As a mom, I’m regularly asked questions regarding postpartum hair loss like how to prevent postpartum hair shedding? Is postpartum hair fall real?
About half of the new moms experience postpartum hair loss. Postpartum hair shedding also called as Telogen effluvium is a common yet surprising side effect of pregnancy. Telogen effluvium or postpartum hair shedding doesn’t happen immediately after your baby’s birth. In fact, this type of hair loss symptom can come as a surprise after other postpartum symptoms have passed around four to five months postpartum.
But why does this postpartum hair loss happen?
As you all know hair growth normally happens repeatedly in cycles like growing phase, resting phase and shedding/hair loss phase. During pregnancy, most of the hair rests in the growing phase as the body’s hormones experiences big and drastic changes. But once the baby is born the hormones begins to change as the estrogen levels drastically falls resulting in the shedding phase of hair. So much of hair is shed during this time that the volume of hair loss seems far more substantial that you see hair everywhere.
The question that most people ask me is how to treat postpartum hair shedding?
The answer to this question is pretty simple. You don’t need to treat postpartum hair loss as your hair will regrow once your body hormones are back to normal.
Since you all feel that’s a very long time to wait, here are a few tips and tricks to help your hair regrow, and keep you feel confident!
- What is life without few changes? Try out a new haircut which would help add more volume to your hair by making it look fuller and also help your new hair regrowth blend in
- Use shampoos which would add extra volume and lightweight conditioners that would help keep your hair lightweight
- Be gentle with your hair and provide intensive care while washing, drying, brushing, and styling
- Try to avoid hairstyles which might put strain your scalp and hair
- Eat well to ensure that your body is getting all the essential nutrients to nourish your hair
What to do if your postpartum hair loss continues or when to be concerned about it?
If your hair hasn’t regrown or returned to normal even after a year, I guess it’s a sign for you to consult your doctor. Other factors might be inhibiting your hair’s regrowth and getting your hair diagnosed might be essential for an efficient treatment.
Although postpartum hair loss/telogen effluvium is normal in new moms it can sometimes be scary and anxiety-including for the first-time moms when they do not see hair regrowth in a month or so. However, remember to eat enough and a well-balanced diet which is high in terms of protein, iron, and other key nutrients to encourage your hair cycles to return to normal. Also, manage your stress and prioritize mental health as it plays a very important role in hair regrowth.
Don’t forget that postpartum hair recovery is a long process with its ups and downs, and it requires patience to deal with it.