Hair loss after giving birth occurs when a woman experiences specific hormonal changes. Many therapies can help combat thinning hair and restore hair to its original thickness, which many women are surprised to learn after giving birth.
Hormone changes are a common cause of female hair loss. Across life, many stages might be characterized by hormonal hair loss. The biggest change will be apparent in women when they stop using birth control, have a child, or go through menopause. Postpartum Hair Loss is most common and typically starts between a few days to a few weeks following birth. It may also impact women who miscarry or choose to have an abortion.
Causes of Postpartum Hair Loss
Hormones, primarily oestrogen, bring on Postpartum Hair Loss. Your hair typically grows in cycles: it grows, stops blooming (rests), sheds, and then begins to grow once more.
However, the greater amounts of oestrogen during pregnancy make your hair continue to grow without ever reaching the shedding stage of the cycle. Your hair will frequently get thicker or fuller than usual as a result.
However, your hormone levels will return to normal within 4-6 months of your child's birth. This hormone dip tells the body to catch up and start losing all that extra hair.
How should you care for your hair?
There are solutions to make this period more manageable and your hair loss less apparent, even though you'll need to wait until your hair loss ends.To maintain a healthier hairstyle, try to follow these dos and don'ts.
Do's
- Consume a well-rounded diet that includes fruits and vegetables. Good diets contain vitamins and minerals that encourage healthy hair!
- Prenatal vitamins should be continued if your doctor suggests it.
- When brushing, washing, and styling your hair, use extreme gentleness.
- Change things up if you'd like with a shorter hairstyle. Having your hair cut may make it appear fuller and boost your confidence. It may also make hair regrowth look more natural. A shorter cut is also more difficult for the baby to tug at!
Don'ts
- Avoid heating your hair. (Avoid using the straightener, flat iron, or hairdryer.)
- You shouldn't style your hair in a tight ponytail or any other tight bun. Your scalp and hair will be under stress from these types of styles. Saying no to rubber bands, headbands, and tight ponytail holders is also necessary for this situation.
- Don't use hair ornaments that might yank or snag your hair.
- Avoid playing with your hair too much, and don't let your kids pull or push at it too much. Do your best to prevent your child from touching your hair.
- Never use chemicals on your hair. Avoid getting your hair chemically straightened, permed, highlighted, or dyed until it returns to normal.