Home LifestyleFashion, Beauty & Haircare My Experience Of Postpartum Hair Loss | 3 Tips For Regrowth & Treating Thinning Hair

My Experience Of Postpartum Hair Loss | 3 Tips For Regrowth & Treating Thinning Hair

by Author: Jade Lloyd

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Are you suffering from postpartum hair loss? 

During pregnancy, higher levels of Estrogen prolong hair’s growth phase, which results in less shedding and thicker locks in Rapunzel-esk proportions. It unfortunately does not last. The medical term for post baby hair loss is effluvium, which commonly occurs in the months after childbirth due to the sudden change of hormones in your body. Because of this there is not much you can do to stop it, but you can minimise the effects with good haircare.

New mothers are said to shed about 400 hairs a day. So, if you are finding clumps of hair in the shower there is not anything to worry about. Personally, I noticed receding at my temples and very fine regrowth that made me resemble a crested penguin. It’s important to remember that postpartum hair loss is only temporary and a natural process.

The postpartum period is one of the best times while also being one of the toughest times.

In those sleep deprived, first months of motherhood, you’ll be lucky to get dressed, let alone worry about your tresses. My loss was still heavy well after baby Norah hit her 1st birthday, where I noticed my parting was thinning which made me self-conscious. Becoming stressed about the situation will only exacerbate things. As my normal growth pattern had not returned, I consulted a trichologist to make sure there wasn’t an additional underlying cause for the hair loss.

She shared with me THREE simple tips to promote healthy hair growth.

#Consider your diet and supplements.

I don’t know about you but after 3 hours sleep a night, this mother survives off coffee and sugary confectionary, primarily Snickers bars. Eating a healthy balanced diet is one of the biggest factors impacting the health of hair. Munch on plenty of fruits and vegetables! Your hair is made of protein, so eating enough red meat, fish, eggs, tofu and lentils is vital. Both nutritional deficiencies, as well as excesses, of certain things in your diet can result in hair loss (and nail weakness). Vitamins C, D, Iron and Zinc are very helpful in reducing postpartum hair loss. Hydrate! Drink approximately 1.5-2 litres of water a day depending on your activity level and climate. Your scalp, just like your skin, can become dehydrated, making for a poor growing environment.

#Remember less is more.

Take a break from dying your hair (unless its naturally based like Henna) or over styling with heat products. Skip the hair dryer and straighteners for a while. The ‘mum bun’ may be an easy up-do but refrain from putting your hair up too tightly. This can cause breakage. Instead keep hair away from your face with bobby pins and leave it loose. Changing your parting position can also reduce tension if you’re constantly pulling your hair back to only one side. I had a few inches cut off with a wave, so the style made my hair appear thicker. We all know the importance of regular trims.

#Consider your washing routine.

It may be an obvious suggestion when you are busy with a new baby but consider washing your hair less. Use a sulphate free shampoo to wash your hair about three times a week for best results. Mine contains biotin and I also use a deep-moisture conditioner. Hair is more fragile when wet so scrunch with a cotton t shirt instead of vigorously rubbing. Brush ends first to avoid splitting the hair. Never use a cheap brush! At home, gentle scalp massage for 5 minutes a day is key to boosting blood flow. Healthy happy hair follicles tend to hold on to their attached hair root better.

Why not try using coconut oil as a mask, apply to your hair and put on a shower cap. Leave in overnight. Wash out in the morning.

#Be patient.

Regrowth will take time and anxiety will not help. Wigs, toppers, extensions and other hair products can be worn to give the wearer confidence in the interim. Remember hair grows in seven-year cycles, we need to accept it can slowly and naturally change over time. Don’t be afraid to explore different styles.

Did you lose hair during the postpartum period? Leave a comment and let me know.

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