A woman’s body experiences many changes during pregnancy. It is a unique nine-month period in which you may experience morning sickness, your belly expands and your back starts to ache. After your baby arrives, your body will experience more upheaval, ranging from hormonal changes to postpartum hair loss.
Many women don’t talk about this latter issue, even though it affects forty to fifty per cent of new mums. It might be that, with the arrival of a baby, women are just too busy to worry about their hair. Alternatively, it might be fear or embarrassment that stops them from talking about it; those clumps of hair in the shower or on your pillow can be alarming, whether you choose to talk about them or not.
The Truth About Hair Loss After Childbirth
Your hormones are the culprits for the changes in your hair during pregnancy, as well as for any postpartum hair loss. We normally lose up to 100 hair strands a day but during pregnancy, hair loss decreases due to the high levels of oestrogen present in the woman’s body.
Once you deliver your baby, oestrogen levels fall. Your hair then starts to fall out in bigger clumps than it did when you were pregnant. In truth, you’re probably only losing the same amount of hair that you would have done in a normal nine months, but it seems more because it happens over a shorter time.
The Role Stress Plays In Hair Loss
Many women who have recently given birth report experiencing heightened levels of stress. This can cause the hair from the anagen phase, or growth cycle, to quickly move to the telogen phase, resulting in shedding.
When Does Postpartum Shedding Occur?
You may notice excessive hair loss soon after the baby arrives. This can continue for several months, sometimes even for up to a year, but not every woman will experience postpartum shedding to the same degree.
If your shedding does not slow down or stop, then there might be other health issues at play. Your doctor may decide to carry out a blood test to determine if there’s something more serious going on.
Ways To Deal With Postpartum Hair Loss
While you may not be able to prevent postpartum hair loss, you can take steps to control it. The following ideas might help if you are losing hair after childbirth.
Get A Scalp Massage
A massage is a great way to relax your mind and body, and a gentle scalp massage is no different. It can help relieve the stress and anxiety which are often the triggers for hair loss.
Additionally, a scalp massage supports hair regrowth by stimulating blood circulation within the hair follicles to produce thicker strands.
Stay Healthy
Excessive hair shedding can be an indicator of vitamin deficiency. To keep your hair healthy and thick, therefore, eat healthily and continue taking your prenatal vitamins even after the baby arrives. Vitamins D and E are important for maintaining thick and shiny strands. Include foods rich in iron in your diet, as red blood cells and protein aid the natural hair growth process.
Be Gentle With Your Hair
The time immediately after you have given birth is a shedding season, so be gentle with your hair to prevent further hair loss. Use a wide-toothed comb and a quality conditioner to minimise tangling and keep your hair moisturised. Also, invest in the best sulphate-free shampoo you can find to maintain your hair’s natural oil and avoid itchiness and irritation on your scalp.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing postpartum hair loss, know that you’re not alone. Many women experience this same issue and come out the other side, so it’s not always something to worry about. Although taking care of a newborn is undoubtedly stressful, try and find moments when you can switch off and relax. And remember – you will get through it!
If your hair has not bounced back within a year, you may need to see a specialist. Vinci Hair Clinic can help. Get in touch and book your free consultation with a Vinci specialist today!
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