Survive nine months of pregnancy. Check.
Bring new life into the world. Check.
Lose your hair after having your baby? That was definitely not on the checklist.
Bringing a baby into the world is a beautiful experience, but it comes with many surprising physical and emotional challenges for mothers, one of which is postpartum hair loss. Postpartum hair loss is a distressing phenomenon involving the shedding of hair, typically occurring about three months after childbirth.
What are the causes of postpartum hair loss? And how can you manage it? If you’re curious about these topics like we were while researching this piece, this is a must-read for you.
So, What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?
Throughout life, your body undergoes significant hormonal changes. From menstruation to pregnancy, hormone levels are constantly changing, each change bringing about different effects.
Hormones are chemicals in your body that control how your body functions. During pregnancy, a hormone called estrogen has high levels, causing hair to become fuller and thicker in most pregnant women.
However, after delivery of your baby, estrogen’s levels drop suddenly, returning to its normal levels before pregnancy, and hair which was retained during pregnancy begins to shed. This process starts around three to four months postpartum and can last for up to 6-12 months, until the hormone’s levels are stable again.
Other factors contributing to postpartum hair loss include the stress of childbirth, and nutritional deficiencies, especially while breastfeeding because your body is prioritizing nourishing your baby over hair growth.
Although it is completely normal, postpartum hair loss can feel overwhelming. While we want you to understand that this is your body’s natural response to the hormonal shifts happening in it, we also want you to know that there are still ways to care for your hair during this period and handle postpartum hair loss effectively.
How To Manage Postpartum Hair Loss
Here are some practical tips to help with postpartum hair loss and minimize its effects on your hair and general well-being:
1. Healthy Diet
Eating a nutrient-rich diet is important for hair growth, but even more so when you’re trying to control hair loss while breastfeeding. Your body is already directing key nutrients to your breast milk, so it needs replenishing.
Focus on eating foods that are rich in iron, protein, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids to restore hair strength. Great sources include vegetables, eggs, fruits, and fish, respectively.
2. Gentle Hair Handling
Postpartum hair is more delicate, as evident in its shedding, and gentle handling is key, hence:
- Avoid brushing your hair while it is dry,
- Always use a wide-tooth comb or your finger to minimize breakage, and
- Limit your use of heat styling tools such as hair straighteners.
3. Quality Hair Care
Postpartum is the perfect time to invest in high-quality hair care products, especially those formulated for postpartum hair care. While these products may not be marketed or labeled as “postpartum products”, any formula designed to support hair growth and strengthening is a great addition to your hair care shelf.
Look for hair growth oils, infused with strengthening herbs for thick, healthy hair. Notable ingredients include Amla and Bhringraj, two of the most revered ingredients in Indian hair care, as well as Castor Oil, which is a staple in African hair care for thicker, fuller hair.
In addition, opt for anti-breakage products to fortify each hair strand, making them resistant to shedding.
4. Stress Management
Stress levels during and after childbirth can contribute to hair loss, as stress puts your body in “fight or flight” mode, causing it to conserve nutrients rather than channelling them to hair growth. To manage stress, try relaxation techniques such as yoga, light exercise, deep breathing, and mediation. Get as much rest as you can, seeking support from family, friends, or postpartum support groups to make this possible.
5. Supplements
Consider taking postpartum-friendly supplements, at the advice of your healthcare provider, of course. This could be a general practitioner doctor, a dermatologist, or a pharmacist.
Iron, collagen, and biotin supplements aid hair growth and are likely to help with postpartum hair loss. For one, they’ll definitely support your diet in carrying out its nutrient provision responsibilities. Remember to consult your doctor before starting any new supplements, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
6. See A Doctor
If your hair continues beyond six months, or if it becomes an extreme bother to you, consult your doctor. Beyond discussing supplements, request a thorough medical check-up to see if there are any other reasons for the hair loss.
In some cases, postpartum hair loss may be worsened by conditions such as thyroid imbalance, and severe nutritional deficiencies that require medical attention.
Conclusion
While these can help manage postpartum hair loss, remember that regrowth takes time. There is no instant way to fix postpartum hair loss, and your hair won’t return overnight. However, with patience, care, and the right hair care routine, you’ll see improvement.
Postpartum hair loss is a natural phase; it’s your body healing from the long journey of childbirth. It can be frustrating, but hey mama, your body has just accomplished the most incredible feat in the world; giving birth! Give yourself grace, trust the process, and know that your hair will regain its fullness over time.
Before You Go…
We appreciate you taking the time to read this blog to the end, and we hope you found it helpful. Please allow us to introduce ourselves quickly.
Shanyi Organics is a brand focused on providing high-quality, safe, and effective hair care products for men, women, and kids. Our products are infused with Ayurvedic herbs and African botanicals to promote hair growth, with the general goal of catering to every hair type, style, and texture.
Explore our hair care products here, or send us a DM for personalized recommendations!