Can you dye your hair if you have postpartum hair loss?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on February 13, 2025
00:00
00:00

You should not dye your hair if you experience hair loss postpartum, as the scalp is already very fragile during this period. Using chemical agents to perm or dye your hair could further damage the scalp foundation, potentially accelerating hair loss. Additionally, it is not advisable to use chemical dyes during the breastfeeding period postpartum because these chemicals can enter the bloodstream through the scalp and subsequently make their way into the breast milk, potentially affecting the baby's growth and development. Therefore, it is best to avoid dyeing your hair during the postpartum period, especially while breastfeeding and experiencing hair loss.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 5sec home-news-image

Is shaving the head useful for hair loss?

Shaving your head when you lose hair does not clearly help alleviate the symptoms. However, cutting your hair short appropriately can reduce the nutritional burden on our hair follicles and physical traction, which can somewhat help in the prevention and treatment of hair loss. Specific hair loss still requires systematic treatment and conditioning. When losing hair, you can take Chinese herbal medicine for conditioning. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, hair loss is generally considered to be caused by blood deficiency or kidney deficiency. Moreover, excessive fatigue, staying up late, and hereditary factors can also lead to hair loss. Therefore, it's important to avoid excessive fatigue, rest adequately, sleep by 11 o'clock, avoid staying up late, increase nutrition appropriately, and include various vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins C, A, B, and E in the diet. If necessary, some medications that supplement blood and nourish the kidneys can be taken orally.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
52sec home-news-image

Which department should I go to for postpartum hair loss?

Postpartum hair loss is a normal physiological phenomenon related to changes in hormone levels in women after childbirth. If severe hair loss occurs after childbirth, it is recommended to visit the dermatology department of the hospital. First, perform an external examination to see if there are external causes, and then, you can also visit the endocrinology department for deeper diagnostic analysis and judgment. Generally, hair loss in women will gradually relieve about six months after childbirth. After childbirth, it is important to maintain good living habits, ensure adequate sleep, and eat foods rich in proteins and vitamins. If severe hair loss occurs postpartum, treatment can be conducted under the guidance of a doctor with the appropriate medication.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jian Bo
Dermatology
55sec home-news-image

What are the causes of female hair loss?

There are genetic factors at play, with androgenetic alopecia being the most common form affecting both men and women. In men, the hair follicles in the balding areas are more susceptible to the effects and attacks of androgens, along with sensitivity causing the hair follicles to progressively shrink and eventually turn into vellus hair follicles, leading to clinical hair loss, folliculitis, stress, and anxiety, as well as smoking. Postpartum, some autoimmune diseases are also associated with androgenetic alopecia, including other autoimmune factors, exemplified by alopecia areata. Some patients with alopecia areata may also have other concurrent autoimmune diseases, such as goiter, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, vitiligo, etc. Excessive mental stress or sudden shock can also cause alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and other types of hair loss.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
58sec home-news-image

Can I perm my hair after postpartum hair loss?

During postpartum hair loss, it is not advisable to perm your hair, as perming can accelerate hair loss. The process of perming involves the use of chemical agents, which contain toxic substances, including heavy metals. These can irritate the hair follicles and cause severe hair loss. Additionally, during breastfeeding, the toxic substances from perming can penetrate the scalp and enter the bloodstream, and then make their way into the baby's body through breast milk, causing adverse effects on the baby. The chemicals used in hair perming can also potentially cause allergic reactions in women, and if the baby comes into contact with these substances, they can also trigger allergies. Therefore, for the health of both the mother and the baby, it is best to avoid perming hair at this time.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
32sec home-news-image

Can anxiety-induced hair loss heal itself?

Hair loss caused by anxiety, if mild, generally only requires mood improvement for healing. Moreover, one must avoid staying up late, as frequently doing so can weaken one's constitution and aggravate the condition. Therefore, it is advisable to include foods like black sesame and walnuts in one’s diet, as they are beneficial for hair conditioning and can significantly improve the situation. Engaging in more physical exercises is also recommended, as it can effectively increase resistance and help alleviate symptoms.