Treatment For Postpartum Hair Loss
Postpartum hair loss mostly resolves on its own. However, for cases of prolonged hair loss, there are several treatment options like:
- Thyroid supplementation
- Topical progesterone and estradiol lotions
- Oral contraceptives
However, there is not enough evidence to support these treatments.
A study showed that shampoo and tonic containing horse placenta growth factor, pumpkin extract, panthenol, and niacinamide improved hair density and thickness . The horse placenta is similar to the human placenta and contains many nutrients like growth factors, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and enzymes. The horse placenta growth factor stimulates the dermal cells to promote hair growth and blood flow and reduces the recovery period for postpartum hair loss. However, a few patients complained of mild pain and itchiness.
Note: Although minoxidil is used in hair loss treatments, it should not be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers to avoid any chances of fetal deformities .
Here are a few things you may do to prevent postpartum hair loss.
When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Stop
Whether youre losing a lot of hair or just a small amount, youll likely find yourself wondering how long postpartum hair loss is going to last.
Unfortunately, that question is difficult to answer because its different for every woman.
Fortunately, postpartum hair loss usually lasts just a few months. Although occasionally it can last as long as a year.
After that time, most womens hair begins to grow back right away and goes back to the strong, healthy hair she had before her pregnancy.
If you were only losing a bit more than you were before your pregnancy, you might not even notice when your hair loss goes back to normal!
How To Prevent Hair Loss After Parenthood
Numerous ladies adventure dehydration, exhaustion, stress, and dropping estrogen degrees as their body adjusts to daily life after maternity. This creates a raised level of sensitivity within hair follicles, leading to a time frame of enhanced hair loss. Some of this hair reduction is frequently related to the anxiety and also exhaustion of having a child. This disorder is short-lived and must settle within a year after the pregnancy possesses ended.
You can reduce hair loss after pregnancy by taking prenatal vitamins if you are nursing, eating a healthy and balanced diet regimen, and staying clear of strict hairstyles that pull hair away from the scalp.
Dermatologists recommend using light-weight shampoos and conditioners and also viewing a stylist to bring in hair loss seem less apparent until your hair shedding reduces rest.
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How Long Does It Last
“The good news is that this kind of hair loss is reversibleit does grow back,” says board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D. While the hair loss typically peaks around three to four months after giving birth, your growth cycle should level out on its own within six to 12 months.
If it’s been a full year and you haven’t seen any improvement, you might want to visit a derm or hair specialist to make sure there isn’t another underlying condition happening simultaneously, says Ziering.
When Will My Hair Grow Back
You might notice thinning hair within weeks of childbirth, though its not uncommon for postpartum hair loss to take about three months before becoming noticeable. Its often most visible along the front part of the hairline, even though it affects the entire head.
Follow up question: how long will postpartum shedding last? After delivery, hair follicles have to reset in their growth/shed cycle and a remarkable increase in shed can occur for 3-6 months, explained Dr. Lisa Rhodes, a board-certified dermatologist with Westlake Dermatology. So you can expect a period of marked shedding, after which your hair growth will likely have already begun recovering.
An important thing to remember here is that hair growth takes time! Hair grows around six inches per year, which is about a half inch per month, so keep in mind that it will take several months for noticeable new growth to happen.
A few months of shedding plus a few months to start seeing new hair growth, were not talking about an insignificant amount of time here. Most women see their hair return to its normal fullness by their childs first birthday. Many women regain normal fullness even earlier, shared Dr. Vergara-Wijangco.
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How To Help Postpartum Hair Loss
First, the bummer: There’s not exactly much you can do to prevent postpartum hair loss from happening. “Once the triggering event happens and that shifts the hair cycle, there is nothing you can do to prevent it from coming out,” explains Dr. Francis.
However, there are steps you can take to make sure it doesn’t continue for longer than it should. In large, this comes down to making sure you’re doing your best to take care of yourself post-pregnancy by eating healthy, resting when you can, and letting your body heal.
Specifically, diet can play a big role, says Kingsley. A biggie nutrient? Protein. “Proteins are used to build tissue cells, including the cells of your hair, skin, and nails,” she explains. “Eighty to 85 percent of your hair is composed of a protein called keratin. Dietary proteins are your hairs’ building blocksthey make your hair strong and help keep it in its growing phase.”
Other key nutrients, according to Kingsley? L-lysine, an amino acid that helps the body form collagen to give hair shape and elasticity B12, which helps your body make enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to your tissues and vitamin D, which plays a role in the creation of hair follicles .
In the meantime, however, products can help make your mane look and feel thicker until your hair regains its normal fullness. Here are a few great buys from supplements to hair care supplies to add to your postpartum hair-care routine.
How Long Does Hair Loss Last After Pregnancy
As a rule, hair loss does not last long after pregnancy. However, this can occur in clusters and is uncomfortable for the new mother. Usually the hormone level regulates itself after a period of three to six months. Afterwards, the hair loss ends after pregnancy and the hair grows normally again. In a few cases it also takes about a year before the hormone level can regulate itself again and the hair loss ends after pregnancy and childbirth. Pregnancy-related hair loss is therefore not a cause for concern at first. If you feel otherwise healthy, you dont need to see a doctor. However, if the hair loss is severe, a doctor should be consulted.
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What Causes Hair Loss After Pregnancy
It can be scary to see your hair falling out in clumps or to feel like youre possibly going bald. During pregnancy, your hair was probably thicker and fuller, with a lustrous shine, and then suddenly, after baby, its all falling out. This is due to your hormones rebalancing themselves. In essence, your body is going back to normal.
If you didnt notice, you actually experienced decreased hair loss during pregnancy. This is thanks to the high estrogen and progesterone levels in your body during pregnancy. However, after giving birth, your progesterone and estrogen will drop back to normal, pre-pregnancy levels as quickly as within 24 hours of delivery.
So all of that hair that your body was hanging onto for nine months will suddenly begin falling out. For some, its all at once, in a short period, and for others, it may last several months. Every woman is different, and even every pregnancy is different. What happened with your first child might not happen with your second or third.
Go Easy On The Styling
When youre experiencing hair loss after pregnancy, the best way to stop hair shedding is to just leave your hair alone. That means minimal styling for a while until things go back to normal.
When possible, let your hair air dry instead of using a hairdryer, which dries your hair out and weakens it further. Heat-styling implements like curling irons and flat irons also make your already-fragile hair brittle and dry, and they can actually make the appearance of thinned-out hair more obvious.
Also, avoid anything that pulls or puts tension on your hair. This includes hairstyles like braids, weaves, and cornrows, and hair accessories like rubber bands or barrettes. Minimize hair brushing to just once a day, and use a wide-toothed comb when possible. Headscarves and bandanas are a great way to cover bald patches or uneven hair while still looking stylish.
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Natural Postpartum Hair Loss Remedies
When it comes to your bodys postpartum recovery whether its your hair, your vagina, your c-section scar, or your postpartum bleeding there are a few natural ways to get yourself back on track faster.
- Rest and take it easy .
- Prioritize nutrition in your diet.
- Follow your doctors advice on postpartum care .
Taking good care of yourself may not magically stop your hair from falling out, but it will make you feel a LOT better. And it might give your body the fortification needed to overcome postpartum depletion and grow f*cking great hair.
Products For Postpartum Hair Loss
After experiencing postpartum hair loss, it is no doubt that you are on the hunt for products to help you combat your postpartum hair loss.
Lucky for you, there can be a solution: Laser caps.
Laser caps are FDA-cleared medical devices and deemed to be safe and effective for human use. There are no known side effects from using these devices and they are a completely all-natural, pain-free, and hands-free hair growth treatment option. Laser caps can help you regrow your hair!
Heres how:
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Dealing With Postpartum Hair Loss
While postpartum hair loss is normal, there are medical conditions that can cause hair loss, such as thyroid problems or anemia. If you feel like youre shedding a whole lot with no end in sight, mention it to your doctor to rule out other problems, says Dr. McIntosh.
The only treatment for post-pregnancy hair loss, though, is patience. Theres no magic vitamin or secret supplement that can prevent the shedding, she adds.
If your thinner hair is bugging you, try a new haircut or invest in a volumizing shampoo. And look on the bright side: With a new baby demanding your time and attention, your hair was probably going to end up in a ponytail, anyway.
Being Honest About Hair Loss Can Help
Postpartum shedding is a normal and expected process, Donovon said. Shedding should return to pre-pregnancy rates by the time a woman’s baby turns one, he added. If it doesn’t, a woman should see a dermatologist, he said.
In the meantime, it can help to talk openly about your hair loss with loved ones and close friends, Donovan said.
“With so much focus on the new baby, there is often little attention given to the concerns of the new mom. Talking with others, especially other mothers who experienced hair loss, can be helpful,” he said.
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When Should You Seek Postpartum Hair Loss Help
Of course, its human nature to wonder when it might be time to worry. If youre exhibiting severe postpartum hair loss, reach out to a health care provider. No treatment is needed for postpartum telogen effluvium as it is a the bodys natural response to hormone fluctuations, and it is self-resolving, explained Dr. Aivaz, noting a caveat. If the hair loss lasts beyond one year, a visit to the dermatologist is a good idea to rule out other causes of hair loss.
Dermatologists Tips For New Mothers
If the excessive hair shedding bothers you, these tips from dermatologists can help until your hair regains its normal fullness.
Use shampoo and conditioner that add volume. Heres what dermatologists recommend using and avoiding:
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Use a volumizing shampoo. These shampoos tend to contain ingredients like protein that coat the hair, making the hair appear fuller.
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Avoid any shampoo labeled conditioning shampoo. These contain heavy conditioners that can weigh down the hair and make it look limp.
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Use a conditioner formulated for fine hair. These contain lighter formulas that will not weigh down hair.
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Use conditioner primarily on the ends of your hair. Applying conditioner to your scalp and all of your hair tends to weigh down hair.
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Avoid conditioners labeled intensive conditioners. These are too heavy.
Finding the best shampoo and conditioner for thin hair is really a matter of trial and error. There is no single ingredient that makes a volumizing shampoo or conditioner for fine hair better than the rest.
Try a new hairstyle. Some haircuts make hair look fuller. An experienced stylist can tell you what will work for you.
Many new mothers prefer short hair. A short style can make hair look fuller. Short hair also can be easier to manage, which can save time. With a baby, anything that saves time can be a real boon.
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Hair Loss In New Moms
Hair loss in new moms
Many new moms see noticeable hair loss a few months after having a baby. This is normal and not true hair loss. Dermatologists refer to this condition as excessive hair shedding. The excessive shedding is caused by falling estrogen levels.
If the excessive hair shedding bothers you, these tips from board-certified dermatologists can help until your hair regains its normal fullness.
Many new moms see noticeable hair loss a few months after having a baby. This is normal and it is not true hair loss. Dermatologists refer to this condition as excessive hair shedding. The excessive shedding is caused by falling estrogen levels.
The good news is that this excessive shedding is temporary, and you do not have to do anything to remedy it. Most women see their hair return to its normal fullness by their childs first birthday. Many women regain normal fullness even earlier.
What Can I Do About Postpartum Hair Loss
Here are a few tips about managing this difficult process.
If youre suffering from postpartum hair loss and you are looking for a trusted product that can help you with getting back to full, healthy, and flourishing hair, then try our Voice of Hair PureFix Elixir. The PureFix Hair Elixir is a 6-in-1 hair and scalp treatment that works together to support longer, stronger and moisturized hair. This is what Robyn used, but please know there are no quick fixes. She used the VoiceOfHair PureFix Elixir for over three months. So, the key to using any natural hair care product are patience and consistency!
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