The post-partum period comes with a lot of transformation to the new mother’s body. Your hair growth peaks during pregnancy. However, a few months into breastfeeding hair fall begins. It may last a few weeks or months later before hair growth goes back to normal.
A normal person loses a few strands of hair daily, estimated at 90-100 hair. But a nursing mom experiences massive hair loss evident anytime she brushes her hair, or during bathing hours.
This article will help you to understand the causes of post-partum hair loss, how long it lasts and the remedies for the condition.
What Triggers Post-partum Hair Loss?
After birth, there’s a rapid drop in the hormone levels for a mother. Your long, luscious, and dark hair slowly starts thinning out. All the nursing instincts are directed towards your newborn.
With all other factors constant, hair shedding follows a few months later. Let’s briefly look at the causes of hair shedding:
- A drop in the levels of estrogen
- Reduced iron
- Sleepless nights and coupled rise in cortisol levels
- Less calcium due to breastfeeding
- Imbalanced diet
- Heat treatment, blow-dry, and hairstyling
- Wild shampooing and harsh hair products
But, that‘s not all. Hair thinning varies depending on the quality of hair during pregnancy. And the good bit is that it’s all temporary, lasting for 6-12 months at most.
When Does It Stop?
According to dermatological studies, hair growth occurs in phases. The most active growth phase occurs when the hair follicles elongate during pregnancy. Your hair becomes long and thick. You experience healthier looking hair.
But when estrogen levels drop, hair follicles enter the resting stage, and hair growth levels off.
Now, if you experience post-partum hair shedding, you don’t have to worry. Your hair is replaceable. There are both home-made and natural remedies to help you overcome this problem.
It’s time you take good care of your hair. Look after your skin by massaging your scalp with rich oils, avoid stress, and undergo all self-care you can afford, away from your baby chores.
Want to know more about the treatment for postpartum hair loss? Let’s dive in:
6 Practical Tips for Managing After-Childbirth Hair Loss
Now that you know about the underlying causes of this condition, let’s take you through some practical tips on how you can cope with hair loss, during the postpartum phase of your life. We hope you find the tips helpful:
Increase your Consumption of Natural Oils
Eat more avocado, fish, chia, flax, soybean, and other omega-rich foods. These will increase the skin’s natural oils which are good for your scalp and hair growth.
Omega 3 fats also increase blood circulation so that your scalp is properly moisturized.
Fatty acid foods are also the key component in the structural layer of the skin.
Consider the Use of Natural Hair Treatment
Proper hair care during the post-partum period can be tricky. But the integration of a few natural treatments will reduce excessive hair loss.
Avocado and egg mask is known for its enrichment in natural oils, protein, and vitamins. It’s used as a relaxer and hair conditioner all in its natural form. This is one of the best home remedies for thinned hair.
Ginger paste mixed in coconut oil is another great home remedy. Ginger has some healing properties which are good for broken scalp and hair follicles. The coconut oil-ginger mixture also acts as a growth stimulator for your hair.
Also, you can apply castor oil to your scalp. It’s a good anti-dandruff and also keeps your hair looking healthy.
Tip: Beware of quick fixes. For example, wild hair growth or supplements that purport to “treat” hair loss. Some may end up with worse side effects, and cause blood-related conditions like blood pressure.
Reduce Heat Styling, Blow-drying and Overall Heat Treatment
Post-partum hair loss is aggravated by heat styling and perm. Rather, you can maintain your hair all in its natural form, or even reduce the number of times you brush in a day.
Ever noticed how a model flaunts around with a full hairline, and they all go asking just what their secret is. Maintaining your hair naturally reduces hair loss.
Add Mineral and Vitamin Supplements to your Diet
As an expectant woman, most of these supplements are readily available, which is not the case at postnatal. If you experience postpartum hair loss, address it with your physician.
They’ll supplement you with a few vitamins D, zinc, and iron supplements for proper cell regeneration and overall blood circulation.
The minerals can also be a component of your diet, for example, beef, chicken, spinach, soy meal, and other mineral-rich diets. A balanced diet is more suitable for any lactating mother.
Adjust your Sleep Hours to Reduce Stress Levels
Lack of sleep in a new mom leads to raised levels of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone associated with stress and when in association with low estrogen levels may lead to post-partum hair shedding.
Try and get enough sleep where possible. Practice self-care without worrying about your baby’s chores, and most of all, relax. And don’t forget to take a lot of water for proper body hydration, and relaxation
Care for Your Hair
The best car around will be high of service if well-taken care of. Your hair too needs service.
Massage your scalp with the right oils frequently. Avoid brushing your hair when still wet. Also, use the right brush to minimize hair breakage and excess hair loss. A brush with clumps of hair is a sign of serious hair loss.
Always handle your hair gently during washing, drying, or styling. Tight braids may worsen your rate of losing hair. The same goes for tight hairstyling with tight bands and tight ponytails.
Read: 8 Ideal Hairstyles When Facing Hair Loss?
Post-partum hair loss affects most women in the reproductive age. Establish a hair care routine that will help you to manage hair loss as soon as after delivery.
Final Thoughts
Post-partum hair loss is a common condition and it varies in different women. Proper hair care and treatment can help you manage the situation.
Unless it’s the severe form called Alopecia, the rest of the symptoms can be managed using the various traditional home remedies, or natural remedies.
