Hey there, mama! I know being a new mom is such an amazing journey, but it does come with some unexpected surprises. One of those surprises might be postpartum hair loss. If you’re freaking out because you’re seeing more hair in your brush or shower drain, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Let’s chat about why this happens, when it starts, how to manage postpartum hair loss, and some practical tips to help you get through it.
Why Am I Losing Hair After Pregnancy?
So, here’s the deal. During pregnancy, your body is flooded with estrogen, which basically puts your hair in a never-ending growth phase. This means you get to enjoy that thick, gorgeous mane for nine months. But once your baby is born and your hormone levels start to normalize, all that extra hair begins to shed. This process, called postpartum hair loss or telogen effluvium, is totally normal.
When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Start?
Usually, postpartum hair loss kicks in around three months after giving birth. As your hormones settle down, the hair that was in the growth phase shifts to the shedding phase. I know it’s alarming, but trust me, this phase is temporary.
How to Manage Postpartum Hair Loss
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet packed with vitamins and minerals can do wonders for your hair. Think of foods rich in vitamins A, C, D, E, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Stay Hydrated: Water is your best friend. Keep yourself hydrated to maintain a healthy scalp and hair.
- Gentle Hair Care: Be kind to your hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle it and avoid tight hairstyles that tug on your scalp.
- Avoid Heat and Chemical Treatments: Try to limit the use of heat styling tools and harsh chemical treatments, as they can weaken your hair.
- Supplements: Consider taking postpartum vitamins or supplements that support hair health, but always check with your doctor first.
When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Stop?
Most of us see our hair return to its normal growth cycle around six to twelve months postpartum. By the time your baby hits their first birthday, you should notice less shedding and healthier regrowth.
Tips for Minimizing Postpartum Hair Loss
- Be Gentle: Treat your hair with extra love. Use mild shampoos and conditioners, and avoid over-washing.
- Volume-Boosting Products: Give your hair a fuller look with volumizing shampoos and conditioners.
- Regular Trims: Snipping off the ends regularly can keep your hair looking healthy and prevent split ends.
- Stress Management: Stress can make hair loss worse, so find ways to relax. I know, I know. Easier said than done when you have a newborn that doesn’t sleep.
Postpartum Hair Shedding Solutions
1. Diet and Nutrition: Make sure you’re getting enough nutrients to support your hair. A balanced diet can make a big difference.
Key Nutrients:
- Protein: Essential for hair growth. Include lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts in your diet.
- Iron: Prevents hair loss. Good sources include spinach, lentils, and red meat.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Promote hair health. Found in fatty fish like salmon, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.
- Vitamins A and C: Support scalp health and collagen production. Get them from carrots, sweet potatoes, oranges, and strawberries.
- Zinc: Vital for tissue growth and repair, including hair. Found in oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds.
- Biotin: Strengthens hair. Found in eggs, almonds, and avocados.
2. Hair Care Routine: Stick to gentle hair care products and avoid excessive styling.
Gentle Hair Care Practices:
- Shampoo and Conditioner: Choose products that are sulfate-free and gentle on your hair.
- Avoid Over-Washing: Wash your hair 2-3 times a week to avoid stripping it of natural oils.
- Detangling: Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for wet hair to minimize breakage.
Recommended Products:
- L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Volume Shampoo: enhances volume, preserves vibrant color, and provides essential moisture and UV protection for soft, bouncy hair.
- Wet Brush Original Detangler: Specifically designed to gently detangle wet or dry hair without causing breakage.
Avoid Excessive Styling:
- Heat Styling: Limit the use of blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons. When you do use them, always apply a heat protectant.
- Chemical Treatments: Avoid harsh chemical treatments like bleaching or perming, which can weaken hair.
Recommended Products:
- TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer: A lightweight spray that protects hair from heat damage.
3. Supplements: If needed, consider taking supplements that support hair growth, but always consult with your healthcare provider first.
Examples of Supplements:
- Nutrafol Postpartum: Specifically designed for new moms, these supplements contain vitamins, minerals, and botanical ingredients to support hair health and overall wellness.
- Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements for Women: These supplements include a proprietary marine complex, biotin, and zinc to nourish thinning hair and promote growth.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals:
- Biotin: Supports hair strength and growth. Found in many hair growth supplements.
- Vitamin D: Can be deficient in many people and is crucial for hair follicle health.
- Iron: Important for carrying oxygen to your hair follicles. An iron supplement can help if you’re deficient.
- Zinc: Supports tissue growth and repair, including hair.
Hairstyles for Postpartum Hair Thinning
- Side Parts and Bangs: Changing your part or adding bangs can help cover thinning areas.
- Loose Waves or Curls: Adding texture with loose waves or curls can create the illusion of volume.
- Headbands and Scarves: Accessories like headbands and scarves can stylishly conceal thinning spots.
- Layered Cuts: A layered haircut can add movement and volume, making hair loss less noticeable.
- Hair Powder: Hair Powder is like filling in your eyebrows. It makes the area look fuller by coloring in your scalp. I’ll link the ones I’ve used and recommend. All of them are pretty much the same but some are cheaper or have a better color range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can postpartum hair loss be prevented? You can’t completely prevent it, but you can minimize its impact by maintaining a healthy diet and gentle hair care routine.
Is it normal to lose clumps of hair postpartum? Yes, it’s normal to shed clumps of hair postpartum because of the hormonal changes after childbirth.
When should I be concerned about postpartum hair loss? If your hair loss is excessive or comes with other symptoms like itching or scalp irritation, it’s a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider.
Final Thoughts
Postpartum hair loss is a temporary phase that many of us go through.
**My best advice is to let it run its course. I know it sucks! I’ve gone through it twice but you don’t need to spend a bunch of money on serums, vitamins, lotions, and potions.
Remember, it’s just a normal part of the postpartum journey, and with time, your hair will regain its strength and volume.
