Are you a new mom and wake up every morning with a large clump of hair on your pillow?
Are you tired of scooping hair out of shower drains and sweeping strands off the bathroom floor?
YES!!!
So, let us inform you that all new moms experience this upsetting situation of extreme hair loss after pregnancy, though some lose more than others.
During pregnancy you might have experienced a WOW feeling about your supermodel-like hair. But after your baby is born – your hair unexpectedly starts falling (just like the leaves fall in the autumn) and you’re like – Good Lord, what the hell is going on?
But, don’t worry you’ll not go bald because this is pretty normal and temporary scenario.
In this article, we’ll explain postpartum hair loss or hair loss after pregnancy and how to prevent it. Because we won’t let you suffer from Postpartum Depression.
Why does hair fall out after pregnancy?
American Academy of Dermatology has confirmed that you lose around 50-100 hairs per day but increased level of estrogen during pregnancy disrupts this process. Therefore, most of your hair goes into anagen phase, growing phase of hair cycle.
As a result, instead of falling out, hair stays on the scalp. Now, this explains why you’ve thicker and more luxuriant tresses during pregnancy.
This also answers your other question- Does breastfeeding cause hair loss?
It’s not breastfeeding, but estrogen upheavals in your body that are the culprit behind hair loss after baby. California Department of Public Health has answered most of your questions concerning your diet during breastfeeding your baby.
In addition, estrogen is thought to play an essential role in helping the fetus develop. The sudden increase in estrogen levels during the second trimester also plays a major role in the milk duct development.
So, don’t worry, even if you can’t get rid of those stubborn stretch marks, pregnancy won’t leave you with bald patches or thin hair for life.
You can prevent after pregnancy hair loss to some extent by following some simple tips, which we’ll mention later in the article.
When does post-partum hair loss stop?
Postpartum hair loss usually starts at around three months after delivering baby. The hair loss will be extreme if your hair grew much more than normal during pregnancy, or if your hair is long.
Therefore, hair falling out after pregnancy is a complete hormonal thing. It’ll subside itself by the first birthday of your baby.
Beware Of Hair Tourniquet
Scott & White Health Plan advises new mothers to watch out for hair tourniquets. A hair tourniquet forms when a strand of hair wraps around baby’s finger, toe or other body part.
This single strand can wrap itself so tightly that it cuts off the blood circulation or might cause an infection. But don’t panic because the chance of your baby getting a hair tourniquet is very low.
God forbid, if this happens, then knowing what to do can be very helpful. In the event of a hair wrapped around any body part of your baby, you must remove it.
Here is what you should do
- Look for a loose end and gently detangle the hair.
- If you don’t see a loose end, then gently cut the hair with a small knife or scissors.
- If you’re not able to remove the hair because it is wound too tightly on your baby’s skin, then get medical help.
How To Prevent Hair Loss After Pregnancy?
Many of you might be racing your minds or searching Google to get the answer for – How to stop postpartum hair loss?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzJDOSNz2Y0?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0
But Ladies, let us inform you that you CAN’T stop the loss of hair after pregnancy because it’s natural and will run its course.
You can only minimize the hair fall by following the tips mentioned below
Use a volumizing shampoo, which has biotin and silica in place of a conditioning shampoo:
Why?
Volumizing shampoos contain ingredients like protein that coat the hair and make them look fuller. On the other hand, conditioning shampoos weigh down your hair and make them appear less full or heavy.
- DON’T use the conditioners labeled “intensive conditioners” as they’re too heavy.
- With a baby in the house, anything that saves time is a real boon.
Getting a new haircut, especially short one, can make your hair look fuller. Short hair is easy to manage and also save time:
Why?
Longer hair styles make hair loss more noticeable. Also, hair falling out post pregnancy is not permanent. So, don’t think that you’ll not be able to get that length again. You can restyle your hair once they start recovering.
- You can’t stop the hair from falling out. However, you can experiment with different hairstyles or products, like hair thickeners or mousse to give your locks a fuller look during postpartum.
Be very gentle with your hair and opt for loose hair styles instead of tight hairstyles
Why?
Tight braids or buns, tight hair clips and holders or using hair rollers can strain your hair and contribute to hair loss.
comb and your hair with a wide tooth comb:
If you’ve a habit of playing with your hair, then try to control it because it’ll only aggravate the problem. Always comb your mane as if it’s spun of gold with a wide tooth comb and your hair will thank you for it.
Why?
If you use a comb, which has tightly spaced teeth, it’ll pull on your hair and this pulling can result in more hair loss.
Wet hair is more fragile than dry hair, so try not to brush hair when they’re wet:
Resist the temptation of using your heating tools such as flat iron, hair dryer and curling iron. Because using them can cause damage and increase hair loss.
If you’ve to use a hair dryer, set it to the coolest setting.
Keep stress at bay and stay calm to prevent hair loss after pregnancy because being under stress can increase hair loss:
This, of course, is difficult to do with a new baby. So, make sure to ask for help from your partner when you need it.
You’re what you eat, so watch your diet:
Therefore, eating certain foods can ensure that you’ve healthy hair. Try to include the following postpartum hair loss vitamins in your diet to combat hair fall:
- Protein: Your hair is made up of protein. According to California Department of Public Health, eating protein rich diet will help keep your hair strong.
- Flavonoids and Anti-oxidants: Fruits and vegetables contain flavonoids and antioxidants, which help in the maintenance of hair follicles.
- Iron: Lean meat is a healthy source of iron. If you’re a vegan, then eat soybeans, spinach and lentils.
Conclusion
We hope that all your queries relating to hair loss after pregnancy have been answered in this article. Also, no postpartum hair loss remedy is going to work on your hair because it’s a natural process and you can’t stop it.
However, you can decrease the hair loss by incorporating above mentioned changes in your hair care regime.
If this article has proved to be beneficial for you, then don’t shy away from sharing it with other new moms.
Happy Parenting!!!!
