How to Deal With Losing Hair Postpartum
After pregnancy, your body experiences a lot of physical changes and this includes the dreaded postpartum hair loss. Although common, losing hair postpartum can be alarming, especially if you’re a first-time mom and you see clumps of hair falling whenever you brush your hair.
We get a lot of questions about losing hair postpartum so we consulted our experts. Read on to find out the causes of postpartum hair loss, and what to do about it.
Dealing with Losing Hair Postpartum
What are the causes of losing hair postpartum?
To better understand why this happens, let’s first discuss the hair life cycle. It starts with the anagen or the growth phase, then proceeds to the catagen or the transitioning phase, and then the telogen or the resting phase. Eva Proudman MIT IAT at Institute of Trichologists explains, “Estrogen levels drop quite quickly after giving birth and, as such, the hair that has stayed in the growing phase moves into the shedding phase. This is when some women may start to notice that extra hair loss.”
Aside from that, there are also other factors that contribute to your hair loss. “There can be other factors such as diet, tiredness, depletion of stored vitamins and minerals that can lead to a continued and excessive shedding,” says Eva.
No need to panic: postpartum is temporary and lasts for about three to six months after childbirth. If hair continues to shed after that period, it is recommended to consult a specialist as it might be a symptom of an underlying health issue.
How do you avoid losing hair postpartum?
Genetics plays a major role in postpartum hair loss, so there’s no treatment or medication that can stop it from happening. What we can do is take care of our health and hair so we can lessen hair fall and strengthen our strands.
1. Focus on your nutrition.
According to Eva, incorporating good sources of protein and iron in your diet keeps your tresses healthy, as your hair needs around 25% of your total daily protein intake. So stock up on eggs and breakfast cereals—your hair will thank you!
2. Sleep properly.
Yes, this sounds close to impossible as taking care of a newborn will give you lots of sleepless nights, especially for the first few months. Eva adds, “As the hair follicle is the second fastest dividing cell in the body, it needs lots of energy, so sleep really is key.” Melatonin, the sleep hormone, is also known to promote hair growth so try to get as much sleep as you can.
3. Manage stress.
Stress can result in hair shedding, postpartum or not. Managing stress levels will help not just your hair but also your overall well-being. Having sleepless nights and postpartum stress can take a toll on you, so try to take a few minutes or hours to yourself just to relax. Go ahead, meditate or watch an episode of your favorite TV series.
4. Maintain a hair care routine
One preventative way is to maintain a hair care routine by using hair products that combat hair fall. Using a wide-tooth comb, keeping heat styling to a minimum, and avoiding a tight ponytail are some ways to reduce hair fall due to breakage and improve hair health.
Top Picks: Products That Promote Hair Growth
Here are the best hair fall products you should add to your routine:
1. Sunsilk Strong & Long Shampoo
Biotin is a supplement known to improve hair quality and recommended for those who are experiencing hair loss. Sunsilk Strong & Long Shampoo is infused with biotin and aloe vera to make your tresses stronger and softer. If you’re looking for a shampoo for falling hair, consider adding this to your beauty arsenal.
2. Dove Hair Fall Rescue 1 Minute Serum Conditioner
A perfect complement to your shampoo is a conditioner that also aims to promote healthy hair growth. This anti-hair fall conditioner is packed with power serum capsules that penetrate deep into the strands and make them stronger. Specially formulated for hair prone to breakage, Dove Hair Fall Rescue 1 Minute Serum Conditioner helps strengthen weak hair, reduces hair fall, and leaves hair more resilient in just one minute.
3. TRESemmé Detox & Nourish Shampoo
Replenish lost nutrients with a nourishing shampoo. There’s no need to go to the salon if you have an expert-quality product that works wonders. Formulated with natural ingredients like ginger and green tea, the TRESemmé Detox & Nourish Shampoo does a great job in keeping hair healthy and nourished.
4. Cream Silk Hairfall Defense Conditioner
When it comes to extreme hair fall, using a product that promises stronger, thicker hair is key. Cream Silk Hairfall Defense Conditioner has Break-Shield Complex that gives you up to 98% less hair fall from the very first wash. It minimizes hair breakage and leaves your hair softer and smoother, too.
The Best Way to Prevent Postpartum Hair Loss
Postpartum hair loss is only temporary so you need not worry about it too much! Although there are no certain treatments for this phenomenon, there are ways you can make your hair stronger and healthier like diet, alleviating your stress levels, and using products that combat hair fall.
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Feature Image Credit: Photo by Christina Morillo from Pexels
