Buzz
Pregnancy and childbirth significantly alter your body's hormone levels. This process can alternately trigger changes in the rate of hair growth. During pregnancy, your hair remains in the growth or transition phase, so strands that would normally stop growing or fall out are retained, making your hair appear thicker. Around three months after childbirth, your hair will continue to shed, and all the hair that was supposed to fall out during pregnancy will suddenly shed at this time. Rest assured, this is a normal and temporary condition, and this rate of hair loss will not continue. You should care for your hair gently while waiting for it to return to its normal growth cycle.
Steps
Be Gentle with Your Hair
Avoid overly tight hairstyles. Pulling your hair or styling it too tightly can cause breakage. Over-styling or frequently manipulating your hair can also contribute to hair loss. Opt for looser hairstyles to minimize tension and damage to your hair.
- Avoid tight braids, using hot rollers, or securing your hair with clips and buns.
- You should also avoid hot oil treatments, as they can damage your hair and scalp.
- Refrain from excessive manipulation, such as twisting or pulling your hair.
Use a wide-tooth comb. If your comb has closely spaced teeth, it may pull on your hair more than a wide-tooth comb. This pulling action can lead to increased hair loss.
- Always remember to comb gently.
- Wet hair is more fragile than dry hair. Be careful when combing or brushing wet hair, and avoid tugging or pulling on tangled strands.
Be cautious with heat. Using heat-styling tools can damage your hair and lead to more hair loss. Try to avoid using devices like hair dryers or curling irons. If you must use a hair dryer, set it to the coolest setting possible.
Hair Care
Find products that suit your hair. Certain hair care products, such as shampoos and conditioners, are believed to make hair appear thicker and stronger. You may need to try a few products before finding the one that works best for your hair type and style. Look for products with the following characteristics:
- Choose products labeled “thickening shampoo.”
- Avoid “moisturizing shampoos” as they can make your hair look thin or flat.
- Steer clear of “deep conditioners” as they may be too heavy and make your hair appear thinner.
- Opt for conditioners specifically designed for thin hair.
- Products containing biotin or silica can also be beneficial.
Avoid stress. Stress can increase hair loss. It can cause your hair follicles to enter a resting phase, resulting in thinner-looking hair. You can manage stress-related hair loss by reducing stress. Of course, this can be challenging when you’ve just welcomed a new family member. Remember to ask for help when needed and ensure your partner supports you as much as possible.
Try a new haircut. You can ask your stylist for a new haircut that makes your hair appear thicker. Remember that postpartum hair loss is temporary, and you can always change your hairstyle once your hair begins to recover.
- Long hairstyles can make hair loss more noticeable.
Pay attention to your diet. Your diet can impact the health of your hair. By incorporating specific foods, you can promote stronger, healthier hair. Consider adding the following vitamins and minerals to your diet:
- Protein. Hair is made of protein. A diet rich in protein helps maintain strong hair.
- Iron. If you eat meat, opt for lean cuts as they are healthier sources of iron. Plant-based sources of iron include soybeans, lentils, and spinach.
- Flavonoids and antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables containing flavonoids and antioxidants can help maintain hair follicles.
Consider dietary supplements. Certain supplements can help maintain healthy hair. While waiting for your hormones and hair growth to return to normal, you can provide additional nutrients to support your hair.
- You can take vitamins B, C, E, and zinc.
- Some evidence suggests that oral biotin, zinc, and topical creams containing clobetasol propionate may be effective in treating hair loss.
- Applying lavender oil combined with thyme, rosemary, and cedarwood oils may help treat certain types of hair loss.
Consider using birth control. After childbirth, your estrogen levels are lower than usual. Hormonal birth control can help increase estrogen levels, which may help manage postpartum hair loss.
- Wait at least 4 weeks after childbirth before starting any hormonal birth control. Taking it too early can increase the risk of blood clots.
- If you are breastfeeding, wait until your milk supply is well-established, as birth control can disrupt milk production.
Tips
- Don’t worry. Postpartum hair loss is temporary. Within 6 to 12 months, your hair will grow back to its normal state.
