Many moms experience post-partum hair loss a few months after pregnancy. You see it everywhere – hair on your pillow; hair clogging the drain; way too much hair that’s stuck to your hairbrush.
It makes many new moms worry. Many ask how serious it really is – and they wonder whether it can cause permanent baldness.
Here’s the good news: post-pregnancy hair loss is normal and anti-hair fall shampoo can help you recover your gorgeous locks. Post-pregnancy hair loss, also known as postpartum alopecia, affects up to 90% of all pregnant women. It can cause women to lose up to 400 hair strands a day. It’s a far cry from the normal amount of hair fall, which ranges between 80-100 strands a day.
But as we said, it’s only a temporary condition. Hair goes back to normal after a few months, you’ll see! We’ll explain why it happens and what you can do to manage it. This article is also for dads who want to learn how to help their wives with post-partum depression.
What is Postpartum Hair Loss and Why Does it Happen?
A woman’s body undergoes many changes during pregnancy. Your hormones are the culprit: pregnancy causes a surge in estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin, and prolactin levels. These hormones are meant to help transfer nutrients and support the growth of the baby. High levels of estrogen also give mothers-to-be their pregnancy glow and help hair grow longer, thicker, and shinier than usual.
Once your baby is born, hormone levels drop dramatically, causing a disruption in the hair’s normal growth cycle, and pushing your lustrous pregnancy hair abruptly into the telogen (or resting) phase, which leads to accelerated hair fall.
This change in your metabolism is what causes major hair fall after pregnancy. It’s your hair making up for lost time; you may experience nine months’ worth of hair loss in only three to four months. Post-partum hair loss usually happens three to four months after childbirth, though some women experience up to 12 months after giving birth – and not with all pregnancies.
After a period of heavy hair fall, hair follicles that are “resting” in the telogen phase for about three months begin regenerating hair and restarting the hair growth cycle.
That’s when your hair will be okay again. It’s normal to see hair restored to its normal state about six to 12 months after you’ve delivered your baby.
Mom Tips for Managing Postpartum Hair Loss
So what can one do about it? It isn’t easy to manage in the first months of motherhood, especially when you’re breastfeeding and caring for a baby and not getting enough sleep.
One of the biggest misconceptions about postpartum alopecia is that shampooing hair causes it or aggravates it. You might even be trying to figure out which shampoo makes your hair fall out – when in fact, you could be using a natural shampoo that’s great for managing hair loss.
Hair, just like skin and the rest of our body, is restored to its healthiest state when you take care of yourself. Here are some tips we’d like to share.
- Supplement your diet with iron, zinc, and Vitamin D. Women who have been pregnant need more iron than non-pregnant women. Iron deficiency can decrease the amount of oxygen being transported around the body and slow down cell growth and regeneration, which in turn fails to stimulate hair follicle growth. Zinc and Vitamin D also help against hair fall.
- Reduce stress. Stress is never good for anyone – not for working moms, stay-at-home moms, or brand-new moms! Try your best to get a few minutes of “me time” to do some exercise, quiet meditation, or listen to relaxing music on Spotify. Make the effort small but regular, so you can keep at it and not feel guilty about spending too much time on yourself.
- Eat plenty of food rich in lean protein, omega fats, flavonoids, and antioxidants. Women coming out of pregnancy must treat themselves to a healthy nutritious diet that includes lean protein from fish and chicken; vegetables like sweet potatoes, bell pepper spinach, beans, and avocado; nuts and seeds (like chia or flaxseed); and super antioxidants fruit like strawberries.
- Be kind to your hair. Avoid chemical treatments like heavy hair dyes, rebonding, or any other hair-relaxing treatments. Also avoid pulling your hair into ponytail hairstyles, or tying hair too tightly with hair elastics, which cause great stress to hair strands, even at the roots. Don’t brush too hard; use wide-toothed combs to arrange and detangle hair without pulling it. Your hail will also thank you for choosing a product with anti-hair fall shampoo ingredients.
Remind yourself that hair loss after pregnancy is normal, and don’t let it distress you! Keep yourself strong and healthy while taking care of your hair at the same time with an effective shampoo for hair loss in the Philippines.
More Tips for Moms Dealing with Postpartum Hair Loss
When you’re experiencing postpartum hair fall, it’s important that you stay calm and don’t panic. Seeing clumps of hair in your brush is normal. Always remember that hair loss is not “real,” because your hormones and estrogen levels are in the process of regulating themselves. The hair fall is temporary and by your child’s first birthday, your hair will have fully grown back. However, if the shedding is bothersome, here’s some advice from dermatologists.
- Use natural shampoo and conditioner to keep the hair strong and healthy. Moringa-O2’s Herbal Anti-Hairfall Shampoo with Argan Oil is packed with nature’s powerful minerals, providing the scalp and hair with the essential vitamins that nourish and strengthen the scalp, reducing hair fall, and promoting hair growth.
- Inspect the label of any shampoo you’re using and check for harmful chemicals. PEGs or polyethylene glycol serve as thickening agents in hair products and can be contaminated with harmful chemicals such as highly volatile carcinogens. This can only lead to damaged and unhealthy hair over time.
- Use a natural or herbal conditioner, especially for thin and fine hair. Moringa-O2’s Herbal Anti-Hairfall Conditioner with Argan Oil provides a moisturizing coat that protects and revitalizes every strand for smooth and healthy hair. Filipino moms with weak and falling hair can enjoy the benefits of a gentle and vitamin-rich hair fall treatment that promotes a healthy scalp, effectively reducing hair fall.
- Thoroughly apply conditioner on the ends of your hair. You wouldn’t want to keep your hair heavy from too much weight. Massaging conditioner onto your scalp and combing all the way to the ends of your hair allows you to move the lather away from the scalp for smoother and bouncier hair.
- Like with your shampoo, inspect the label of your conditioner for harmful chemicals or contaminated byproducts. Be wary of sulfates, parabens, cocamide DEA, silicones, behentrimonium chloride, and other harsh compounds that have certain safety use thresholds. For moms with sensitive skin, scalp, and hair, it will be best to avoid using these types of conditioners.
- Pass up on styling in the meantime. Occasional or frequent use of straightening and curling irons or hair dryers and visits to the salon for fancy hairstyling services can only contribute to further hair fall. Moms should allow their hair to restore its volume before applying heat and chemicals before seeking out hairstyling or beautification treatments.
- Watch your daily hair care habits. The simple act of brushing your hair too hard every day can lead to large clumps of hair falling out, so moms might need to make changes to their routines. If you used to brush your hair twice a day, it might be better to limit it to once a day – and be gentle!
- A new ‘do, perhaps? There really are some hairstyles that make your hair appear fuller and voluminous, so think ahead before you pop the baby. As earlier mentioned, be kind to your hair as it can be quite fragile during this stage. A short haircut, for example, is preferred by many moms because it makes their hair rounder and fuller. It’s also convenient to manage while you’re preoccupied with recovering and nurturing the baby.
While your hair loss is temporary, we understand how anxious it can make you feel. Seeing a swirling ball of hair in the shower drain or an unusually fuzzy clump in your brush can easily be a huge cause for concern. So, knowing that it is normal for moms to encounter postpartum hair loss can alleviate the worry. To reduce any anxiety and prevent it, try a natural anti-hair fall shampoo and conditioner.
Chemical Hair Treatments After Giving Birth
One of the most effective ways of keeping your hair beautiful and healthy is through chemical hair treatments available in salons. But how soon can you do them after giving birth?
It is generally recommended to wait for a few months before getting your hair rebonded. This is because the post-partum period can bring hormonal changes that may affect the texture and strength of your hair. It’s important to allow your body time to stabilize and recover before undergoing any chemical treatments. Typically, waiting for at least three to six months postpartum is advised, but it’s best to consult with a professional hairstylist or trichologist for personalized guidance.
Similar to hair rebonding, it is advisable to wait for a few months before getting a hair perm after giving birth. It is recommended to wait at least three to six months postpartum, but it’s crucial to consult with a professional hairstylist or trichologist for personalized advice based on the specific condition of your hair. Furthermore, consider the overall health of your hair and scalp before proceeding with a perm.
You should also consider more things if you’re breastfeeding. Be cautious about the products used during the rebonding and perming process, as some chemicals can be absorbed into the bloodstream and potentially affect the baby. It’s crucial to discuss this with your hairstylist and consider using safer alternatives or postponing the treatment until after breastfeeding.
When to Seek Professional Help for Postpartum Hair Loss
While it is normal to lose some hair after giving birth, excessive or prolonged hair loss even after trying home remedies for hair fall may require seeking professional help. If you notice clumps of hair falling out, visible bald patches, or if the hair loss continues for more than six months, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They can evaluate your condition, rule out any underlying medical issues, and provide appropriate guidance.
Additionally, seeking support from a dermatologist or a trichologist can help in managing hair loss and exploring potential treatment options to promote hair regrowth. Remember, reaching out for assistance is crucial for addressing any concerns and finding effective solutions.
Trying a Natural Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo and Conditioner
Apart from the Herbal Anti-Hairfall Shampoo with Argan Oil and Herbal Anti-Hairfall Conditioner with Argan Oil, Moringa-O2 is also offering the Hair Relaxing Serum++ with Argan Oil, which is safe, lightweight, and non-greasy on the hair, providing it instant shine and softness.
With the health benefits that you can get from a natural shampoo high in vitamin and mineral content, such as Vitamins A, E, B-complex, and calcium, alongside antioxidants, moringa essence, olive oil, and sunflower extracts, you won’t have to stress over falling hair.
Moringa-O2 products are available in leading supermarkets and drugstores near you.
