You might notice some shedding - sometimes in clumps - soon after your baby arrives and guess what, it is totally normal! Postpartum hair loss is a common condition that occurs three months after childbirth and can last up to six months. Yes, it is only temporary and for most women, their hair will grow back to its original fullness.
Postpartum hair loss causes
A person loses approximately 100 hairs a day on average, but not all at once, so you probably don't notice them. When you are expecting, however, your high levels of estrogen keep those hairs intact and do not fall out some women find pregnancy makes their hair thicker. But like other good things, they come to an end. When those hormones drop back to normal, so does your extra hair.
Postpartum hair loss duration
Though it may be stressful for you to lose hair, postpartum hair loss is a temporary condition. You are not going bald, mommies! You are just getting back to normal. If you are breastfeeding, some of the extra hair may still hang on to your scalp until you wean off or start to supplement with formula or solids.
However, breastfeeding or not, by the time your little one turns one, your catch-up hair loss will stop and your locks should be back to the way there were pre-pregnancy.
Postpartum hair loss prevention
Can you stop postpartum hair loss? Probably not. But, you may be able to control it by consuming nutritious foods as they can help keep your hair strong, healthy, and intact (to some degree). Hence, don't cut your protein and iron intake! That said, if the shedding seems unusual, you may want to check with your doctor.
Treatments for postpartum hair loss
There are no specific treatments for postpartum hair loss, but consider these steps to help your hair feel fuller and prevent further hair loss and damage.
- get the right nutrients - keep your hair healthy by eating a well-balanced diet and continuing to consume your prenatal vitamin supplement.
- be gentle with your hair - be extra gentle with your hair to prevent excess hair loss after childbirth. Shampoo only when necessary, use a good hair conditioner, and comb your hair using a wide-toothed comb to minimize tangling.
- use the right hair accessories - use scrunchies or barrettes to put your hair up instead of elastic bands. Be sure to not pull hair into tight ponytails.
- turn down the heat - skip blow-dryers, curling and flat irons if you can.
- take a break from chemical-based treatments - hold off any highlights, perms, and straightening sessions until the shedding stops.
