out and the skin change for the worse ? I have always heard that and it seemed so true in my pregnancies but still I would do it all over again, loved being pregnant and being a mother. They are all grown now ages 28, 26, 21.
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By: jeneca on 10/09/2008 10:45PM
With my four pregnancies, I got my hair braided at 8 months or immediately after giving birth. I would leave the braids in for roughly 4 to 6 months. I was able to have a nice, healthy head of hair by the time I took the braids out thus saving myself from this phenomenom.
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By: prettygirl84 on 10/09/2008 11:17PM
I have not had this problem just yet.... I gave birth last year to my first at 33 now a year later I'm pregnant with my second child and so far its a steady growth. Before pregnancy I couldn't grow hair the length it is now. I think smoking stops or slow hair growth too which I had done for years before getting pregnant. I agree braids do help a lot when you are expecting. I would advise all to not smoke and just eat healthy take prenater vits and drink lots of water helps a lot. If possible get your hair braided.
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By: Brad on 10/11/2008 6:05AM
WOW!!! Jessica Simpson posing nude here:
http://www.scelebvideo.com/video.php?link=Jessica-Simpson-nude
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By: Nick Knight on 10/11/2008 6:07AM
The lady needs to start using 5% minoxidil foam (Rogaine) now. I know they say women are not supposed to use the 5% but I know of women who do with no ill effects. Drastic conditions call for drastic remedies!
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By: eatahabanero on 10/11/2008 6:35AM
Who cares! we all had to go through it. Her hair will grow back besides Halle wears a lot of weaves which also could be contributing to the loss. We have more important things to talk about leave the woman alone.
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By: blueeyesdance on 10/11/2008 6:41AM
good grief...I do not think Halle's hair looks that thin.
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By: Disco Dee on 10/11/2008 7:09AM
If you look at some of Halle's older pictures, you will notice a definite "balding" process. I believe this is a genetic thing with her.... The good news is that she looks great with or without hair!
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By: sharon on 10/11/2008 7:03AM
I do not think Halle's hair looks exceptionally thin. We must remember that Halle has fine hair.
There could be other explanations for the thinning look. It could be the angle of the photograph. She could have just gotten a relaxer. Her extensions could be the cause of her so-called thinning hair.
Did Halle confirm this 'thinning' with the writer? The writer needs to have more concrete proof of Halle's hair loss before jumping to extreme conclusions.
Heres's a thought. The economy is a mess. An important presidential election is on the horizon. There is a costly war in Iraq. Let's focus on those things and allow Halle to enjoy her motherhood in peace.
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