Having a baby is an amazing and precious time, but it can also be immensely stressful. Some mums may even find themselves losing more hair than usual after giving birth.
Oestrogen levels decrease after birth, which means hair follicles enter the resting phase rather than the growing phase. Increased stress levels can also lead to hair loss or slower growth. Here are a few tips to get your locks healthy again.
1. Step Up Your Diet
Many new mums are so busy taking care of their newborn around the clock that they neglect their own health. A lack in essential nutrients including protein can significantly slow down hair growth or even lead to hair loss.
Hair is made out of keratin and requires protein in order to grow. Make sure that your iron intake is sufficient, as iron deficiency is a leading cause of hair loss in many women. Increase your protein intake by adding fish, steak, chicken, and eggs to your diet. If you're a vegetarian, opt for Greek yoghurt, spinach, and legumes as alternatives.
2. Increase Your Vitamin Intake
Vitamin C has been proven to affect hair growth. Food rich in Vitamin C, which also increases your body's ability to absorb iron, include lemons, spinach and broccoli.
Another essential vitamin for hair growth is Biotin, a water-soluble form of Vitamin B that helps hair grow longer and faster. Foods rich in biotin include eggs, berries, and nuts. Biotin is also readily available as a supplement.
3. Reduce Your Stress Levels
Stress levels naturally increase for everyone in the family after a new birth. Mums are particularly at risk since they tend to be the primary caretaker.
Stress has been shown to disrupt the hair's growth cycle. Make sure you take time out during the day for yourself in order to meditate, to go for a walk, or to exercise. Taking time out for yourself isn't just good for your hair; it's essential for your long-term health.
4. Adjust Hormone Levels Naturally
Your hormone levels can get out of balance after pregnancy. Hormones travel through your blood stream and regulate numerous functions including metabolism, mood and reproductive system. Imbalanced hormones can lead to weight gain, hair loss and bloating.
One of the easiest ways to adjust hormone levels naturally is by consuming an adequate amount of healthy fats such as coconut oil and fish high in Omega-3's like salmon. Limit your coffee intake, as an excessive amount of caffeine can affect your endocrine system if your hormones are out of balance.
Getting adequate sleep is also essential in order to rebalance hormone levels. WebMD reports that just one night of shortened sleep can create the hormone levels of a diabetic. Try to keep a regular sleep schedule and increase your chances of falling asleep at night by removing artificial lights and staying away from bright electronics like laptops and tablets. Get ample of sunlight exposure during the day, which will boost serotonin levels and help you fall asleep at night.
5. Wash & Style With Care
Excessive washing can lead to dry locks and more strands down the train. Our scalp produces natural oils that give hair its sheen and is essential for its health. Another side benefit of not washing daily is that you'll save at least 30 minutes every day. Opt for a dry shampoo between washings in order to keep your locks fresh.
When you do wash, opt for a hair dryer with ionic and tourmaline technology. Ionic blow dryers reduce hair's static electricity and breaks down water molecules for a faster blowout. Tourmaline smoothes the hair's shaft for a smooth, glossy appearance.
The right styling products and techniques can also add more volume to your hair. Big rollers and an afro comb can be used to add more volume to the roots of your hair while spritzing volumising spray can add more texture and grip.
Being a new mum can be stressful but taking the time out to care for your health will result in healthier hair, skin and more importantly, a healthier you.
Also READ: How to deal with postpartum hair loss!
Read about the best hair loss prevention shampoos here.