How to Limit Postpartum Hair Loss?

Pregnancy, albeit a tough time, is also one of the most beautiful periods of a woman’s life. There is a life growing within and that new life brings along with it a plethora of hopes and dreams. However, pregnancy also brings along with it a set of problems and hair loss, postpartum, happens to be just one of them. While during the pregnancy your hair might become a lot thicker and fuller, the moment the baby comes out, you will start noticing that you are losing hair a lot faster than usual.

Hair fall after pregnancy – What causes postpartum hair loss?

Does Breastfeeding cause postpartum hair loss? When I became a new mother, my first impression for postpartum hair loss was the same. During pregnancy, there is a surge in the amount of oestrogen and progesterone in the body and this causes the hair to remain in a state of growth, which is what leads to the thicker and more luxurious looking hair. However, once the childbirth has happened, the hormones start to go back to normal and the hair falls out. The condition is also referred to as postpartum alopecia or telogen effluvium. The condition is actually normal and affects and your hair should start to return to its regular self within about a year.

When does postpartum hair loss start?

Each woman is different and so is the pregnancy. This means that the manner in which postpartum hair loss takes place will also be different for each woman. While some women might notice a few extra hairs on their towels, for some women the hair loss might be quite extensive. In most cases, the hair loss should begin about a month or so after the pregnancy and should start to stabilize by the time the baby is about seven months old.

How bad is postpartum hair loss?

For an average person, losing anywhere between 80 to 100 strands of hair daily is normal. But when you have just given birth, you might notice that you are losing more than double that amount. The fact is that when you are in the postpartum stage, you could lose an average of 400 hair strands a day. This is actually one of the most prominent causes of hair loss in women. However, by the time your baby is about six to seven months, you should notice a decline in hair loss. If your hair loss does not stabilize by then, it might be time to meet your doctor for a proper check-up.

How long does postpartum hair loss last?

When you are losing the hair you are during your postpartum period, you are bound to ask when it will stop. It is imperative that you remember that this hair loss is only temporary and after a brief period, your hair loss will stop and your hair growth will return to normalcy. In most cases, the hair loss should stop around the six month mark, but for some women, the hair loss might continue up till the first year.

Are there any ways of preventing postpartum hair loss?

One question that always nags is postpartum hair loss, will it grow back? Although there is no sure shot way of preventing postpartum hair loss. But there are methods by which you could reduce the amount of hair you lose. In the weeks and months immediately after the delivery, you will need to pay special attention to your diet and your lifestyle.

Here are some tips for long and strong hair even after you have given birth to your bundle of joy:

Get your blood tested. To ensure that your sugar, iron, ferritin, vitamin D, zinc and blood sugar levels are all normal. In case, there is a problem with any of them, talk to your doctor and get the medication to make the necessary amends. You might even be asked to take nutritional supplements and if you are looking forward to having healthier hair, then it is imperative that you stick the regime your doctor prescribes.

Make necessary changes to your diet – including fruits and vegetables that are known to improve hair growth and can help make your hair healthier. Leafy vegetables, legumes, white meats, and fish are known to help with hair growth.

Also, read 5 most common gynecological problems here.

You might need to make some changes to your regular hair care routine too. If you are someone who waited for your hair to start feeling dirty before washing, you might want to wash your hair a little more often. While there are those who feel that washing your hair too often might lead to greater hair loss, during the postpartum period you might want to wash your hair a little more regularly.

This would also be a good time to change your regular shampoo and opt for a milder shampoo; one that you can use a lot more often than your regular one. Also, invest in a conditioner that will keep your hair protected and nourished. You could also look for a leave-in conditioner, which will help keep your hair in good condition, in between washes.

Remember it’s just not you but your hair too that needs extra little care post-partum.

You have to remember that your entire body has gone through a lot during pregnancy and childbirth, which is why you have to be extra gentle with it. The same goes with your hair, and you might want to leave your hair to be its natural self for a few months. Keep the styling tools, chemical products, and coloring agents at bay for a while and let your hair heal from within.

If you are having trouble maintaining your hair, you could tie your hair in simple styles to keep them manageable. This would also be a great time to try out a brand new hair cut – a shorter style might actually be a pretty good idea at such a time. Alternately, you could look at interesting accessories, such as clips, clutches, headbands, and scarves to create interesting looks, which will also protect your hair.

Your mind and body are already stressed out because of the pregnancy and delivery – you might not be getting enough sleep and time to pamper yourself, and the stress of all this could also be taking a toll on your hair. Take the time to distress – meditate, do some breathing exercises, take a Zumba class or simply take a bubble bath, because once your stress levels go down, so should your hair loss.

Postpartum hair loss is not a permanent condition and in most cases, the hair loss stabilizes on its own, but if the same is not happening, you might want to consider meeting a specialist.

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DISCLAIMER –The content is not for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.