Epidurals, Anesthesia & Hair Loss: What You Should Know About Medical Procedures and Your Hair
Hair loss after a medical procedure—like childbirth, surgery, or even dental work that requires anesthesia—is more common than most people realize. At The Press Room Salon, we often work with clients navigating unexpected shedding or thinning after procedures involving epidurals, general anesthesia, or major medical stress.
If you're seeing changes in your hairline or noticing more shedding after recovery, you're not imagining it. Let’s break down why this happens and how to support your scalp and strands through it.
Can Anesthesia or an Epidural Really Cause Hair Loss?
In short: yes—indirectly.
Hair loss tied to medical procedures usually falls under a condition called telogen effluvium. This is when a shock to the system pushes more hair follicles than usual into the resting (telogen) phase, leading to sudden shedding 6–12 weeks later.
Common triggers include:
Anesthesia (general or spinal)
Epidurals during childbirth
Stress from surgery or recovery
Sudden blood loss
Postpartum hormone shifts
Nutrient depletion during healing
This doesn’t mean the procedure itself is damaging your follicles—but rather, your body is prioritizing healing over hair growth, leading to temporary shedding.
What Does Anesthesia-Related Hair Loss Look Like?
Clients may notice:
More shedding than usual in the shower or on pillows
Thinner areas around the crown or edges
A wider part or scalp visibility
A “delayed” shed that starts 1–3 months post-op or post-delivery
It often mimics postpartum hair loss but can happen after any procedure—including wisdom tooth removal, C-sections, cosmetic surgery, or hospitalization.
What You Can Do to Support Regrowth
1. Stay Gentle With Styling
Skip tight ponytails, buns, or protective styles that put stress on fragile follicles. If you’re wearing a sew-in, make sure it’s tension-free with minimal leave-out.
Book a Natural Part Sew-In at The Press Room Salon designed for hair health and coverage.
2. Rebalance the Scalp
Scalp inflammation is common during recovery. Use calming, nourishing products that stimulate circulation and reduce shedding.
Try:
✔️ CÉCRED Restoring Scalp Drops
✔️ CÉCRED Nourishing Hair Oil
Use code _Danified for $10 off + free shipping
3. Support Internally With Supplements (but check with your doctor)
Hair health starts from within. During recovery, your body may need iron, B-vitamins, or adaptogens to recover.
Press Room picks:
✔️ Nutrafol Hair Growth Supplements
✔️ Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement routine.
4. Moisture + Protein Treatments
Hair in a shed cycle needs structure and hydration. Alternate between protein treatments and deep moisture masks.
Press Room go-to:
✔️ CÉCRED Moisturizing Deep Conditioner
When to See a Professional
If shedding persists past 4–6 months or you’re seeing bald patches, it may be time to:
Visit a dermatologist for a scalp evaluation
Ask your PCP to test for iron, thyroid, or hormone levels
Get a virtual consultation with our salon for a custom care plan
➡️ Book a virtual consultation here
Final Thoughts From The Press Room Salon
Hair loss after medical procedures is real—but also reversible. With the right scalp support, protective styling, and patience, your hair can recover and thrive again.
Don’t panic. Let’s rebuild it—together.
Shop Hair Recovery Essentials
✔️ CÉCRED Haircare System
✔️ Amazon Recovery Must-Haves
✔️ Gold Rush Brush – gentle detangling
➡️ Use code _Danified at CÉCRED for $10 off + free shipping
➡️ Book a recovery-focused salon service