Postpartum Hair Fall: Causes, Remedies, and Care Tips

• 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 and 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, up to 90% of new moms experience hair loss. This article discusses the causes of 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 a braid or ponytail feeling thicker.

But once your baby arrives, oestrogen levels start to drop and return 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 after childbirth, while for others, 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 hair fall after delivery persists for more than a year, consult a dermatologist to check for any skin allergies or issues that may be causing it, and ask for an after-delivery hair fall solution.

Best Postpartum Hair Loss Treatment

You cannot stop post-pregnancy hair fall, but you can ensure it slows down or doesn't make your hair look too thin or weird. Here are a few postpartum hair loss treatments you can try –

1. Add Biotin and Vitamins to Your Diet – Biotin supports healthy hair, skin, and nails. Adding biotin to your postnatal diet can slow down hair fall.
2. Skip Styling Products – Avoid using silicone serums, gels, or any other styling products, as they can contribute to build-up and lead to further hair fall after delivery.
3. Get a New Hairdo – If you cannot stop or reduce hair fall, give yourself a new haircut or a hair colour that draws attention away from thinning hair volume. 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 washing.

Is Hair Loss After Pregnancy Normal?

A 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 helps 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 1 or 2 eggs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then apply the mixture to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for about 20-30 minutes, then rinse with cool water and shampoo.
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 them to your scalp. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, then rinse 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, then wash 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, such as 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, 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, it's best to consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist for personalised advice on an after-delivery hair fall solution.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy and after delivery can lead to significant hair loss.
• 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 fall can persist if you are not eating healthy or taking care of your hair, or if you do not use hair fall treatment after delivery.

FAQs:

Q1. What causes postpartum hair loss?

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

Q2. When does postpartum hair loss occur?

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

Q3. Is postpartum hair fall normal?

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

Message from SuperBottoms

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Reference Links

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