Postpartum period is one of the most overwhelming phases of a woman’s life. While you are trying to adjust your life with a newborn, there is added stress of losing hair.
Now, this can become difficult to ignore because you start noticing thicker chunks of hair falling everywhere. But before you begin to panic, know that it is absolutely normal.
Postpartum hair loss which is also medically referred to as Telogen Effluvium, affects almost 40 to 50 percent of women after they give birth. It is a result of hormonal changes that take place inside your body.
Why Do Women Experience Postpartum Hair Loss?
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While you are pregnant, your hormone levels including estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin, and prolactin shoot up. Similarly, your blood volume also jumps to 50 percent more than normal by your due date.
But soon after your baby is born, most of your hormonal levels drop quickly, including estrogen and progesterone. Prolactin, however, usually stays high as long as you’re breastfeeding.
So, while you were pregnant, the high levels of estrogen may prevent the usual rate of hair loss and thus, you will be able to enjoy that thick and lustrous mane. Soon after giving birth, all your hormones will likely go back to their pre-pregnancy levels and all that hair you should have lost during the nine months of pregnancy may just fall out at once.
An average person loses roughly 100 strands of hair a day. But a woman during her postpartum period can witness a loss of 400 strands a day. Postnatal hair loss peaks around the fourth month and may continue as long as a year, don’t fret because it is completely normal.
Here is some natural remedy for postpartum hair loss. Let’s take a look
Natural Remedy For Postpartum Hair Loss: 7 Things To Try
1. Vitamins
Vitamins B, C, E, zinc and selenium are the nutrients you will need for healthy skin, hair and nails. Therefore, don’t stop taking your vitamins after you give birth. You are going to need them more.
In fact, it is best to switch to a postpartum vitamin supplement that can give you the right mix of nutrients you need.
2. Biotin
Biotin is a member of the Vitamin B family and is important for hair because it helps the body build proteins like keratin. Biotin deficiency has been linked to hair loss, hair breakage, and brittle nails.
You can consider taking supplements if you want to increase your biotin intake. Consider taking a 5 mg biotin supplement in addition to your diet.
Plus, it is a good idea to opt for shampoos and conditioners that are rich in biotin, although these results aren’t confirmed.
3. Yeast
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You may have heard that washing your hair with beer makes it shiny and strong. It’s not so ridiculous after all, because beer is made from yeast, which contains biotin, folic acid and riboflavin.
That doesn’t mean you need to soak your hair in Tiger beer all day. Consider making a DIY hair mask out of brewer’s yeast.
4. He Shou Wu-hk
If you’re following a confinement diet after childbirth, one of the Chinese herbs you must definitely include is, He Shou Wu. This herb has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in zinc.
It is renowned for its effects on hair, with some claiming that it can reverse greying hair! When taken after childbirth, it can reduce postpartum hair loss and encourage healthier hair growth.
5. Essential fatty acids
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Make sure you’re eating plenty of fish with Omega-3 oils or taking an Omega 3-6-9 supplement from flaxseed or fish oil. These essential fatty acids are not just great for cholesterol, but also make your hair healthy and shiny.
6. Try a different hairstyle
You may have received advice to go for a shorter haircut after childbirth. The idea is that short hair requires fewer nutrients and may not fall out as much.
There is some merit to this belief since long hair is more likely to tangle and form split hair. Either way, a short hairstyle will save you the time you need to maintain long hair!
7. Mama’s Choice Hair Care Series To Your Rescue
In addition to these natural remedies, you can also tackle postpartum hair loss with the help of Mama’s Choice Hair Care Series. Designed to provide complete hair care for women struggling with telogen effluvium, this special set comes with everything you could possibly need.
It comes with a Treatment Shampoo for washing your hair and a Treatment Conditioner to keep it tangle-free. Then, there’s the Strengthening Hair Serum, which you just need to apply on your scalp and gently massage, to serve as the final step to your anti-hair loss routine.
What makes this series special is that they’ve made it free of toxins, sulfates, and other harmful ingredients. As such, it’s 100% safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mums!
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On the other hand, try to maintain a healthy lifestyle in the weeks and months following delivery. Don’t compromise on a nutritious diet and get in regular ‘gentle to moderate’ exercises.
ALSO READ
Postpartum Hair Loss: What Causes It And 5 Ways To Deal With It
Postnatal Hair Loss: 5 Most Effective Tips To Restore Your Luscious Locks
