Postpartum Hair Fall: Reasons & Treatments

• Introduction
• How Do Hormones Affect Your Hair Fall After Delivery?
• When Does Postpartum Hair Fall Start?
• How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?
• Best Postpartum Hair Loss Treatment
• Is Hair Loss After Pregnancy Normal?
• Home Remedies For Hair Fall After Pregnancy
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs
• Message From SuperBottoms

Pregnancy is one of the happiest phases in any person's life. And the pregnancy glow that comes along, aah! That's the cherry on top of the cake! Due to all the vitamins you consume, healthy eating & water intake, your skin and hair are at their best when expecting a baby.

But once you deliver the baby, all the extra hair you have gained for a fuller head and the voluminous, shiny hair will start to fall off. Unfortunately, as many as 90% of new moms experience hair loss. This article will discuss the reasons behind postpartum hair loss and how to reduce hair loss after delivery naturally.

How Do Hormones Affect Your Hair Fall After Delivery?

We, humans, lose 50 – 500 strands of hair every day while washing or combing hair. However, due to the increased oestrogen levels preventing hair falls, you may experience minor hair falls during pregnancy. This results in extra hair on your head, your hair looking fuller, and the braid or ponytail will feel thicker. But once your baby arrives, the oestrogen level starts to drop and come back to normal. This is why you will experience hair fall after delivery. Generally, you will not lose more hair than you would have lost during 9 months, but because it is happening simultaneously instead of spreading over 9 months, you would see a drastic amount of hair falling off.

When Does Postpartum Hair Fall Start?

Postpartum hair fall typically begins within the first three months after childbirth. This period coincides with the gradual decline in oestrogen levels that occurs after giving birth. As oestrogen levels drop, more hair follicles enter the shedding phase, leading to increased hair loss. While it can vary from person to person, many women notice significant hair shedding around two to four months after delivery. This shedding phase is temporary and usually lasts a few months before hair growth returns to its normal cycle.

How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?

For some new moms, the extra hair is shed within the first three months of childbirth, while for the other few, the hair fall after delivery lasts much longer. But be assured that no matter when the hair fall starts, it will have stopped by the time your little one is ready for their first birthday. Then, within a year, your hair will return to how it was before you got pregnant. If the hair fall after delivery lasts more than a year, you should consult a dermatologist to check if any skin allergies or issues cause this and ask for an after-delivery hair fall solution.

Best Postpartum Hair Loss Treatment

You cannot stop the post-pregnancy hair fall from happening, but you can ensure that they slow down or do not make your hair look too thin or weird. Here are a few postpartum hair loss treatments you can try –

1. Add Biotin & Vitamins To Your Diet – Biotin helps good hair, skin, and nail health. Adding biotin to your postnatal diet can slow down hair fall.
2. Skip Styling Products – Avoid using silicone serums, gels, or any styling products, as they can aid build-up and result in further hair fall after delivery.
3. Get a New Hairdo – If you cannot stop the hair fall or reduce it, give yourself a new haircut or a hair colour that will take the attention away from thinning the volume of your hair. This can also make you feel good, as makeovers are always exciting hair fall treatment after delivery .
4. Change Hair Accessories – Avoid tight elastic bands, as pulling hair can increase hair fall. Instead, go for scrunchies and clutches that keep the hair in place without being too tight.
5. Give Up Chemical Treatments – Avoid any hair treatments that are harsh on your skin or scalp, which can further trigger hair loss.
6. Avoid Heat – Blow drying or hair dryers can worsen the situation if you are already experiencing post-pregnancy hair fall. Avoid heat and let your hair naturally dry after the hair wash.

Is Hair Loss After Pregnancy Normal?

Few things are incredibly normal post-pregnancy, such as leaking breasts, for which SuperBottoms Dry Feel Nursing Pads can be used. Postpartum hair loss, stemming from hormonal shifts after childbirth, is common. Typically manifesting within 3-6 months post-delivery, it's characterised by increased shedding as oestrogen levels decline. This phenomenon is temporary and resolves naturally within a year as hormone levels stabilise. Though unsettling, it rarely indicates an underlying health issue. Maintaining a balanced diet, gentle hair care, and stress management help alleviate concerns. If excessive hair loss persists or causes distress, consulting a healthcare professional or dermatologist can provide reassurance and personalised guidance.

Home Remedies For Hair Fall After Pregnancy

Here are some more specific home remedies for hair fall after pregnancy:

1. Egg Mask: Eggs are rich in protein, nourishing hair and promoting growth. Mix one or two eggs with a tablespoon of olive oil and apply the mixture to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for about 20-30 minutes before rinsing with cool water and shampooing.
2. Fenugreek Seeds: Fenugreek seeds are believed to strengthen hair follicles and reduce hair loss. Soak fenugreek seeds overnight, grind them into a paste, and apply it to your scalp. Leave it on for about 30 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
3. Amla (Indian Gooseberry) Oil: Amla is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help improve hair health. Massage amla oil into your scalp and leave it on overnight before washing it out the following day.
4. Green Tea Rinse: Green tea is known for its antioxidant properties, which can help stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss. Brew green tea and let it cool, then use it as a rinse after shampooing your hair.
5. Coconut Milk: Coconut milk contains essential fats and proteins that can nourish the hair and promote growth. You can extract the milk from a fresh coconut or use canned coconut milk. Apply it to your scalp and hair, and leave it on for about 20-30 minutes before rinsing.
6. Hibiscus Flower Mask: Hibiscus flowers are rich in vitamins and amino acids that can strengthen hair and prevent breakage. Crush hibiscus flowers into a paste, mix it with a carrier oil like coconut oil, and apply it to your scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it out.

Remember to perform a patch test before trying any new remedy to ensure you don't have any allergic reactions. Additionally, while these postpartum hair fall remedies may help reduce postpartum hair loss, it's essential to maintain overall hair health through proper nutrition, hydration, and gentle hair care practices. If you're concerned about excessive postpartum hair fall remedies, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider or dermatologist for personalised advice of an after delivery hair fall solution.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The hormonal changes after the delivery and during the pregnancy lead to massive hair fall.
• The extra hair we gain during pregnancy will be shed in the first three months after childbirth. After that, the hair loss will stop.
• Sometimes, hair falls can last longer if you are not eating healthy or not taking care of your hair or hair fall treatment after delivery.

FAQs:

Q1. What causes postpartum hair loss?

A: Hormonal fluctuations post-delivery trigger hair shedding, typically starting 3-6 months after childbirth.

Q2. When does postpartum hair loss occur?

A: Due to declining oestrogen levels, postpartum hair loss begins within 3-6 months after childbirth.

Q3. Is postpartum hair fall normal?

A: Yes, it's normal. Postpartum hair fall is a common, temporary condition resulting from hormonal changes after childbirth.

Message From SuperBottoms

Hi there, new parents! No matter where you are around the world or in India, SuperBottoms ensures your kids are using the best and safest products. SuperBottoms offers the best cloth diapers, which are completely safe and gentle for your baby, DryFeel langots for diaper-free time, padded underwear for potty training your kids, and period underwear for women. These products suit your baby's delicate skin at any time of year. SuperBottoms is a must-have product for you and your child whether you live in Canada, Kuwait, the United States, Qatar, Hawaii, Bahrain, Armenia, the United Arab Emirates, or the Philippines. SuperBottoms products are also available on Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, FirstCry, Zepto, Swiggy and Blinkit.

Reference Links

1. Postpartum Hair Loss: The 4 Best Treatments
2. Postpartum Hair Loss: Causes, Treatment & What to Expect