Cold Washing/rinsing Your Hair
This may be much harder to do in the winter or if you live in a cold climate, but washing your hair in hot water allows pores to open. Porous hair not only looks unhealthy but is vulnerable to frizzing and breaking. If you do wash your hair with hot water, at least try to finish it with a cold rinse at the end.
Postpartum Hair Loss Treatment
Knowing the reasons behind why youre experiencing postpartum hair loss, the fact that many other women experience it, or even how long it may last may not be enough to settle a new mothers nerves.
Instead, what most women really want to know is how to deal with postpartum hair loss and get to stop or at the very least slow down.
Luckily, there are several ways to put a stop to your hair loss or lessen the amount of hair youre losing while your body readjusts to life post-pregnancy.
Commonly Asked Questions About Postpartum Hair Loss
Q: When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Start?
A: On average, postpartum hair loss starts around 3 months after delivery.
Q: How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?
A: Postpartum hair loss is definitely a bit annoying, but the good news is that it is usually temporary. Most women notice hair loss slowing significantly anywhere between 6 months to 1 year after giving birth.
Q: Is There Anything I Can Do to Stop Hair Loss After Pregnancy?
A: Postpartum hair loss will usually run its course in a few months time. However, there are things that can be done to minimize the appearance of hair loss after baby, including nutrition, styling, and prevention of further damage.
Don’t Miss: How To Reduce Hair Loss Post Pregnancy
What Happens To Your Hair After Birth
Estrogen and progesterone levels remain elevated immediately after birth, but they start to decline back to normal levels, especially after the first 3 months. What that means, however, is that all those hairs that didnt shed during pregnancy will start falling out around that time.
This postpartum hair loss is just your hair resuming its normal hair growth cycle, but because youll have more hair enter that shedding phase all at once, it can feel like youre losing a lot of hair. We know that can sound worrisome, but this doesnt mean youll notice bald spots, just more of a general thinning of your hair overall. The bulk of postpartum hair loss starts 3 months after birth, but it should subside by month 6 postpartum. If you are concerned about the amount of hair you are losing, be sure to speak with your doctor.
Early Signs Of Hair Loss
Mild hair loss during pregnancy is often a sign that the woman is experiencing a healthy pregnancy. But, if you notice significant thinning or bald patches, it could be a sign of an underlying condition.
In order to manage hair loss during pregnancy, its important to stay informed and educated about ways that hair loss can happen during this time. Hair loss can be caused by:
Hormone changes
Nutritional deficiencies
Other conditions
Its also important to understand just how severe the early signs of hair loss may be. For example, mild thinning at the front of your head might mean youre pregnant and experiencing normal hormonal changes, but severe thinning could mean theres another underlying condition.
Recommended Reading: How To Stop Hair From Thinning Female
Your Postpartum Hair Isnt Thinning: Its Just Going Back To Normal
The change wont be immediate though, as your pregnancy hormones will keep circulating as you breastfeed. Like most things, everyones experience is differentand your individual experiences can actually vary from one pregnancy to another.
Thankfully, there are a couple things you can do to make that transition more manageable. First, make sure youre being extra gentle with your tresses so that you dont add hair breakage to your list of postpartum concerns. Dont be afraid to shampoo your hair when you need to, and when you do, reach for your Wake Up Call Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner to add some life back into your locks. Despite popular opinion, excessive shampooing will not increase the amount of hair lostif your hair is ready to fall out, it will. It can, however, begin to dry out your scalp, so its best to be mindful of that.
Taking care of a new baby is stressful enough. Whether its your first baby or your last, youve got enough on your plate. You shouldnt have to worry about your hair on top of literally keeping a small human happy and healthy.
Try to minimize the stress placed on your body by remembering to take your vitamins, eat healthier and supplement your wellness routine with hair, skin and nail supplements. And if you need that little extra something? Weve even got a new supplement that can bring the glow back to your skin.
What Are The Worst Types Of Hair Extensions For Your Hair
Its worth noting that if incorrectly applied to the hair, any type of hair extension can be damaging. Glue-in hair extensions can damage the real hair if not placed correctly, as the glue can cling to the real hair and may pull it out when the extensions are removed. Sewn-in extensions also known as a weave can put significant stress on the follicles, as the real hair needs to be braided tightly before the hair extensions are attached.
If applied by a professional, micro-ring hair extensions are a less damaging option as they do not use glue or harsh chemicals however, the rings can slip down the hair, so be wary of this. Clip-in extensions are a temporary solution that most people use for one-off events rather than repeated use, which minimises damage, but if worn regularly these may also damage the hair and scalp.
Read Also: Does Smoking Pot Cause Hair Loss
Krastase Genesis Serum Anti
If your hair has always been prone to fall, this luxe oil is a worthwhile investment. Used daily, it helps to increase hairs resilience, strengthening strands to create the appearance of a thicker head of hair. It also keeps the scalp healthy, creating the optimum environment for new hairs to grow, as well as taking care of existing ones.
Avoiding Heating Or Over
Most of us dont realize how much we put our hair through on a daily basis until it starts falling out! Using heat on your hair will dry it out and leave it brittle, causing even more hair to fall out. If you absolutely have to dry your hair, use a heat protection spray or serum and avoid using the highest temperature setting.
Read Also: What Foods Cause Hair Loss
Postpartum Hair Loss: How To Stop It Naturally
Discover why youre experiencing hair loss after pregnancy and find out how to stop postpartum hair loss naturally.
Postpartum hair loss happens to ALOT of women! It happened to me. Three times!
My third baby is now 13 weeks old and Im currently deep in the trenches of it occurring for the third time. However this time Im actively nourishing my body to help decrease the amount of hair Im losing.
You can decrease how much hair you lose too!
First, learn what causes your hair to fall out after having a baby. The common reasons and the not as common reasons.
Then, discover which nutrients your body needs, which foods to get them from, and which supplements really work to help stop postpartum hair loss.
Modify Your Hair Care Routine
You may find that modifying your hair care routine can help stop further hair loss. Try using a postpartum hair loss shampoo that is fortified with biotin and silica and a deep-moisture conditioner.
Hair is more fragile when wet so brush gently after you wash your hair or wait for it to dry. Set your hairdryer to a cool setting and avoid using hot rollers or straightening irons to prevent further damage that can be caused by excessive heat.
Your hair may also benefit from other specialty products that a dermatologist can recommend, like scalp sprays and hair masks.
Also Check: Are Hair Loss Treatments Safe
Making The Most Out Of A Hairy Situation
Theres no doubt about it postpartum hair loss can be a tough pill to swallow. It can shake your confidence and make you self-conscious at a time when youre already undergoing so many changes.
But try not to let it get you down too much. Sometimes the best attitude to adopt during times of adversity is gratitude, even when its hard to do. There are worse conditions you could be dealing with, and I tried to keep that in mind when I faced this problem.
Luckily, until your body corrects itself, there are ways to disguise the severity of your hair loss. Use the tips mentioned above, particularly finding a good volumizer, blow-drying your hair upside down, and freshening up your layers or going with a shorter style.
Medically Reviewed by
Best Prenatal Vitamin For Hair Loss
One of the best over-the-counter prenatal vitamins for hair loss is Feed Mom & Me Complete Prenatal with DHA. It is backed with all the vitamins and minerals needed for healthy hair growth.
This prenatal supplement is formulated by an OBGYN & Registered Dietitian, containing all the nutrients needed to conceive and during pregnancy. Each small and easy-to-swallow pill is packed with 22 vital natural nutrients to provide nutritional support for you and your growing baby. It contains Vitamin A, B Complex, Vitamin C, D, E, Iron, Zinc, Calcium, and Selenium.
The vegetarian formula is free of artificial colors or flavors, chemicals, preservatives, non-GMO, dairy, soy, or gluten-free. Adding to that, it is a women-owned company. Who better than a female would understand pregnancy!
Recommended Reading: How Does Lllt Work For Hair Loss
Taking Care Of Yourself
The postpartum period is one of the best times while also being one of the toughest times.
During the postpartum period, it is important to take good care of yourself. Taking care of yourself will help to reduce your postpartum hair loss.
Good nutrition is important, as you read about in this post. But you need to take care of your whole self. It can be tough but you should also pay attention to what you are putting on your body.
Ginger Infused Coconut Oil
You probably hear often that ginger has many stimulating and healing qualities, but did you know that ginger can help encourage hair growth? The natural warming effects of ginger helps to increase scalp blood circulation. This magical root contains the antioxidant gingerol, which helps to fight against free radical damage and cell repair. Ginger infused oils have even been used as natural hair conditioners, as it is rich in minerals and essential oils to help the hair be more manageable, softer, and shinier! Ginger also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which help clean the scalp! Talk about a powerhouse remedy for your hair.
You can easily make your own ginger infused oil at home with only two ingredients: ginger and oil! .
Directions:
You May Like: Is There A Prescription For Hair Loss
What Is Postpartum Hair Loss
During pregnancy, your estrogen and progesterone levels soar, particularly from the second trimester. Estrogen, in particular, has a powerful effect on multiple systems in the body including the skin and sebaceous glands, and also on the underlying growth pattern of hair. Many women notice improvements in skin and hair quality during pregnancy and fast-growing, hydrated hair. The changes in hair can be attributed to the way estrogen impacts the specific pattern of growth unique to hair.
Our hair follicles, the small organs that produce hair, operate in a pattern of growth, rest and fall that repeats many times in your lifetime. Usually, each follicle follows its own pattern in its own time and in this manneryou are continually shedding at a rate of about 50-100 hairs a day. During pregnancy, the excess estrogen encourages the hair to enter and stay in the growth phase, grow faster and shed less, somewhat synchronizing the follicles in their growth.
Following labor and birth, estrogen and other hormone levels fall rapidly to pre-pregnancy levels. In addition, cortisol levels remain high, and in some women thyroid hormones can get out of balance. This creates a rapid synchronous transition of follicles out of their growth phase and into the resting phase. Couple this with the lack of sleep, potential nutritional stress and the demands of caring for a newborn and a perfect storm for hair loss is in place.
What Are The Symptoms Of Postpartum Hair Shedding
On average, it is normal to lose up to 100 hairs a day, provided they are growing back. However, postpartum shedding can result in as many as 400 hairs being shed in a 24 hour period.
You will probably notice more hairs coming out when you brush and style, in your shower drain, and perhaps on your pillow and clothes. Rest assured that this type of hair loss is always temporary and is nothing to worry about at all.
Feel free to continue shampooing, conditioning and styling your hair as normal. These actions will not cause or worsen shedding.
Hair shedding should slow down around 6 months postpartum. If you find that it does not, there may be another underlying issue. Pregnancy can affect your thyroid function and your ferritin levels, both of which can impact your hair. The stress of having a newborn and/or breastfeeding may also take a toll on your body. If your hair shedding does not ease off after about 6 months, we suggest that you consult with a Trichologist and/or your doctor.
If you are worried about any form of hair loss, our Clinics in London and New York specialise in all aspects of hair and scalp health, and will be pleased to welcome you.
Don’t Miss: Why Is My Hair So Thin On Top
These Are The Three Stages Of Hair Growth
Well start with the anagen phase, which is the period of time in which your hair grows. Your hair cells are rapidly dividing and creating new hair at the base of the follicle, and this is what contributes to the length and thickness of each strand. A hair follicle will remain in this phase for 3-5 years.
After that comes the catagen phase, a transitional period in which the hair reaches its maximum growing capacity and eventually stops getting longer, but remains attached to the root. This usually lasts for 2-3 weeks.
Next up is the telogen phase, also known as the resting and shedding period, and this is when your hair is fully formed and no further growth occurs. Your hair will fall out at some point in this stage . This usually lasts 3-4 months.
As soon as a hair follicle falls out, it begins the anagen phase again, leading to new hair growth. These stages can start and stop at different times depending on things like diet, stress, and illness. Whats more, every hair on your head is on its own timeline, which is the reason why we dont grow all of our hair over 5 years and then shed it all at once thankfully. Thats also why its normal to lose hair on a daily basis. In fact, its expected that most people lose 50-100 hairs per day, on average.
But can you guess what disrupts these regular cycles? Yep, hormones. Pregnancy hormones to be specific. So lets look at what happens