Bringing a child into this world is the most joyful thing in the parent’s life. Giving birth to a child can bring many physical and psychological changes in a mother. Hair loss can be one of the most common changes in a mother post-pregnancy. A mother may notice hair everywhere, such as on pillows or the floor, and sometimes in food.
The fast-growing thick and dense hair makes women happy. Hair loss after pregnancy is a persistent complaint after a few days of delivery. It is normal to shed hair after a few days of delivery. This hair loss may continue for a few months, so don’t panic. Let’s understand the causes of hair loss after childbirth, how long it continues, and some remedies to manage it.
When does hair loss start after childbirth?
Postpartum hair loss doesn’t start immediately after childbirth. Women may experience hair loss 2-4 months after delivery when most other postpartum symptoms have subsided. Most women experience heavy hair loss around 4-5 months after childbirth. The amount of hair loss varies from woman to woman.
What are the causes of postpartum hair loss?
Our body hair grows in cycles (growing phase, the resting phase, and the shedding phase; repeat cycle). Estrogen hormone plays a crucial role in hair growth. During pregnancy, estrogen levels are high in women’s bodies, which promotes more hair follicles to enter the growing phase. Therefore, you experience longer and thicker hair during pregnancy.
After childbirth, estrogen levels return to pre-pregnancy levels, which promotes the hair follicles to enter the resting phase. In the resting phase of hair growth, hair stops growing, and after approximately 100 days in the resting phase, the hair starts falling.
Stress and nutritional imbalance may also cause hair loss after childbirth.
Inflammation of the thyroid gland or thyroiditis also affects hair growth.
When does postpartum hair loss stop?
It is the most common concern of all women when this postpartum hair loss stop. This hair loss is a temporary condition, which starts 2-4 months after childbirth and continues for several months due to hormonal variance. The mother’s hair growth usually returns to normal six months post childbirth. But some women may continue to shed hair till one year after giving birth to a child.
How to deal with postpartum hair loss?
Postpartum hair loss is common after delivery, and you may be unable to stop it. But, with simple care, you can minimize the effects of postpartum hair loss and enhance hair growth, such as:
- Don’t stress yourself out and be patient:
Every woman suffers from these postpartum phases, so be patient as this period of hair loss will pass. Regular practice of relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or mindfulness, helps reduce stress and anxiety. Stress plays a crucial role in hair fall. You can also ask your family members and friends for help in managing stress.
- Eat a healthy diet:
A healthy balanced diet not only improves our overall health but can also improve postpartum ailments and halt the progression of postpartum hair loss. Therefore, you should include food rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in your diet, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, brown rice, and oatmeal.
- You can change your hairstyle to make hair loss less visible:
Long hair tends to fall and makes hair follicles weaken. Because of new responsibilities with the baby and household chores, the new moms can’t take care of them. Even they can’t simply comb their hair for days, which promotes more hair loss. Many new moms are now opting for shorter hair or mom haircuts after childbirth to reduce the hassle. In addition to this, don’t brush your hair vigorously, and do not put pressure by pulling them into ponytails or braids.
- Emphasize on proper hair care regimen:
After childbirth, hair is more prone to breakage and fall. Therefore, change your hair care regimen into postpartum hair care products fortified with biotin and deep moisturizing formula to halt the progression of hair loss. Do not brush wet hair, as they are more to breakage. You can also consult a dermatologist for needful.
- Take multivitamins and nutritional supplements:
Numerous vitamins and nutrients are beneficial in hair loss and promote hair growth. The American pregnancy association recommends the following nutrients for postpartum hair loss:
- Biotin (vitamin B7)
- Vitamin B complex
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Iron
- Zinc
Before starting these nutritional supplements, talk to your doctors.
- Don’t overuse harmful hair products:
Hair sprays, colors, and styling tools can worsen hair loss. Therefore, you should not use them during the postpartum hair loss period.
- Consult with your doctor:
Losing hair develops more stress. After a healthy diet and exercise, if the condition is not improving, this stress increases to many folds. If you have hair loss, even after one year of childbirth, you can consult a doctor and seek help.
Postpartum hair loss is normal post-pregnancy and resolves itself when hormone levels settle. So don’t let it be a spoilsport in enjoying your happiness with the newborn.