If you thought the stress of having a new tiny human to look after was the cause of your post partum hair loss, you are not alone.
Most women find that pregnancy makes their hair thick and full only to fall out just as fast after giving birth.
Here is why post partum hair loss is normal and what you can do about it.
What Is Post Partum Hair Loss?
Postpartum hair loss is a common condition that many women experience after giving birth. This is due to hormonal changes in the body, which cause an increased amount of hair to enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle. As a result, hair may fall out more easily and in greater quantities than usual.
What Causes Post Partum Hair Loss?
During pregnancy, we might experience luscious locks of shiny hair with quite the opposite after giving birth. These changes are due to hormonal imbalances. Specifically progesterone, and estrogen. During pregnancy, higher levels of estrogen can prolong the growing phase of the hair growth cycle. After giving birth, estrogen levels drop, causing more hair to enter the resting phase and fall out.
Changes related to your hormone levels before, during, and after pregnancy can affect hair growth. It’s completely normal to experience a hormonal imbalance after giving birth, and one of the symptoms of hormonal imbalance is postpartum hair loss.
Our hair grows in a cycle that has four phases. The growing phase of a strand of hair is called anagen and determines the length of our hair. After some time, the hair follicle enters a transition phase known as catagen before entering its resting phase called the telogen phase. The hair then sheds, known as the exogen phase and the process repeats.
Here are other factors that can contribute to hair loss:
Stress: The physical and emotional stress of childbirth can contribute to postpartum hair loss.
Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of certain vitamins and minerals, such as iron, can lead to hair loss.
Genetics: Some women are simply more prone to hair loss than others, and postpartum hair loss may be a hereditary condition.
Thyroid problems: An overactive or underactive thyroid can cause hair loss.
How Long Should Post Partum Hair Loss Last?
Postpartum hair loss typically begins several months after giving birth and can last for several months or up to a year. However, in most cases, the hair will eventually grow back and return to its normal thickness and fullness.
It’s also important to remember that postpartum hair loss is a normal condition and not a cause for alarm. With proper care, your hair should eventually grow back and return to its normal thickness and fullness.
How To Stop Post Partum Hair Loss?
To help manage postpartum hair loss, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, as well as taking steps to protect and care for your hair, such as using gentle hair products, avoiding heat styling, and not pulling the hair tightly.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for postpartum hair loss, as the best course of action will depend on the individual woman and additional causes of her hair loss. However, here are some treatments that may be helpful:
- Hormonal therapy: If postpartum hair loss is due to hormonal imbalances, hormonal therapy may be recommended by a doctor. This can help regulate the levels of hormones in the body and reduce hair loss.
- Topical Minoxidil: Minoxidil is a medication that is applied to the scalp and can help stimulate hair growth. It’s available over the counter and has been shown to be effective for some women experiencing postpartum hair loss.
- Nutritional supplements: A balanced diet that includes vitamins and minerals that are essential for hair health, such as biotin, iron, and vitamin D, can help promote hair growth.
- Scalp massages: Gentle scalp massages can increase blood flow to the scalp and help stimulate hair growth.
- Low-level laser therapy: Low-level laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level lasers to stimulate hair growth.
- Avoid styling and chemical treatments: Avoid using heat styling tools and chemical treatments, such as hair dyes and relaxers, as they can damage the hair and make hair loss worse.
It’s important to keep in mind that hair loss after childbirth is a normal and temporary condition, and in most cases, hair will grow back on its own. However, if hair loss persists or is severe, it’s a good idea to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
