Postpartum Hair Fall: Causes, Duration & How to Manage It

Being a mother is a beautiful thing, though, postpartum hair shedding is not. Numerous new mothers become shocked when they see piles of hair that have been left behind on pillows, hairbrushes, or showers. You might think that you are losing your crowning glory, but do not panic, since this is entirely normal.

Postpartum hair loss is common in almost 80% of women in the initial months after a baby’s delivery. It is a transitional period, and with some careful treatment and insight, you will learn to deal with it.

So, let’s explore why it occurs, how long it lasts, and what you can do with it.

What is Postpartum Hair Loss?

Excessive shedding of hair, experienced after delivery of a baby, is known as postpartum hair loss. It is not actual hair loss but a temporary condition because of the alteration in the levels of the hormones.

It is noticed by most women within 2 to 4 months of delivery and may exist up to a year. You will notice that you will have more than normal hair fall, especially when brushing or washing.

This hair loss might seem frightening, yet be calm, it is normal, natural, and manageable.

How Does Hair Grow?

Your hair grows in a cycle:

●      Anagen – Growth stage

●      Catagen – Transitional stage

●      Telogen – Resting and shedding stage

Any time, 90% of your hair will be at the growing stage, whereas it is only approximately 10% at the shedding phase.

When you are pregnant, your estrogen level is augmented, and this locks the hair during the growing stage. This is the reason why you have thicker and shinier hair.

How Does Postpartum Hair Loss Occur?

Once you give birth, the level of estrogens decreases dramatically. This causes your hair to change in its cycle. A high amount of hairs that were in the stage of growth now go to the shedding stage. This is termed telogen effluvium. The things you may observe:

●       Thinning hair along your hairline or your temples

●       Hair falling out in clumps

●       Reduction in the density of hair in general

There is nothing to worry about, as this is how the natural hair growth cycle is reset in this body. In a normal case, you shed a maximum of 100 hairs daily and have a total of 80,000-120,000 hairs on your head. In postpartum hair loss, you shed over 100 hairs in a day.

How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?

Postpartum hair fall will start after 2 to 4 months of delivery in the majority of women. It tends to reach its peak after the baby is 4 months old, and then it slows down.

When the baby reaches the age of 12 months, your hair ought to be back to its normal in terms of fullness. It is possible that some recover faster and others take a little longer based on the nutritional intake, stress, and health.

What to Do About Postpartum Hair Loss?

Indeed in spite of the fact that you may not be able to totally prevent hair loss after pregnancy, a few clear measures may minimize the effects:

1. Focus on Nutrition

Your body requires some foods to recoup and develop hair. Add:

●       Foods that contain proteins, such as lentils, and fish

●       Iron and zinc to avoid further loss

●       Vitamin C and E to upgrade hair quality

●       Omega-3 fatty acids for scalp health

A good postpartum hair loss treatment is based on eating the right foods.

2. Use Natural Hair Care Products

Feed your roots and scalp using kind-to-your-head products:

●      Apply the hair tonic on your scalp to stimulate it and encourage new growth

●      Massage with hair fall oil to enhance the flow of blood and decrease the breakage

●      Hair growth tonic can help feed your hair follicles for hair regrowth

Select natural products, parabens-free, and non-hazardous products for breastfeeding mothers.

3. Be Gentle with Styling

Avoid the hairstyles that tug on the hair. Avoid the tight ponytail or buns. Instead:

●       Let your hair stay loose

●       Use a combing brush with wide teeth

●       Air-dry your hair instead of blow-drying

Less stress on your hair means less breakage.

4. Keep Stress in Check

One of the largest reasons for hair fall is stress. Take care of your mental health:

●       Practice deep breathing or meditation

●       Sleep when your baby sleeps

●       Take short walks or listen to relaxing music

Reducing stress would aid in the normalization of hormones and hair growth.

5. Stay Consistent

The process of Hair regrowth is gradual. Stick to your routine. Apply your hair tonic, eat healthy food, and pay attention to your scalp.

Keep in mind: consistency is more important than speed.

Final Thoughts

Although postpartum hair loss could be frustrating, it is not permanent. It is the way your body is recovering after pregnancy.

Give your hair a little support from a balanced lifestyle, natural products, and loads of patience. Try the herbal products of Pure Gajah that make you feel in control again.

Accept the changes, take care of your scalp, and remember that good hair will come back as well as your confidence.

FAQs -Postpartum Hair Loss

1: Is postpartum hair fall normal?

Yes, it is a usual outcome of hormonal fluctuations post-childbirth. 80% of women experience it.

2: Can I stop postpartum hair loss?

No, you can only control it by having good care, good nutrition, and other postpartum hair loss treatments, such as hair growth tonic and hair fall oil.

3: When will my hair go back to normal?

Within 6 to 12 months, most women regain complete recovery.

4: Should I cut my hair short?

You do not have to, but you might find shorter hair easier to handle at this stage.

5: Is it safe to use hair care products while breastfeeding?

Of course, if they do not contain harsh chemicals. Natural products from reputed brands like Pure Gajah are safer.