When it comes to pregnancy, women often talk about mood swings, stretch marks, nausea and so forth. Not many people openly discuss the one thing that hits them almost immediately after childbirth–postpartum hair loss.
One theAsianparent Community user was alarmed by the rate at which she was losing hair soon after giving birth. So she turned to the community for help.
Image source: theAsianparent Community Screengrab
Many came to the fore to assure her that postpartum hair loss is normal and there’s no reason to freak out.
Hormonal Changes Cause Postpartum Hair Loss In Singapore
Image courtesy: iStock
“This is just a phase as your hormones try to regulate back to pre-pregnancy,” Aki K. wrote. “It will be over soon.”
Dermatologists refer to this condition as excessive hair shedding. This shedding is caused by falling estrogen levels. It usually starts in the third or the fourth
month and ends by six months. However, in some cases, it can also extend up to a year.
As Dr Joanne Stone, head of The Mount Sinai Medical Center’s maternal-fetal-medicine unit, explains in Parents, “This temporary hair loss doesn’t mean you’re deficient in nutrition or vitamins. It’s simply hormonal.”
You see, when you are pregnant, the high levels of estrogen prevent your usual rate of hair loss. Also, an increased blood volume and circulation, cause your hair to fall out less than normal.
But, when your baby arrives, your hormone levels drop and your hair makes up for the lost time by falling in bigger clumps than it normally does. If you look at it, the total volume of your hair loss is probably not more than what you would have lost in the past nine months, but since it is happening all at once, it just seems more.
If you have been fretting about your thinning hair, here are five things to do to deal with this temporary hair loss.
5 Ways To Deal With Postpartum Hair Loss In Singapore
Image courtesy: File Photo
1. Make your hair look fuller
Hair thickeners or mousse can make your hair look fuller. Check if these work for your hair type. You can also go for some volumising shampoo that can add volume to your hair.
Don’t forget to use a conditioner or a leave-in hair moisturiser after shampooing.
This is also a good time to embrace your curls, if your hair’s naturally curly or wavy. But, if you have straight hair, you can try adding some textures with rollers or curling iron.
Read about the best hair loss prevention shampoos here.
2. Get a haircut
Maybe it is time to get your hair short! Postpartum hair loss is more noticeable if you have long hair. “You can have a haircut or style your hair so that the bald spots won’t be too obvious,” wrote Ester E. on theAsianparent Community.
Celebrity stylist Oribe tells Parents agrees that it’s a good idea to go shorter in the front. “Sexy, short-in-the-middle, longer-at-the-sides bangs would look amazing, Layering your hair all over will also give you more fullness,” adds Oribe.
3. Dye your hair
Dark-haired mums can lighten their locks to camouflage their receding hairline. (There hasn’t been a lot of research done on the effects of using hair dye while breastfeeding. But according to NHS, it’s “very unlikely” that the chemicals in hair dye will enter your bloodstream and your breast milk.)
You can also opt for glossing, a treatment that gives hair an all-over shine.
4. Part your hair another way
If you normally part your hair in the middle, you can try a side part to disguise thinning hair at the temples. This method helps to cover up any upfront hair loss.
5. Accessorise your hair
Try wearing scarves, headbands, hats, and so forth. Not only are they stylish and fun, but they are can be great additions to hide your thinning hairline.
It is especially popular with new mums who have less time to devote to their hair care.
Pamper it with Mama’s Choice Hair Care Series
Additionally, consider changing your hair care routine by using products created specifically for postpartum hair loss. One such product is the Mama’s Choice Hair Care Series, which comes with shampoo, a conditioner, and a hair serum that help reduce hair loss, strengthen hair, and stimulate hair growth.
They tapped the power of natural ingredients like kiwi, candlenut, and green peas so you can enjoy healthier, stronger, and thicker hair!
Plus, they’ve made sure it’s absolutely safe for breastfeeding mums, too, as they don’t contain sulfates, parabens, and other harmful ingredients.
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The good news is that this excessive shedding is temporary, and most women see their hair return to its normal fullness by their child’s first birthday. However, if you have been stressing about it, then it is best to consult a dermatologist.
ALSO READ:
Struggling With Haircare And Styling Since Becoming A Mum? Here’s How To Fix That
Top 5 Best Hair Conditioner Brands For Postpartum Hair Loss