Everything You Need to Know about Postpartum Hair Loss and What You Can Do about It 

Pregnancy is a unique time in the life of every woman. For nine months, you can feel a new life growing inside you, and you slowly prepare for one of the biggest challenges and adventures you’ll ever face. Your body changes, and you may be looking towards losing extra baby weight after your bundle of joy finally arrives. But what about that famous pregnancy super-hair? We bet you’d like to keep those! However, you’re likely to lose them as well. 

Postpartum hair loss can start any time after you give birth. The amount of hair you start to shed out of the blue may be a bit alarming. However, it’s a natural process that’s closely related to your hormone levels, and many new moms report losing their pregnancy hair after delivering a baby. In this article, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions regarding postpartum hair loss. You’ll also learn what to do to deal with it. Keep on reading to find out everything you need to know about excessive hair shedding after giving birth! 

Postpartum Hair Loss: What Are the Causes? 

Postpartum hair loss is not a true hair loss; dermatologists refer to it as excessive hair shedding. Normally, you lose small amounts of hair every day, and there’s nothing to worry about that. However, it’s your hormones that impact any hair changes you may be experiencing. 

According to experts from the Primal Harvest, during pregnancy, your body produced high levels of estrogen that prevented your usual hair loss and made your hair stronger, lustrous, and full of volume. This effect was supported by other factors decreasing your hair loss, such as pregnancy-related increased blood volume and circulation. So, what happens after you give birth? Your hormone levels drop back to normal. This means that the extra hair you managed to grow during the previous nine months is going to drop as well. That’s why, instead of falling the usual 100 hairs a day, you may notice much bigger clumps falling out. 

Is It Normal? 

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, postpartum hair loss is completely normal, even though it may look disturbing. Many new moms start shedding their hair a few months after giving birth. Fortunately, it’s a temporary condition that eventually passes after some time. 

How Long Does It Last? 

Many new moms experience postpartum hair loss. Four months after giving birth, hair shedding is usually at its peak. However, it should stop by the time of the child’s first birthday. If you don’t regain your normal hair growth after one year, you may consider seeing a dermatologist. After such time, it’s possible that another factor causes your hair loss. Without an accurate diagnosis, you won’t be able to start the necessary treatment, and you’ll continue to experience these unwanted symptoms. 

Is It Dangerous? 

Hair loss per se is not dangerous. However, if you’re a new mom and you’ve noticed excessive hair shedding, watch out for hair tourniquets. They can form when a strand of hair falls out and wraps around a baby’s body part, such as a finger or a toe. Sometimes a single strand of loose hair can wrap so tightly around it that it causes an infection or cuts off circulation. It doesn’t happen often, but you should know what to do in this case. 

Whenever you see a strand of hair wrapped around your baby’s fingers, toes, or other body parts, you need to remove it. If you manage to find a loose end, unwind it gently. However, if you’re unable to see it, don’t panic. Use a small knife or scissors to gently cut the hair and remove it. The worst-case scenario will be if you’re unable to remove the hair whatsoever because it’s wrapped too tightly. You should then get medical help and let a doctor remove a hair tourniquet.  

What Can You Do About Postpartum Hair Loss? 

If you happen to experience excessive hair shedding after pregnancy, don’t worry. You now know the causes, and you also know it’s not going to last forever. However, you can help your organism fight postpartum hair loss. Below, you’ll find six effective tips on how to deal with it. Feel free to try all of them out and combine them for better results. Keep in mind that there’s no cure for hair loss, but these solutions should help you minimize the damage. 

Maintain Healthy Diet 

 As a new mom, you should remember to eat healthy before, during, and after your pregnancy. Having a well-balanced diet is beneficial both for you and your baby, especially if you keep breastfeeding. After all, your organism has to stay strong and regenerate, and you also need to provide your child with the right amount of nutrients.  

However, if you experience excessive postpartum shedding, you may consider introducing other foods into your diet, as some are known to promote healthy hair growth. These include products rich in fatty acids, such as avocado, almonds, salmon, flaxseeds, or chia seeds. Shrimp and eggs are great sources of protein, which may also facilitate hair growth. Opt for beans if you want to try an alternative, plant-based source of protein. Furthermore, don’t forget about products that are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as berries, spinach, sweet potatoes, or sweet peppers.  

Consider Taking Dietary Supplements 

Even the healthiest diet plan won’t guarantee that you take in 100% of vitamins and minerals your body needs. However, you can help it by taking dietary supplements and vitamins. Experts recommend taking your prenatal vitamins after your baby is born, and you’re still breastfeeding. Keep in mind they should supplement and not substitute for a healthy, well-balanced diet. Combining supplements and high-quality foods is your best bet to stay in good health, provide your baby with the right amount of nutrients, and avoid excessive shedding. 

Avoid Excessive Hair Styling 

If you’re experiencing postpartum hair loss, chances are your hair is weaker and thinner than it used to be. Heating it up with a curling iron or a dryer will weaken it even more and may lead to excessive breakage. Consider letting your hair air-dry to curb the thinning. You don’t need to stop styling your hair completely. There are many heatless ways to do so; for example, you can braid your hair for the night or sleep in sponge curlers. 

Be Mindful of the Products You Use 

People who notice they start to lose their hair often look for conditioning shampoos or “intensive” conditioners. However, such products are usually too heavy for your hair and can make it look limp. Instead of rejuvenating your hair, they’ll weigh it down. Additionally, avoid applying conditioner to your scalp and all of your hair – it will weigh it down even more instead of making it appear fuller. 

Use Different Types of Hair Products 

Now you know that you should avoid using products that are marketed as “deeply conditioning.” What’s your alternative, then? The answer is not that simple because you’ll achieve the best results if you start using different types of hair products. 

First, consider purchasing a volumizing shampoo. High-quality volumizing products contain healthy ingredients, such as protein. These ingredients coat the hair and make it look fuller. You can also use hair masks or conditioners formulated for fine hair. These products won’t weigh down your hair that much because they contain more lightweight formulas. Don’t forget about your ends, either! To avoid split ends and strengthen your hair, look for conditioners that target this specific area, or use your usual conditioner but focus primarily on your ends. 

Get a Haircut 

Cutting your hair may seem like a counterintuitive move on your part. However, it’s actually a good way to keep it under control. If you notice excessive shedding after you give birth, consider going to your stylist. You’ll feel better for two reasons: you’ll know you’re doing something just for yourself, which may incredibly boost your mood and self-esteem. You’ll also strengthen your hair and promote its growth. 

The Bottom Line 

Giving birth to a child is one of the reasons why you could be losing your hair. After all, pregnancy takes a toll on your body, and your hormones are all over the place. Fortunately, it’s a normal occurrence, even though it may (understandably so!) bother you. 

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If postpartum hair loss is problematic to you, there are some solutions that can help you minimize the damage. While there’s no medicine that can cure it definitely, you can consider taking supplements and vitamins for strong, healthy hair. A well-balanced diet is also crucial, not only for you but also for your new baby. Additionally, you should avoid styling your hair with heat and opt for volumizing hair products instead of those advertised as “deeply conditioning.” 

 

Ultimately, remember that it’s not going to last forever. Your hair should regain its usual fullness up to a year after you give birth, and in many cases, it happens even sooner. However, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if you notice prolonged and suspicious symptoms.