All You Need To Know About Postpartum Hairfall | Hea Boosters
Long tresses are one of the most valued possessions we women have. Losing them would be a nightmare. Most people lose about 80 - 100 strands of hair every day, but it can get worrying when you start to see more and more hair on your pillow, clothes, and comb, which is a common occurrence after delivery.
Don’t be alarmed. Postpartum hair fall is extremely normal. While it may seem like the rate at which you lose hair has increased, this is not actually the case.
During pregnancy, a mom’s body goes through a lot of changes.
Pregnancy increases estrogen levels and blood circulation which strengthens the hair roots, extend the natural life cycle of your hair and keep it in the growing phase. This allows you to enjoy beautiful, thick shiny hair during pregnancy. However, after delivery, all of the hormones go back to normal levels (except prolactin).
As the levels of estrogen decrease post-delivery, the life cycle of your hair (i.e. your hair fall) goes back to pre-pregnancy amounts. As this starts to happen, you lose the usual 80-100 strands anyway but also begin to lose the older strands whose life had been extended during your pregnancy. This process can take almost six months.
Change in hormonal levels, coupled with worrying and stressing about your newborn’s meals and other activities, getting accustomed to the new timetable, less sleep at night, and a consequent change in diet acts as a perfect recipe for postpartum hair loss. This can be particularly stressful for new moms.
Therefore, taking small steps to prevent hair loss will help you feel better, and you will start noticing changes.
Here are a few things that you can do:
1. Take your vitamins:
Biotin (vitamin B7) is essential for hair growth. It stimulates keratin (a protein that makes your hair strong) and increases hair follicle growth. However, sometimes due to our lifestyles and eating habits, we may not fulfil our daily nutritional requirement and can end up with a lower intake of vital nutrients like biotin. A biotin supplement that promotes hair growth is extremely beneficial during this time.
2. Balanced diet:
Several chores require our attention throughout the day. Due to this, we sometimes forget to sit down and have a proper meal. Having a diet rich in biotin, vitamin B12, and other nutrients will prevent hair loss. Including eggs, a great source of biotin and protein will help. If you are a vegan, tofu and almonds are your way to go.
3. Be gentle with your hair:
Avoid hairstyles that require heat and the excessive use of hair products. Avoid using brushes or combs that may cause pulling. Try to use a shampoo that suits your hair type. Avoid chemical treatments like perms, keratin or rebonding.
4. Oil massages:
Coconut oil massages help fight fungal infections, protect your hair from heat damage and soothe scalp irritation. Mustard oil is another oil that helps in conditioning your hair and helps in treating dandruff. Apart from these, you can also use almond oil as it is rich in biotin and can smoothen frizzy ends.
5. Reduce stress:
Motherhood brings with it a plethora of emotions and feelings so this is definitely easier said than done. It is okay to feel tired and scared sometimes. Moms do not have to have all the answers, all the time. Investing in some self-care when you feel stressed will make you feel happier and less worried so try and make sometime every day for that too.
Adding more nuts and dry fruits to your diet as they are rich in omega-3 also helps strengthen your hair. Sleeping can do wonders for moms too.
While each of the above-mentioned tips will certainly help improve the health of your hair, and hopefully ease some of your anxiety levels over hair loss, remember that postpartum changes take time to settle and be patient. If you have tried everything and yet aren’t able to see the change after 7 - 8 months, consider visiting a hair specialist who will guide you better.
Studies:
Postpartum hair fall is due to a decrease in levels of estrogen:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3884776/
Hairloss in new moms:
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/new-moms