Postpartum hair loss is a common occurrence for women after giving birth. Many new moms see noticeable hair loss in the first six months after birth, and it can be disconcerting to some. After delivery, the body is depleted of estrogen and progesterone. This causes your hair to grow more slowly and thin out. Hormone fluctuations are inevitable for new moms, and so is hair loss..
Still, there are some things you can do to manage postpartum hair loss. Here are a few:
Nourish Yourself!
After childbirth, your body is wiped out of many of the essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly. Eat foods that are nutrient dense, high in protein and healthy fats. Be sure to take an iron supplement, a mineral essential to thyroid function and hormonal regulation. Consider a D and folate supplement as well. The better you can manage your postpartum hormonal imbalance, the more hair you’ll keep!
Go Easy On Your Hair
Your hair follicles are weaker during the postpartum period. As such, the more stress you put on your hair, the more hair you’ll lose. Try to cut down on shampoo use and get a good conditioner to minimize tangles. Avoid excessive hair products, and try to minimize the use of hair dryers, flat irons and curlers. Don’t go with tight pony-talls, use loose scrunchies or barrettes to keep your hair up instead. You can also consider using a volume increasing shampoo to improve hair volume.
If you stay healthy and go easy on your hair, you can do your best to keep as much hair as possible after giving birth. Still, postpartum hair loss will still most likely occur to some degree after giving birth. Postpartum hair loss typically is over within 6 months after the body gets back to its healthy hormone level. For breastfeeding women, postpartum hair loss often lasts for as long as they’re breastfeeding. Check out this website for additional resources and postpartum support for women.
