Postpartum Hair loss can be extremely frustrating, affecting almost all mothers after delivery. This condition is primarily caused by shifting hormones as the body returns to its pre-pregnancy state. While not permanent, post-pregnancy hair loss, also referred to as postpartum alopecia, can affect the self-esteem of moms, who may feel insecure about their overall appearance. 

While there’s no magic elixir to prevent Postpartum Hair Loss, there are some proven techniques that you can implement in your post-pregnancy hair care routine to enhance your hair growth, integrity, thickness, and strength. 

We’ve compiled a list of effective treatment methods to help you combat post-pregnancy hair loss and achieve nourished, strong strands. Dive in and discover these simple yet powerful solutions for healthier hair, even during your postpartum period. Check it out!

Causes Of Postpartum Hair Loss

Before we get into postpartum hair loss treatment methods, let’s take a look at the five primary causes of postpartum alopecia to help you gather insights into this temporary phase.

Hormonal Fluctuations

During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels, particularly oestrogen, can lead to thicker and healthier hair. However, after childbirth, hormonal levels drop significantly. This sudden change can disrupt your hair growth cycle, leading to hair fall after delivery. 

Stress And Lack Of Sleep

High levels of stress and inadequate sleep are one of the leading causes of hair fall during pregnancy and postpartum. Chronic stress often triggers hormonal imbalances and disrupts the hair growth cycle, exacerbating postpartum hair loss. 

Managing stress through relaxation techniques, getting proper sleep, and seeking support can help mitigate this cause.

Genetics

Genetics also plays a role in post-natal hair loss. If your family history includes female pattern hair loss, it is more likely that you will also experience significant hair fall after delivery. 

While genetics are beyond one’s control, understanding the influence of family history can help you prepare for potential hair changes post-pregnancy.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Your body’s nutritional demands significantly increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding. After childbirth, if your diet lacks essential nutrients like iron, biotin, and vitamins, it can impact your hair health adversely. 

This is because nutritional deficiencies weaken the hair strands, making them more prone to breakage. Hence, your post-pregnancy diet should be balanced and rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins to promote healthy hair growth and prevent split ends and breakage.

Tellogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a condition where many hair follicles enter the resting (telogen) phase simultaneously, leading to increased hair fall. 

Postpartum hormonal changes often trigger telogen effluvium, resulting in hair thinning and loss. While this condition is distressing, it is generally temporary and resolves as your body adjusts to its post-pregnancy state.

Poor Scalp Health

A healthy scalp is vital for maintaining hair growth and thickness. However, postpartum hormonal shifts can sometimes affect your scalp’s balance, leading to conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. 

These scalp issues can exacerbate hair loss. Maintaining good scalp hygiene and addressing any scalp-related problems promptly can aid in preventing excessive hair fall after delivery.

How To Prevent Post-Pregnancy Hair Loss

Maintaining a balanced diet and taking postnatal vitamins can help you prevent postpartum hair loss / Image credit: Freepik

Manage Stress

As mentioned above, chronic stress can contribute to postpartum hair loss. Hence, practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to manage your stress levels. 

Adequate sleep also plays a vital role in reducing stress and supporting hair health. Hence, try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep daily. If you are unable to do that, take shorter naps throughout the day, or sleep when your baby sleeps.

Take Postnatal Vitamins

Consult your healthcare provider about postnatal vitamins that are specifically formulated to support hair health after childbirth. These supplements often contain essential nutrients like biotin and vitamins that are known to promote hair growth.

Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is key to overall health, including hair health. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps in keeping your scalp and hair follicles hydrated, promoting strong hair growth. 

Hence, aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day to achieve your hydration goals and boost your hair and skin health.

Consume A Nutrient-Rich Diet

A diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals is essential for healthy hair growth post-pregnancy. Ensure to incorporate foods like fish, eggs, leafy greens, and nuts to provide your body with the necessary nutrients for strong and lustrous hair.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Be careful with the hair care products you use. Avoid harsh shampoos and conditioners containing sulfates and opt for natural or organic alternatives. Chemical-laden products can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage.

Postpartum Hair Loss Treatment

Use protein-rich hair care products to promote hair growth and prevent split ends and breakage / Image credit: Freepik

Post-pregnancy hair loss is a temporary condition and to improve your hair health, we have rounded up some of the most effective hair care tips and products that you can use during this time. Besides these tips, you can also try some home remedies for postpartum hair loss after consulting a hair care specialist.

Give Yourself A Relaxing Scalp Massage

Indulging in a scalp massage not only provides relaxation but also promotes hair growth. This is because massaging your scalp enhances blood circulation, which strengthens the roots of your hair, and prevents postpartum alopecia. 

For optimal results, consider using The Moms Co.’s Natural Hair Strengthening Oil. This potent hair oil contains a blend of hair-loving ingredients, such as coffee oil, amla oil, tea tree oil, Moroccan argan oil, and pumpkin seed oil. These ingredients stimulate hair growth, protect and hydrate your follicles, and prevent excess hair fall. 

Incorporating this nourishing oil into your routine ensures your hair is not only strengthened but also well-cared for, promoting healthier and fuller strands.

Wash Your Hair With A Protein Shampoo

A protein-packed shampoo can strengthen your hair strands, prevent breakage, and combat dryness, resulting in shinier, healthier-looking hair. 

To prevent hair fall after delivery, consider using The Moms Co.’s Natural Protein Shampoo, enriched with hydrolysed silk protein, wheat protein, coconut-based cleansers, and beetroot extracts. 

These protein-rich ingredients lock in scalp moisture, stimulate hair follicles, promote healthy hair growth and add volume. You can tailor your washing frequency (2-3 times a week) based on your scalp type (oily or dry) to achieve nourished, voluminous, and long-lasting hair.

Do Not Skip Conditioner

Conditioning is a vital step in your hair care routine, as it replenishes the essential lipids within your hair shafts and seals the cuticles, ensuring overall hair health. 

For optimum results, you can choose a deeply moisturising conditioner such as The Moms Co.’s Natural Protein Hair Conditioner. This product not only hydrates your hair strands but also repairs damage and eliminates frizz. 

It is enriched with ingredients like hydrolysed silk, wheat protein, argan oil, and natural vitamin E that offers optimal care by moisturising and softening your hair, strengthening your strands, and promoting healthy growth. 

So be sure to incorporate this conditioner into your routine for revitalised, nourished, and beautiful hair post-pregnancy.

Use A Serum To Lock In Nourishment

Hair serums are crafted with powerful active ingredients to provide an extra boost of moisture, imparting a shiny look to your hair strands. You can opt for The Moms Co.’s Natural Protein Hair Serum, which features a blend of botanical ingredients like wheat germ, pea protein, argan oil, and marula oil. 

This unique combination not only deeply conditions your hair but also shields it from damage, smoothens your strands, and restores natural shine. To experience the transformative effects of this serum, make sure to apply it frequently, post shampoo and conditioner.

Try Some Natural DIY Hair Masks

After your little one arrives, visiting the salon frequently for hair treatments might become a challenge. But worry not! You can create natural DIY hair masks at home, that deliver the same moisturising and nourishing effects as a professional spa.

One option is a yogurt hair mask, known to combat postpartum hair loss by stimulating hair follicles and stimulating scalp circulation for faster hair growth.

What you’ll need to make a yogurt hair mask:

• 1 cup of yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of honey

How to:

• Mix the ingredients in a bowl, applying the mixture from the roots to the tips of your hair.
• Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
• Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water.

Use Cold Water For Rinsing Your Hair

Similar to your skin, hot water showers can dehydrate and harm your hair. Hence, opt for cold water rinses instead, as it allows your cuticles to smooth out and lie flat, resulting in softer, more manageable hair. 

Moreover, cold water rinses also aid in sealing your hair cuticles, promoting faster hair growth post-pregnancy. 

Limit Using Heat Styling Tools

Frequent use of styling tools such as curling irons, flat irons, and blow dryers can harm your hair, leaving it dry and fragile. However, you don’t need to completely avoid these tools. Instead, use them cautiously at low heat settings. Also, before styling, apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage and breakage. 

By incorporating these practices, you can enjoy styling your hair while ensuring its health and resilience and also prevent post-natal hair loss.

While postpartum hair loss is a natural part of the post-pregnancy experience for many women, there are proactive steps to minimise its impact. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, using gentle hair care products as mentioned above, and seeking professional advice when needed, new mothers can embrace their locks with confidence, promoting a positive postpartum journey and maintaining beautiful hair throughout. 

FAQs

1. How can I stop my hair from falling out after pregnancy?

Hair fall after pregnancy is common due to hormonal changes. To minimise it, maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, use gentle hair care products, avoid excessive heat styling, and consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance and potential treatments.

2. How long does postpartum hair fall last?

Postpartum hair loss typically occurs 2-4 months after childbirth and can last up to a year. It’s temporary and often resolves on its own. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle aids in faster recovery.

3. What vitamins help postpartum hair loss?

Vitamins such as biotin, vitamin D, and iron are beneficial for post-natal hair loss. Consult a healthcare professional to determine the right dosage and combination tailored to your needs.

4. What are the signs of postpartum hair loss?

Postpartum hair loss, also known as postpartum alopecia, is characterised by increased hair shedding, thinning, or visible patches. It often occurs around 2-4 months after childbirth and can last several months before hair growth returns to normal.

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Postpartum back and knee pain: Experiencing postpartum knee and back pain? We have you covered with effective tips and products to help soothe your discomfort. Check them out!

Cover Image Credit: Freepik.com

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