How to Deal with Postpartum Hair Loss?

Postpartum hair loss is a common occurrence after giving birth. During pregnancy, you might have been blessed by fast-growing and thick hair. Enjoy it while you still can, because in the months following delivery, you’ll experience a sudden shedding of hair – sometimes even in clumps!

So, just when exactly does postpartum hair loss start? How long does it last? What are its causes, and can you prevent or treat it? Keep reading to find out!

How Does Postpartum Hair Loss Occur?

Postpartum hair loss, also known as postpartum telogen effluvium, is the sudden shedding of hair that can happen after childbirth. To understand why this happens, we need to delve into the natural hair growth cycle.

Hair growth occurs in three phases:

Anagen phase: The active growth phase of hair.

Catagen phase: A transitional phase when hair growth slows.

Telogen phase: The resting phase where hair is shed to make room for new growth.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes, especially elevated levels of estrogen, extend the anagen phase, resulting in thicker and more abundant hair. Many women enjoy luscious locks during pregnancy, which can be a delightful side effect.

However, after giving birth, hormone levels rapidly drop, causing plenty of hair follicles to enter the telogen phase simultaneously. This sudden shift in the hair growth cycle leads to postpartum hair loss.

How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?

The duration of postpartum hair loss varies from woman to woman. Typically, it starts around three months after childbirth and can last for several months. You may notice increased hair shedding when brushing, washing, or even just running your fingers through your hair.

When does postpartum hair loss stop? The good news is that postpartum hair loss is usually temporary. Most women experience a gradual improvement in hair thickness and volume as their hormones stabilize, and their hair growth cycle returns to normal. While there’s no fixed timeline for when postpartum hair loss stops, many women see a significant reduction in hair shedding by their baby’s first birthday.

What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?

Now, let’s delve into the most common factors that contribute to postpartum hair loss:

Hormonal changes: As mentioned earlier, the dramatic drop in estrogen and other hormones after childbirth triggers postpartum hair loss. These hormonal fluctuations disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding.

Stress and fatigue: New motherhood is accompanied by significant physical and emotional changes. The stress and fatigue associated with caring for a newborn and adopting a new life can contribute to hair loss.

Nutritional deficiencies: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can deplete essential nutrients from your body. Hair growth requires a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, iron, and zinc. A balanced diet and, if necessary, supplements recommended by your doctor can help support hair health.

Genetics: Sometimes, it’s just in your blood. Your family history plays a role in how your hair responds to hormonal changes. If postpartum hair loss runs in your family, you may be more prone to experiencing it.

Can We Prevent Postpartum Hair Loss?

Yes! You can prevent postpartum hair loss by maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the weeks and months following childbirth:

• Get regular, gentle-to-moderate exercise.
• Follow a nutritious and well-balanced diet.
• Take supplements if recommended by your doctor.

What Are the Postpartum Hair Loss Treatments?

Since postpartum hair loss is often a result of hormonal fluctuations, it’s not something you can immediately stop. But there are tips, strategies, and postpartum hair loss remedies you can try to minimize hair loss and promote healthy hair growth:

Gentle hair care

Be kind to your hair and scalp. Use a mild shampoo, avoid tight hairstyles that pull on your hair, and minimize the use of heating tools. Also, limit vigorous brushing to avoid tearing or splitting the hair.

Nutrition

A well-balanced diet can prevent postpartum hair loss from worsening. Just make sure your diet is heavy on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Supplements

Some women find supplements, such as biotin, iron, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, or omega-3 fatty acids, helpful in reducing hair loss. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new supplements, especially if you’re breastfeeding.

Stress Management

Finding ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or seeking support from loved ones, can help reduce hair loss associated with stress.

Hairstyle Change

Go for a shorter style – it not only reduces the appearance of postpartum hair loss, but also reduces the amount of stress you put on your hair.

Finally, be patient. While postpartum hair loss can be startling and distressing, remember that it’s only a temporary phase and doesn’t have any health implications. Practice self-care, and consult your doctor if you have any concerns. In the end, the love and joy of motherhood far outweigh the temporary inconveniences such as postpartum hair loss.

But how can we help you in this journey of motherhood? Well, by making a better diaper for your baby, of course. Teddyy Diapers Newborn is one of the best diapers for newborns in India, offering features like susu-magnet technology, an airy fit, high absorbency, an anti-bacterial core, a wetness indicator, and a special navel protection feature that allows airing of the navel region, helping speed up the healing process. See you in another blog!