Caterina Di Biase Pregnancy Hair Loss Interview

Hair Loss Happens on a Daily Basis

Firstly, it's important to remember that pregnant or not, the majority of us will lose hair at a steady and continual rate as we age. Most of us are all too familiar with pulling out hair in our brushes, particularly after a good hair wash or blow dry. In fact, it is estimated that on any given day we will lose around 100 hairs, and significantly more during times of illness, stress, excessive shedding or retention.

There is some good news!
During pregnancy, hair tends to go into more of a resting and retentive phase; we don't lose as much hair as we would regularly, but want to know the good news here? Many people report that their hair has never looked so damn good!

A change without visiting the salon
Hair structure can also change during pregnancy; it can become curlier, straighter, or in some cases, go a shade or two darker or lighter. Be prepared for some wild hair changes, but remember hairdressers have seen it all before, so don't be afraid to ask for professional advice to get that perfect style or cut throughout all stages pregnancy.

Haircare
When it comes to caring for your hair during pregnancy, it's important to remember that hair follicles react differently to distinctive compounds in shampoos and conditioners. This is often due to the hair becoming drier, due to lacking its usual moisture barrier. I always suggest to my clients that they switch to products that are extra conditioning and start using organic or ammonia free hair ranges such as; the Schwarzkopf Professional Essensity range.

Don't forget your scalp!
Never underestimate the importance of good scalp care, as all hair growth starts from the roots!

Start by switching to a stimulating shampoo and conditioner that treats the scalp and encourages hair growth from the roots. I suggest a range such as the BC Bonacure Scalp Therapy range from Schwarzkopf Professional, not forgetting course to also massage your scalp regularly to help to stimulate hair follicles and promote scalp health.

Don't be too hard on yourself!
Aside from a medical condition causing usual shedding, hair loss during pregnancy is only temporary; and it's not uncommon for women to continue to shed hair after their baby is born - particularly within the first six months. After giving birth, many women will tend to stop losing hair around 5 - 6 months and the hair follicles will rejuvenate.

Lastly, you cannot control hair loss overnight; it takes some time for your hair to return to normal post delivery. Be patient with your whole body, including your hair, recovers. Your hair can get back to the pre-pregnancy state with some TLC and the right hair routine. Your hair returning to normal is usually in line with your body recovering from pregnancy, so this is generally around 9-12 months after given birth.

Interview with Caterina Di Biase

Question: How does hair loss affect women during and post-pregnancy?

Caterina Di Biase: During Pregnancy: During pregnancy, hair tends to go into more of a resting and retentive phase; we don't lose as much hair as we would regularly, and many people report that their hair has never looked so damn good! In fact, many of my clients report a much fuller and bouncier set of locks during pregnancy. This is largely due to the fact that the majority of women actually retain more hair than they lose during their pregnancy.

Post –Pregnancy: I always remind my clients that hair loss during this period is completely normal, that it's a natural process; it's your body's reaction to a major change. When a woman goes through a pregnancy they are experiencing a number of changes that alter the body's usual balance and yes, this includes your hair.

Aside from a medical condition causing an unusual amount of shedding, hair loss post- pregnancy is only temporary; and it's not uncommon for women to continue to shed hair after their baby is born - particularly within the first six months. After giving birth, many women will tend to stop shedding hair around 5 - 6 months and the hair follicles will start to rejuvenate with a little TLC!


Question: What advice do you have for women who are experiencing hormonal hair loss?

Caterina Di Biase: Don't be afraid to change your hair care routine and style regularly!

Be prepared for some wild hair changes, Yes, your once wavy hair can become curlier, straighter, or in some cases, even go a shade or two darker or lighter. During these changes, remember, us hairdressers have seen it all before, so don't be afraid to ask for professional advice to manage, care for and style your hair throughout all stages pregnancy.


Question: How can women protect their hair during this time?

Caterina Di Biase: Keep up regular trims to help avoid split ends and breakage
Massage your scalp regularly, as this helps to stimulate hair follicles and promote scalp health.
Try to reduce the amount of heat styling you do during this time, as this will only cause excess damage to already brittle hair.
Adjusting your hair care to suit changes.
Ensuring you have a balanced diet, a balanced diet is important in providing the nourishment for your hair needs from the inside out. If you are worried about the amount of breakage, thinning or loss during this -time, it is worth a trip to your local GP to check that it is not caused by any underlying medical condition.
Try to relax! stress is only going to make things worse!


Question: Which shampoo and conditioner from the Schwarzkopf Professional range would you suggest for new mothers?
Caterina Di Biase: When it comes to caring for your hair, during and post -pregnancy it's important to remember that during this time hair follicles react differently to distinctive compounds in shampoos and conditioners. This is often due to the hair becoming drier, as it can often lack its usual moisture barrier. I always suggest to my clients that they switch to products that are extra conditioning, organic and ammonia free such as; Schwarzkopf Professional Essensity Color & Moisture shampoo and conditioner – this duo works together to add much needed moisturises and soften dry hair, all without weighing it down.

If your hair requires a more intense treatment I also suggest incorporating a rise out mask to your routine once to twice a week such as; Schwarzkopf Professional Essensity Color & Moisture Intense Mask, this mask provides superb care to moisturise dry, coarse, brittle and unruly hair.

Lastly, never underestimate the importance of good scalp care, as hair growth starts from the roots. If you are experiencing a build up or oily scalp, you could also add a stimulating shampoo and conditioner that treats the scalp and encourages hair growth from the roots. I suggest the BC Scalp Genesis Soothing Shampoo as this shampoo contains Vitamin B5, which gently, yet efficiently cleanses dry and sensitive scalps.

Interview by Brooke Hunter

Suggested Schwarzkopf Professional Range:

BC Scalp Genesis Range
For imbalanced scalps and thinning hair.
Our first detoxifying scalp system instantly rebalances the scalp, whilst working to improve and secure future hair quality.

Scalp Imbalances
The double-action StemCode™ Complex forms a protective shield around the stem and bulb to secure the condition of any future hair growth in two ways:
Action 1: Stem Cell Protection
The stem cell (part of the hair follicle) plays a crucial role in the hair's growth phase. It not only delivers the original information about the hair structure and natural hair colour, it is also the starting point for the next generation of hair after the previous hair falls out.

Action 2: Root Protection
The hair growth in the hair root is protected against oxidative stress on a daily basis.

Essensity Color Range
The colour care regime offers tailor-made products to cater to the needs of coloured hair which is damaged or dry. It repairs, moisturizes and seals the cuticle for superb colour retention, reflection and pure softness, complementing the ESSENSITY Color range.

ESSENSITY Care formulations contain blends of pure organic essences and natural ingredients such as pomegranate, aloe vera and almond protein.

ESSENSITY Care Products are free from silicones, mineral oil, parabens and synthetic fragrances. In addition, the ESSENSITY shampoos work even with a gentle sulfate-free.

Color & Moisture Shampoo: Gently cleanses and moisturises the hair
Color & Moisture Conditioner: Moisturises and softens dry hair weightlessly
Color & Moisture Intense Mask (Rinse-Out): Provides superb care to moisturise dry, coarse, brittle and unruly hair.