Beauty Bible Beauty Clinic

Welcome to our new weekly column on the YOU magazine website, www.you.co.uk  Below you will find the current question and our advice, with a list of where to source the products mentioned.  To look at past columns, click here. And for lots more solutions to your beauty dilemmas, visit Q&A, just click here.

November 15th, 2009:  Postnatal Hair Loss

Q I had my second baby five months ago and would like some advice about my hair... After my first baby's birth I lost some hair and was told this was normal. This time I have lost a lot and am still losing it. I have greasy hair, which needs washing every two days, but every time great handfuls come out and if I brush my hair the brush is full of hair. I can't see any obvious patches on my head, but my hair definitely looks thinner all over. Can you suggest a product for my greasiness and also something that encourages hair growth? Also, is it wise to condition my hair everytime I wash, or just use a more specialist conditioner once a week, say? I am very confused and actually feel my confidence has taken a knock.

A It’s really common – and perfectly normal - to lose quite a lot of hair after giving birth because of hormonal fluctuations.  It’s likely to start between two and five months after the baby’s born, and invariably is back to normal by their first birthday.  We shed hair anyway, an average of 100 hairs daily.  During pregnancy, increased levels of oestrogen mean that the growing stage of hair is increased, the resting stage decreased so fewer hairs fall out, giving you that gorgeous luxuriant mane associated with pregnancy.   Scientists say there are no appropriate drugs but there are various products that may help.

Sometimes also, iron deficiencies may occur following childbirth and this would contribute to hair shedding, says pharmacist Shabir Daya.  If you are not breastfeeding, he suggests trying Florisene tablets by Lamberts, £14.63 for 90 tablets, specifically formulated for hair loss attributable to iron deficiencies, which may help to stop the telogen (shedding) phase.  An excellent topical treatment, he adds, is Magnesium & Amino Acids Anti-Hair Loss Lotion by Korres, £19.57 for 75 ml, which contains a blend of wheat proteins, amino acids and magnesium to energise the follicles of the scalp.
 
As a shampoo for all hair types including greasy, he recommends Hair Fitness Hair Nutrient Shampoo by Doctor’s A-Z, £9.95 for 237 ml,  which you can use as frequently as necessary. Packed with nutrients, amino acids and essential oils, this shampoo deep-cleanses the scalp without leaving residues which may block the follicles and not allow oxygen and vital nutrients to reach the cells lining the follicles.
 
You can also experiment with volumising products to give your hair a fuller look, and perhaps consider a short/er, wash ‘n go style.  We watched Lesley, one of the stylists at the John Frieda salon in Aldford Street, London, transform a client in a similar situation with a gamine pixie cut, and John Frieda Luxurious Volume Thickening Mousse, £5.49 for 200 ml.

We . . .
Guerlain La Petite Robe Noir, £75 for 50 ml.  The translation of this is ‘The Little Black Dress’ – and this is very definitely one to get you in the smouldering mood for the party season.  In a smokey dark bottle, it’s a must for Guerlainaholics (like us) and for fragrance collector’s – but too delectable to leave languishing on the dressing table:  a floral-fruity, sexy blend rich in roses, but with lots of sensual depth (from patchouli leaves, smoked tea, vanilla and musk).  Very dressy-uppy – which frankly is what fragrance should be all about.  Exclusive to Harrods, only available in-store.

Where to find products:

Florisene tablets by Lamberts, £14.63 for 90 tablets, available online from www.victoriahealth.com.
Don’t forget your exclusive 5% discount with all online orders.

Magnesium & Amino Acids Anti-Hair Loss Lotion by Korres, £19.57 for 75 ml, is available online from www.victoriahealth.com.
Don’t forget your exclusive 5% discount with all online orders.

Hair Fitness Hair Nutrient Shampoo by Doctor’s A-Z, £9.95 for 237 ml, is available online from www.victoriahealth.com.
Don’t forget your exclusive 5% discount with all online orders.

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Thickening Mousse, £5.49 for 200 ml, is available online from www.boots.com.

Beauty Bible Beauty Clinic Archive

November 8th, 2009 - Splitting Nails
November 1st, 2009 - Under Eye Lines
October 25th, 2009 - Facial Cleansers
October 18th, 2009 - Winter Colours
October 11th, 2009 - Omega-3 and probiotic supplements
October 4th, 2009 - Winter Skincare
September 27th, 2009 - Jawline
September 13th, 2009 - Thread Veins
September 6th, 2009 - Thread Veins
August 30th, 2009 - Vitamin C and Skincare
August 23rd, 2009 - Beat Stings and Itches
August 15th, 2009 - Sunscreens
August 9th, 2009 - Good Skin Care
August 2nd, 2009 - Lash Conditioners
July 26th, 2009 - Spa Treatments
July 19th, 2009 - Organic Tinted Moisturiser
July 12th, 2009 - Hair Protection
July 5th, 2009 - Cellulite
June 28th, 2009 - Sexy Summer Scents
June 21st, 2009 - Eyeliner Tricks
June 14th, 2009 - Natural Suncare
June 7th, 2009 - Anti Ageing Skin Care
May 31st, 2009 - Natural Nail Polishes
May 24th, 2009 - Body Polishing
May 17th, 2009 - Rosacea
May 10th, 2009 - Manky Feet
May 3rd, 2009 - Makeup Makeover
April 26th, 2009 - Facial Hair Removal
April 19th, 2009 - Teen Skin
April 12th, 2009 - Swimmers Hair
April 5th, 2009 - Make-up For Damaged Skin
March 29th, 2009 - Are Sunbeds Safe?
March 22nd, 2009 - Weak, Flaking Nails
March 15th, 2009 - Puffy Eyes
March 8th, 2009 - Camouflaging Red Cheeks
March 1st, 2009 - Hair Colouring in Pregnancy
February 22nd, 2009 - Thinning Eyebrows
February 15th, 2009 - Acne