プラセンタと薄毛・抜け毛・白髪の関係は?女性の髪と更年期・産後の変化を解説

Placenta, Hair Thinning, Hair Loss & Gray Hair: Women’s Hair Changes During Menopause and Postpartum

OBARASOTARO

“My part seems more noticeable than it used to be.”

“I feel like I’m shedding more hair when I shampoo.”

“My hair feels finer, and it’s harder to get volume at the crown.”

“I’m seeing more gray hair too — but is age the only reason?”

Hair can influence our overall appearance just as much as our facial features.

So when its texture, thickness or volume begins to change with age, it is completely understandable for women to notice.

Hair thinning and hair loss are often thought of as mainly male concerns, but women can also experience changes such as finer strands, reduced overall density, a more visible part, or an increase in noticeable shedding.

Women’s hair can be influenced by many factors beyond age, including pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, changes in body weight, nutritional status, illness, medications and lifestyle.

This brings us to another interesting topic: the relationship between placenta-derived ingredients and hair.

Online, it is easy to find claims linking placenta with hair thinning, hair loss and gray hair.

But what has actually been studied, and what do we currently know?

We’ll begin by looking at how hair itself works.

From the hair growth cycle, female hair thinning and shedding, menopause and postpartum changes, and the biology of gray hair to nutrition, animal-derived placenta and research into placenta and hair, we’ll work through each topic step by step.

The most useful place to begin is by understanding what may be changing in your own hair.

That can be an important first step toward caring for your hair comfortably and confidently through every stage of life.

Table of Contents

 

 

How Does Hair Renew Itself? Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

A single hair does not simply grow continuously forever.

Each hair follows a cycle in which it grows, transitions, rests and eventually sheds.

This is known as the hair growth cycle.

Hair Is Produced Inside the Hair Follicle

The part of the hair that we normally see above the scalp is called the hair shaft.

The structures responsible for producing hair, however, are located beneath the surface of the skin.

Within the skin is the hair follicle, a specialized structure involved in hair formation. At the lower part of the follicle is the hair bulb.

The hair bulb contains cells involved in forming the hair shaft, including hair matrix keratinocytes. Nearby, the dermal papilla also plays an important role in regulating follicle activity.

Hair is therefore more than a simple strand. It is produced through the cyclical activity of a small, specialized structure within the skin.

Anagen|The Active Growth Phase

Anagen is the phase in which the hair follicle is actively functioning and the hair grows.

For scalp hair, this phase is relatively long and generally lasts for several years.

Different follicles on the scalp are at different stages of the cycle at any given time, which is why all of our hair does not grow or shed simultaneously.

Even neighboring follicles can follow their own independent cycles.

Catagen|The Transition Phase

After anagen comes the catagen phase.

This is a relatively short period, generally lasting several weeks, during which the follicle’s active growth processes begin to slow.

You can think of it as a transition between the long growth phase and the resting phase that follows.

Telogen|The Resting Phase

The follicle then enters the telogen phase.

For scalp hair, this generally lasts for several months before the older hair is eventually shed and the follicle moves into its next cycle.

In other words, shedding is itself a normal part of the hair growth cycle.

The Basic Hair Growth Cycle

Anagen: The active phase in which hair grows
Catagen: The transition phase as active growth slows
Telogen: The resting phase before the next cycle
Shedding / Exogen: The older hair is released as the follicle moves toward a new cycle

Look Beyond the Number of Hairs You Shed

When shedding becomes noticeable, it can be tempting to focus on questions such as, “How many hairs did I lose today?”

But the number of shed hairs is only one part of the picture.

It can also be helpful to notice changes such as:

  • A part that appears wider than before
  • More visible scalp
  • Individual strands feeling finer
  • A ponytail feeling smaller in circumference
  • Less volume at the crown
  • More short or fine hairs becoming noticeable

These observations can also provide useful clues about how your hair is changing.

The hair cycle may be influenced by age, genetics, hormonal changes, nutritional status, illness, medications, rapid changes in body weight, childbirth and other significant physical events.

So if you notice increased shedding, it may also be useful to think back to changes in your health or lifestyle during the preceding months.

Hair Continually Grows, Rests and Renews

Looking at strand thickness, density, the width of your part, overall volume and the speed of any changes can help you understand your hair more clearly.

 

 

What Types of Hair Thinning and Shedding Occur in Women?

Hair thinning and shedding in women can appear in several different patterns.

Even when two people both feel that their hair has become thinner, gradually finer strands and a sudden increase in shedding may have very different backgrounds.

Let’s look at some of the common patterns seen in women.

Female Pattern Hair Loss|Changes May First Be Noticed Around the Part or Crown

Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) is one of the more common forms of hair loss seen in women.

Rather than large amounts of hair suddenly falling out, the hair may gradually become finer and overall density may appear reduced.

Changes may include:

  • A wider-looking part
  • More visible scalp around the crown
  • Reduced overall volume
  • Individual strands feeling finer

These kinds of changes are often what first draw someone’s attention to the condition.

FPHL is thought to involve multiple factors, including genetics, age and hormonal influences.

Although there are some similarities with male androgenetic alopecia, female hair loss also has its own characteristics and cannot always be explained by exactly the same mechanisms.

Telogen Effluvium|Shedding After a Significant Physical Change

Telogen effluvium occurs when a larger-than-usual number of follicles move into the resting phase, followed by increased shedding some time later.

Known triggers can include:

  • Childbirth
  • Major illness or high fever
  • Surgery or other significant physical stress
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Severe dietary restriction or major nutritional changes
  • Certain medications

One characteristic of telogen effluvium is that there can be a delay between the triggering event and noticeable shedding.

Rather than appearing immediately, increased shedding may become noticeable several months later.

For that reason, if your shedding has recently changed, it can be useful to consider whether anything significant happened to your health or lifestyle a few months earlier.

Think About the Whole Body, Not Just the Scalp

Changes in hair do not always begin with the scalp itself.

Iron deficiency, thyroid conditions and nutritional status can also be relevant in some cases.

Women who menstruate may particularly want to be mindful of iron status, while restrictive dieting or a substantial reduction in food intake can also affect overall nutritional intake.

If a noticeable change in hair occurs, it can be helpful to consider your overall health and wellbeing as well as your scalp.

Pay Attention to Patchy Hair Loss and Scalp Symptoms

The term “hair loss” can describe many different conditions.

Clearly defined circular or patchy areas of hair loss may occur with conditions such as alopecia areata, which differs from more diffuse thinning.

Persistent redness, pain, intense itching, scaling or crusting of the scalp may also warrant care appropriate to the underlying condition.

Women’s Hair Changes Can Follow Different Patterns

Hair may gradually become finer, shedding may increase after a particular event, or changes may occur in a more localized area.

Understanding when the change began, where it is occurring and how it is progressing can be a useful first step in understanding your hair.

 

 

Can Hair Change in Your 40s and 50s? Menopause and Women’s Hair

As women move through their late 30s, 40s and 50s, they may begin to notice changes such as:

“My hair feels finer than it used to.”

“I can’t get the same volume at the crown anymore.”

“The same hairstyle somehow looks different now.”

One of the major changes occurring during this stage of life is the changing hormonal environment associated with the menopausal transition.

Hair Follicles Also Change Across a Woman’s Life Stages

Hair follicles are tissues that interact with the body’s hormonal environment.

Researchers have studied the relationship between female hair follicles and a range of hormones, including estrogen.

During the transition toward menopause, hormonal patterns change considerably, and ovarian estrogen production declines after menopause.

Alongside these life-stage changes, some women may notice changes in hair density, individual strand diameter, the hair cycle and hair texture.

Rather than everything changing overnight, the differences may become noticeable gradually over several years:

  • Hair may feel finer than before
  • Overall volume may appear reduced
  • The crown may not lift as easily
  • Texture or manageability may change
  • The part may appear more noticeable

Think Beyond Hormones Alone

When considering hair during and after the menopausal transition, it is useful to look beyond hormones alone and consider age, genetics, changes within the follicle, nutritional status, illness, medications, weight changes and lifestyle.

Menopause may coincide with changes in hair, but other factors such as female pattern hair loss or telogen effluvium can also be present.

Rather than assuming that every change is simply “because of age,” it can be more helpful to look at your hair in the context of your overall health and current life stage.

Update Your Hair Care as Your Hair Changes

You may have used the same shampoo and followed the same routine for years, yet notice that your hair behaves differently in your 40s and beyond.

Just as skin changes with age, hair follicles and hair fibers can also change over time.

This can be a good opportunity to:

  • Choose hairstyles that suit your current hair texture
  • Use gentler scalp-care practices
  • Pay attention to diet and significant changes in body weight
  • Monitor changes in your hair over time
  • Seek professional advice if a concerning change persists

The idea is to adapt your care to your current hair and body.

Menopause Is Another Life Stage for Your Hair

Women in their 40s and 50s may notice changes in hair thickness, volume or texture.

Looking at your hair as part of the broader changes taking place throughout your body, including hormonal changes, can help you choose care that suits you now.

Another major life event that can affect the hormonal environment and the hair cycle is pregnancy and childbirth.

 

Why Can Hair Shedding Seem to Increase After Childbirth?

“A few months after giving birth, I started noticing more hair in the shower.”

“I was surprised by how much hair collected around the drain.”

“My hairline and the front of my hair look different than before.”

Some women notice changes like these during the postpartum period.

Childbirth is a significant physical event in a woman’s life.

From pregnancy through the postpartum period, hormonal patterns change substantially, while sleep, eating habits and daily routines may also be very different from before pregnancy.

Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Hair Cycle

During pregnancy, levels and patterns of hormones including estrogen change considerably.

Because hair follicles can respond to hormonal changes, the hair cycle during pregnancy and after childbirth may differ.

Childbirth is recognized as one of the physical events that can be associated with telogen effluvium.

Because there is a delay between a follicle entering the resting phase and the hair eventually being shed, increased shedding may be noticed some time after childbirth rather than immediately.

This is why someone may feel that everything seemed fine immediately after delivery, only to notice considerably more shedding a few months later.

Consider Both Physical and Lifestyle Changes After Childbirth

Hormones are not the only thing that changes after having a baby.

Sleep may become fragmented, and finding time for regular meals can be difficult.

The physical demands of childbirth and significant changes in body weight may also occur at the same time.

For that reason, postpartum hair changes are best considered in the context of both the major physical changes of pregnancy and childbirth and the lifestyle changes that follow.

Postpartum Hair Changes Vary From Person to Person

Postpartum shedding is well recognized, but it does not occur at exactly the same time or to the same degree in every woman.

The amount of shedding, when it begins and how long it remains noticeable can vary considerably.

Hair type, hair density, general health and lifestyle may all influence how noticeable these changes feel.

Rather than comparing yourself with someone else, it can be more useful to observe how your own hair is changing over time.

Seek Advice When a Change Seems Unusual or Persists

Postpartum hair continues to change with time.

It may be worth consulting a dermatologist or other healthcare professional if:

  • Heavy shedding continues for a prolonged period
  • You develop clearly defined or patchy areas of hair loss
  • Your scalp becomes very red or intensely itchy
  • You notice changes in your eyebrows or other body hair
  • You also have significant fatigue, weight changes or other physical concerns
Postpartum Hair Is Part of a Woman’s Changing Life Stage

The body goes through major changes from pregnancy through childbirth, and hair may change as well. The degree and duration vary from person to person.

Rather than looking at hair alone, consider your overall health, lifestyle and current needs when choosing how to care for yourself.

Alongside thinning and shedding, another hair change that often becomes more noticeable with age is gray hair.

Next, let’s look at how hair gets its color and why that color can gradually change.

 

 

Why Does Hair Turn Gray? How Hair Gets Its Color

“I feel like I’m seeing more gray hair lately.”

“Why do some people have much more gray hair than others at the same age?”

“Can a gray hair ever regain color?”

To explore these questions, it helps to begin with how hair color is produced.

Melanocytes Help Create Hair Color

An important part of the hair-color system is the melanocyte, a pigment-producing cell found within the hair follicle.

Melanocytes produce a pigment called melanin, which is transferred to the growing hair and gives it color.

Hair pigmentation involves different forms of melanin, including eumelanin, associated with black and brown shades, and pheomelanin, associated with red and yellow tones.

Differences in their type, quantity and distribution contribute to the wide range of natural hair colors.

Gray Hair Reflects Changes in the Follicle’s Pigment-Producing System

Hair follicles also contain melanocyte stem cells, which contribute to the melanocyte population involved in hair pigmentation.

As we age, this pigment-producing system can change.

When less melanin is incorporated into the growing hair shaft, hair may appear increasingly gray or white.

How Hair Gets Its Color

Hair follicle
↓
Melanocytes produce melanin
↓
Melanin is transferred to the growing hair
↓
The hair acquires its color

The Age at Which Gray Hair Appears Varies Widely

Gray hair tends to increase with age, but when it first appears and how quickly it progresses vary greatly between individuals.

Genetics are thought to be an especially important factor.

Some people begin noticing gray strands in their 30s, while others may still have relatively little gray hair in their 50s or beyond.

Premature or early graying is also an area of research, with studies investigating possible associations with genetics, lifestyle, nutritional status and certain health conditions.

Oxidative Stress and Gray Hair

One area of interest in gray-hair research is oxidative stress.

Reactive oxygen species are produced naturally in the body. Oxidative stress occurs when the balance between these molecules and the body’s protective systems shifts.

Because oxidative processes are also involved in melanin production, researchers continue to study the relationship between oxidative stress, melanocytes and pigmentation within the hair follicle.

Gray hair is currently understood as a phenomenon involving multiple factors, including aging, genetics, melanocyte stem-cell changes, oxidative stress and environmental influences.

Stress and Hair Graying Are Also Being Studied

The relationship between psychological stress and hair-follicle biology is another active area of research.

The portion of hair already visible above the scalp is a fully formed structure, so existing black hair does not simply turn completely white from within overnight.

Researchers are, however, investigating how stress-related biological changes may influence the pigmentation of newly growing hair.

Hair color is another fascinating example of how hair can reflect changes taking place throughout the body.

Gray Hair and Nutrition

Studies of premature graying have investigated associations with nutritional factors including vitamin B12, iron and ferritin, vitamin D, zinc and copper.

Results vary between studies, and research into the relationship between nutritional status and hair pigmentation is ongoing.

Rather than focusing on one nutrient in isolation, the basic approach is to maintain a varied diet and appropriately address any confirmed deficiencies.

Gray Hair Is One of the Natural Ways Hair Can Change Over Time

Gray hair involves a range of factors including aging, genetics, hair-follicle pigmentation, melanocyte stem cells and oxidative stress, while possible associations with nutritional status are also being studied.

Rather than comparing the number of gray hairs you have with someone else, focus on understanding how your own hair is changing.

There Is No Single Way to Wear Gray Hair

Age-related graying usually progresses gradually.

Cases of spontaneous repigmentation have also been reported, and hair pigmentation remains an active field of research.

Some people choose permanent color, semi-permanent color or color treatments, while others enjoy gray hair as part of their personal style.

How you choose to wear gray hair is another part of your relationship with your hair.

Hair changes with age, and finding a style that feels like you can be part of enjoying that change.

So what nutrients are involved in producing hair as part of the body?

 

 

Nutrition for Hair|Protein, Iron, Zinc and Vitamins

When you start reading about hair, you may come across questions such as:

“What foods should I eat for my hair?”

“Is zinc good for hair?”

“Do I need biotin?”

Hair follicles contain rapidly renewing cells, so their activity is connected with the body’s overall nutritional status.

Rather than chasing one particular ingredient, the foundation is to consume the nutrients your whole body needs.

Protein|The Building Material for Keratin

Hair is primarily made from a protein called keratin.

For that reason, diets that are extremely low in protein or overall energy can also affect hair.

Protein can come from a variety of foods, including meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, soy foods, beans and legumes.

Iron|An Important Mineral for Women to Be Aware Of

Iron is an essential mineral involved in many functions throughout the body.

Iron deficiency can occur in menstruating women, and the relationship between iron deficiency and hair loss has been studied extensively.

Alongside including iron-containing foods in your diet, you may wish to discuss testing with a healthcare professional if you also notice symptoms such as persistent tiredness.

Zinc|Involved in Protein Synthesis and Cellular Function

Zinc is required for the activity of many enzymes and is involved in protein synthesis and normal cellular function.

Hair changes can occur when zinc deficiency is present.

As with other nutrients, zinc has an appropriate intake range, so the goal is to maintain an overall balanced nutritional intake.

Vitamin D and B Vitamins Are Also Being Studied

Researchers have also investigated relationships between hair, graying and nutrients including vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate.

Nutritional needs and deficiencies vary between individuals, so their relevance depends on the person’s actual nutritional status and the type of hair change involved.

What About Biotin?

Biotin is frequently included in beauty-oriented supplements.

It is an essential vitamin, and significant biotin deficiency can include symptoms such as hair loss.

However, clear biotin deficiency is relatively uncommon among people eating a normal varied diet, so a useful starting point is to look at the quality of your overall diet.

High-dose biotin supplements can also interfere with certain laboratory test results, so be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are taking one before having blood tests.

Extreme Dieting Can Affect Hair

Another important consideration is severe calorie restriction or rapid weight loss.

Rapid weight loss and substantial changes in protein or energy intake can be associated with telogen effluvium.

If you are working toward a body-composition goal, it is worth choosing an approach that also supports your overall health, including your skin and hair.

Think About Hair Nutrition in the Context of Your Whole Diet

Protein, iron, zinc and vitamins are important not only for hair but for the body as a whole.

A varied diet that provides adequate nutrition is a sensible foundation when thinking about hair health.

We have now looked at hair biology, women’s life stages and nutrition.

Next, let’s turn to the other major topic in this article: placenta-derived ingredients.

What Is Animal-Derived Placenta? Pig, Horse, Sheep and Human Placenta

The word “placenta” is commonly seen in beauty products and supplements in parts of the world.

Biologically, the placenta is an organ formed during pregnancy.

It plays an essential role in exchanges between mother and fetus, including the transfer of oxygen and nutrients.

In the beauty and wellness industry, the term “placenta” often refers not to the intact organ itself, but to materials produced by processing or extracting animal placenta.

Pig, Horse and Sheep Placenta

Placenta-derived materials used in cosmetics and supplements may come from animals such as pigs, horses and sheep.

Even when products are described simply as “placenta,” their characteristics may differ depending on factors such as:

  • The source and management of the raw placental material
  • Extraction methods
  • Concentration methods
  • Enzymatic processing or hydrolysis
  • The amount included in the finished product
  • Manufacturing and quality-control procedures

When comparing placenta products, it is therefore useful to look beyond the animal species and consider the raw material, manufacturing process and quality-control information.

What to Look for in Sheep Placenta

Sheep placenta is an animal-derived placenta material obtained from sheep.

Like pig- and horse-derived materials, it is used in supplements and beauty-related products.

Even products derived from the same animal can differ according to origin, extraction, concentration and other manufacturing methods.

When looking at a sheep placenta product, it can therefore be useful to consider the source of the raw material, manufacturing process, amount supplied and quality-control information, rather than focusing solely on the fact that it comes from sheep.

Placenta and Growth Factors|What Does Research Consider?

The placenta is a biologically complex organ that supports pregnancy.

The tissue itself contains proteins, amino acids and many other substances, and its biological functions involve various growth factors and cytokines.

Placenta-derived materials used in supplements and cosmetics, however, undergo manufacturing processes such as extraction, heating, enzymatic treatment and hydrolysis.

When reading research on placenta, it is therefore important to look at the source material, how it was processed and how the material was actually used in the study.

Human Placenta in Medical Products in Japan

Separate from animal-derived supplements and cosmetics, Japan also has prescription medicines made from human placental material.

Examples of injectable medicines include:

  • Melsmon: approved for menopausal disorders and insufficient lactation
  • Laennec: approved for improvement of liver function in chronic liver disease

These are prescription medicines used under medical supervision.

Although they all use the word “placenta,” animal-derived ingredients used in supplements and cosmetics and human placental medicines differ in their raw materials, manufacturing methods, intended uses and regulatory status.

Questions to Ask When Looking at Placenta Products or Research

・What species is the placenta derived from?
・How was the material processed?
・Is it being used in a supplement, cosmetic or medicine?
・Was it taken orally, applied topically or injected?
・What quality-control procedures are used?

This leads to the next question: what kinds of studies have actually investigated placenta and hair?

Let’s look at several examples.

 

 

Research on Placenta, Hair Thinning and Hair Loss|What Do We Know?

The relationship between placenta-derived materials and hair has been investigated through cell studies, animal studies and some human studies involving topical formulations.

One particularly interesting area is clinical research in women using a topical placenta formulation.

A Human Study of Topical Cow Placenta in Female Pattern Hair Loss

In 2020, a randomized comparative study involving 90 women with female pattern hair loss compared a scalp lotion containing cow placenta extract with topical 2% minoxidil.

Participants were followed for six months, with assessments including trichoscopic hair counts and photographic evaluation. It is one example of human clinical research investigating placenta-derived material in relation to hair.

An important point is that the study used a topical scalp lotion containing cow-derived placenta extract.

This differs in both source material and method of use from orally consumed sheep placenta.

A Useful Tip When Reading Placenta Research

Rather than looking only at the word “placenta,” check what species the material came from and how it was used in the study. This makes it much easier to understand what the research actually investigated.

Hair Follicles and Growth-Factor Research

A variety of growth factors and intercellular signals are involved in hair-follicle biology.

Placenta-derived materials can also vary according to their source, extraction process and other manufacturing methods.

For that reason, research needs to consider which placenta-derived material was used, in what quantity and by what method.

Through studies like these, researchers continue to investigate the relationship between placenta-derived materials and hair-follicle biology.

Research on Placenta-Derived Materials and Gray Hair

Basic research has also explored placenta-derived substances and hair pigmentation.

In 2009, researchers studied a C18:0 sphingolipid isolated from placental extract in a mouse model of age-related hair graying.

The study examined changes involving MITF and other factors associated with melanocytes and hair pigmentation.

More recent research has also used mouse models to investigate placenta-derived materials and hair pigmentation.

The relationship between placental substances, follicular melanocytes and pigment production remains an active area of basic research.

These studies used mouse models and differ from oral sheep placenta in terms of study subject, source material and method of administration.

What to Check When Reading Placenta Research

Beauty and wellness information often includes phrases such as “this ingredient has been studied.”

When you see such a claim, it helps to look beyond the headline and ask:

  • Was the research conducted in humans, animals or cells?
  • What species was the placenta derived from?
  • Was it taken orally, applied topically or injected?
  • How many participants were included?
  • How long did the study last?
  • What outcomes were actually measured?

These details make it easier to interpret a study in context.

The relationship between placenta-derived materials and hair is being investigated from a number of different angles, ranging from studies in women to basic research on hair pigmentation.

Understanding the study conditions helps us interpret what each individual study actually tells us.

Key Points When Looking at Placenta and Hair Research

・A range of studies have investigated placenta-derived materials and hair
・Human studies involving topical placenta formulations have been reported in women
・Animal and basic research has also investigated hair pigmentation
・The source and method of use differ between studies
・Understanding study conditions is essential for interpreting the findings accurately

With this understanding of hair biology and current research, what can we do in everyday life to care for our hair and scalp?

 

 

Everyday Habits for Caring for Your Hair and Scalp

When hair thinning, shedding or gray hair becomes more noticeable, it is natural to start looking for something special to do.

But hair is influenced by many factors, including follicles, nutritional status, hormones, age, genetics and daily life.

That is why it can be useful to think not only about hair itself, but about small everyday habits that help you care gently for your hair and scalp.

1. Make Balanced Eating a Priority

Hair is part of the body.

A varied diet can provide protein, iron, zinc, vitamins and other nutrients your body needs.

Rather than pursuing rapid weight loss, aim for an eating pattern that supports your overall wellbeing over the long term.

2. Treat Your Scalp as Skin

Your scalp is skin, just like the skin on your face and body.

When shampooing, use the pads of your fingers rather than scratching with your nails.

Choose products that suit your scalp and hair type, and rinse thoroughly after washing.

If persistent redness, intense itching or a rash develops, consider consulting a dermatologist.

3. Protect Your Hair and Scalp From Strong UV Exposure

Both hair and scalp are exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

On sunny days or when spending long periods outdoors, hats and parasols can provide useful protection.

Your part can receive particularly direct sun exposure, so changing where you part your hair from time to time is another simple option.

4. Enjoy Hair Color With Your Scalp in Mind

As gray hair becomes more noticeable, you may choose to color your hair more frequently.

Follow the instructions and precautions provided with the product, and pay attention to how your scalp feels.

If your scalp is sensitive, let your stylist know before having your hair colored professionally.

5. Avoid Keeping Hair Under Strong Tension for Long Periods

Very tight ponytails, buns, extensions and other styles that repeatedly pull on the hair can place stress on the follicles over time.

You can still enjoy different hairstyles while occasionally giving your hair and scalp a break from strong tension.

6. Make Time for Sleep and Rest

Sleep and rest are important for overall health.

During demanding periods — especially after childbirth or when work and family responsibilities are intense — aiming for perfection can itself become burdensome.

Making room to rest when you can is also part of caring for yourself as you move through different life stages.

7. Photograph Your Hair Under Consistent Conditions

Because we see our own hair every day, gradual changes can be surprisingly difficult to notice.

If you are concerned about your part or overall volume, consider taking a photo once a month under similar conditions:

  • The same part
  • Similar lighting
  • The same angle
  • Dry hair

This can make it easier to observe changes over several months rather than focusing on a single day of shedding.

8. Pay Attention to Changes That Deserve Further Evaluation

Hair naturally changes with age.

At the same time, changes in hair can sometimes prompt us to look more closely at our overall health.

Consider speaking with a dermatologist or another healthcare professional if you notice:

  • A rapid increase in shedding over a short period
  • Clearly defined circular or patchy areas of hair loss
  • Significant scalp redness, pain or itching
  • Rapid widening of the part or increasing scalp visibility
  • Loss of eyebrow, eyelash or other body hair
  • Fatigue, significant weight changes or other concerning symptoms alongside the hair changes
8 Everyday Hair-Care Principles for Women

・Eat a varied, balanced diet
・Keep the scalp clean while treating it gently
・Protect hair and scalp from strong UV exposure
・Enjoy hair color while paying attention to scalp sensitivity
・Avoid prolonged hairstyles that place strong tension on the hair
・Make room for sleep, rest and overall wellbeing
・Monitor your hair periodically under consistent conditions
・Seek professional advice for significant or concerning changes

Common Questions About Hair Thinning, Shedding and Gray Hair

Q. Does hair thinning become more common during menopause?

Hormonal patterns change significantly around menopause, and some women notice differences in hair thickness, density or texture during this stage of life.

Age, genetics, female pattern hair loss and nutritional status may also be relevant, so it can be useful to consider hair as part of the broader changes taking place throughout the body.


Q. Why can postpartum shedding become noticeable several months after childbirth?

There is a delay between hair follicles entering the resting phase and the hairs eventually being shed.

As a result, shedding associated with the physical changes of pregnancy and childbirth may become more noticeable only after some time has passed.


Q. Do gray hair and hair thinning happen through the same mechanism?

Both involve changes within the hair follicle, but the main biological processes are different.

Gray hair primarily involves melanocytes and pigmentation, whereas hair thinning can involve changes in the hair cycle and, depending on the type of hair loss, follicular miniaturization.

Some factors, including age and nutritional status, are studied in relation to both.


Q. What should I do first if my hair seems to be losing volume?

Start by considering when the change began, which areas are affected and how the change has progressed.

Taking photographs under consistent conditions and thinking back over recent changes in diet, body weight, childbirth, illness or medication use can also be helpful.

From there, you can gradually review your diet, scalp care and hairstyling habits and choose changes that suit your current needs.


Q. Has placenta actually been studied in relation to hair?

Yes. Published research includes a human clinical study of a topical cow-placenta formulation in women with female pattern hair loss, as well as basic research investigating placenta-derived substances and hair pigmentation.

When reading these studies, it is important to consider the source of the placenta, how it was used and whether the research involved humans, animals or cells.

Summary|Understanding Hair Changes Is the First Step in Caring for Your Hair

Hair is more complex than it may appear. It grows, transitions, rests, sheds and then begins another cycle.

And a woman’s hair does not remain exactly the same throughout life.

Age, menopause, pregnancy and childbirth, genetics, nutritional status, weight changes, illness and medications can all be associated with changes in hair thickness, density and volume.

Gray hair is another fascinating biological change involving melanocytes and melanocyte stem cells, genetics, aging, oxidative stress and other factors.

Placenta-derived materials and hair are also subjects of scientific research.

Research ranges from topical placenta studies in women with female pattern hair loss to basic studies investigating hair pigmentation.

Learning about this research can provide another perspective when thinking about hair.

Most importantly, it helps to understand what may be changing in your own hair and body right now.

Eat well.

Treat your scalp gently.

Protect your hair and scalp from strong UV exposure.

Choose hairstyles that suit your hair as it is today.

Make space for rest.

And seek professional advice when a change concerns you.

Rather than measuring your hair only against how it looked when you were younger, learn how your hair changes through different life stages and choose care that suits you now.

That, too, can be an important part of enjoying and caring for beautiful hair throughout adulthood.


Important Note
This article is intended to provide general educational information about hair and scalp biology, female hair thinning and shedding, gray hair, changes associated with menopause and the postpartum period, nutrition, and research involving placenta-derived materials. Placenta-containing dietary supplements are not medicines intended to diagnose, treat or prevent hair-loss conditions, promote hair growth, or reverse gray hair. If you experience sudden or significant hair shedding, patchy hair loss, severe scalp inflammation or other concerning changes, please consult a dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional.

References & Further Reading

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