Postpartum Hair Loss - Your Complete Guide to Hair Loss After Delivery

Hair loss is a common problem we all have been experiencing at various stages in our lives. But did you know that there isn’t a single cause that can contribute to this daily trouble? Right from the food we consume, to the time we invest in hair care, there are so many factors that indirectly and directly affect our overall well-being. Postpartum hair loss is experienced by various new mothers once the baby is born. It is normal for women to worry upon experiencing their healthy and thick hair thinning in no time.

How to Identify Your Postpartum Hair Loss?

Once the heaviness of pregnancy passes, and you finally get to hold your little one, while you plan for the baby’s careful nurturing, something called postpartum hair loss surprises you. It slowly starts and peaks during the fourth or fifth month after you deliver your baby. Once at its peak, you will notice a great amount of hair loss while combing or washing your hair. Most of the new mothers get back to normalcy in a few months. But for some, it may take a bit longer to cope with postpartum hair loss. In rare cases, women may need to consult an expert for their hair loss.

There are three phases that the hair follicle goes through, they are:

Growing Phase: This is when the hair strand grows thick, long, and healthy.
Resting Phase: During which the hair strand stops growing and shrinks.
Shedding Phase: As the resting hair strand sheds, this gives space for a new one to grow.

Postpartum hair loss is scientifically known as “Telogen Effluvium”. Although some women may go through hair fall even during pregnancy, postpartum hair loss is different. As your menstrual cycle regularizes and it is almost a year after your little one’s arrival, you may notice a reduction in the rate of hair loss.

Why Does One Experience Hair Loss Post Delivery?

Your body undergoes numerous changes to accommodate new life, such as increased blood circulation which plays a significant role in keeping the fetus healthy. With the chaos of hormones during pregnancy, sometimes good things like less than normal hair loss and thick hair can also be noticed. A hormone called “Estrogen” during pregnancy takes care of your fetus by supplying enough nutrients to it. This hormone is also responsible for your thick mane when you are pregnant.

Estrogen surges during the third trimester and drops after delivery. Along with the other hormones, estrogen also tries to get back to its normal levels. The sudden trigger for your postpartum hair loss can be because of the dip in the levels of estrogen, which has played an important role in your crowning glory during pregnancy.

It does take some time for your menstrual cycle to regulate and the hormones to work as they were before pregnancy. While normally a woman loses around 80-100 strands of hair per day, a new mom can lose up to 400 strands which are normal post-delivery. One can call it hair shedding instead of hair loss since the loss is not the term that fits in while you deal with a normal post-pregnancy phenomenon.

How Long Does Hair Loss Occur Post Delivery?

Hair Loss can last for up to a year post-delivery, sometimes even more. We may see some women experiencing a reduction in hair fall and returning to their previous texture soon, for some, only the postpartum hair fall will stop. The possibility to get your pre-pregnancy or pregnancy hair back may vary, but hair shedding will stop.

Meanwhile, you must try to stay busy with your little one, recover from some lost sleep, and take good care of yourself when you get time. Stressing yourself regarding your hair loss can only interfere and create havoc in your routine. If your hair fall doesn’t seem to settle with time, always consult your physician to identify the root cause and take necessary measures. Sometimes, other underlying causes such as thyroid problems and other hormonal issues can also be responsible for hair loss.

How to Deal With Postpartum Hair Loss?

Your overall well-being is one of the key steps to consider. Try taking good care of yourself, follow a good hair care regime religiously, and keep stress at bay. These are the three basic points to keep in mind while you deal with postpartum hair loss.

Try to use mild, chemical-free, and organic shampoo and hair oils. These can help your hair stay moist.
Proper moisture and hydration can prevent hair breakage.
Maintain good food habits and pamper yourself with all the gentleness and soothing effects of chemical-free hair care products.
Avoid heating and styling products for the time being, and with this very first step, you can reduce hair fall, be it during pregnancy or postpartum.
A wide-toothed hairbrush takes care of the knots in a very gentle way and nourishes your scalp by promoting better blood circulation.
Use good hair oil and make sure to wash your hair frequently.
If you have long and thick hair, thinning might look more obvious, consider the option of trimming your hair. It will also make it easier for you to take care of it.
Try to increase the intake of nutrient-rich foods. It helps in keeping your hair healthy and assists you to cope with all the post-delivery scenarios like stress and low energy levels. Good nutrition can help in purifying the blood and increased blood circulation helps in better metabolism.
All these good things help you get hassle-free sleep and that will be the best medicine for all the physical and emotional stress you go through during this journey.

Best Treatments For Postpartum Hair Loss

As we all know, when it comes to hair care, the best we can give is to select mild and organic products.

Juicy Chemistry is a brand that provides 100% organic products that are nourishing and rejuvenating yet very gentle on your hair.

For postpartum hair loss, ensure to provide the best nourishment to retain the quality of your hair. Using 100% organic hair products from Juicy Chemistry can help you deal with this inevitable hair condition that occurs to most women post-delivery. Here are some steps that you need to follow to maintain healthy hair.

1. Serum, Oil, Shampoo, and Condition

A good serum massage, followed by a proper oiling routine using a nourishing hair wash can help your hair look voluminous and thick. To get rid of hair fall after delivery, these four steps are particularly important.

a) Serum Application

While most hair serums are used post a hair wash, Juicy Chemistry’s Scalp Stimulating Serum is a naturally activated serum that is formulated to activate the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle and prevent hair loss which needs to be applied before oiling.

White tea helps in increased blood circulation, by which your scalp can stay healthy. The presence of a natural flavonoid called Kaempferol boosts blood purification and helps in stimulating hair growth. Amino acids strengthen the hair and enhance its thickness. With the company of the finest components, Juicy Chemistry’s scalp stimulating serum helps significantly in boosting scalp health, thus controlling hair loss.

b) Oiling Hair

Oiling your hair with a gentle finger massage increases blood circulation, thus promoting good hair growth. It also helps in keeping your hair moist and frizz-free. It is important to oil your hair before you shampoo it. Oiling also retains the moisture post hair wash and locks it thus making the hair look shiny and lustrous.

For the best nourishment, use Juicy Chemistry’s Chili, Horsetail, and Black seed oil which is 100% natural and organic. It promotes healthy hair growth by nourishing the scalp. It is helpful for postpartum hair fall as it helps control hair loss by 64% and aids in hair growth.

c) Shampooing Hair

Hair wash with an organic shampoo ensures a healthy scalp. Wash your hair at least twice a week to avoid and reduce excessive hair fall. A chemically treated shampoo may create a lot of trouble like leaving your hair rough, brittle, and frizzy. Choose your shampoo wisely to start experiencing hair regrowth.

Juicy Chemistry has a complete range of organic products that protect your hair from damage. You can use Apple Cider Vinegar, Argan, and Ylang Ylang Shampoo, which helps in maintaining good moisture. It is an ultra-nourishing shampoo containing nutrients required for hair growth and retains the moisture of the hair and scalp. Argan oil is an excellent source of Vitamin E that helps in boosting hair growth.

Oily scalp is common in most women. An oily scalp can lead to hair fall because of excess sebum production and dandruff. Wash your hair frequently post-delivery if you have an oily scalp. Plantain, Bamboo, and Charcoal Dry Shampoo from Juicy Chemistry stimulates hair growth by absorbing the dirt and excess greasiness from the scalp.

d) Hair Conditioning

Conditioning is one most vital step in caring for rough and brittle ends. Applying a chemical-free organic conditioner helps provide the much-needed hydration to dry hair and starts the process of bringing back strength to the hair. Applying conditioner can also help your hair stay bouncy and look thicker than it is. Choose Juicy Chemistry’s organic conditioner that is best for your hair, and we are sure you will see the best results.

Juicy Chemistry has a special leave-in conditioner that can manage your hair by making it soft and lustrous. Camellia-Amla and Apricot leave-in conditioner can be applied after you wash and towel dry your hair.

2. Hair Masks

Hair masks can help in giving good nourishment to your hair. Juicy Chemistry provides you with hair masks loaded with the goodness of nature.

Sacha Inchi, Argan and Mango Butter hair mask is a pre-shampoo hair mask that deeply conditions the hair and scalp. Using this mask during postpartum hair loss can help in improving hair texture and makes it smoother and manageable.

Another pre-shampoo hair mask called Neem Butter, Pumpkin, and Ginger Hair Mask works like a miracle for itchy scalp. It helps in promoting blood circulation and soothes the inflammation in the scalp.

There are some home remedies for postpartum hair loss. You can use proven conditioners like curd and soaked fenugreek seeds as hair masks. These DIY hair masks can condition your hair deeply and protect them from drying.

Besides this, a good and nutritious diet plays a vital role in promoting hair growth.

Diet For Postpartum Hair loss

Have a well-balanced diet and stay hydrated. Be consistent with your healthy eating habits. Eating plenty of fruits that contain high nutrition values can help the hair get proper nourishment.

Fresh fruits are a rich source of micronutrients that play a major role in purifying the blood and promoting blood circulation. Make it a routine to include fresh fruits listed below.

Apple is the best source of vitamin A with plenty of antioxidants.
Bananas help fight dandruff and make hair manageable, smooth, and shiny.
Kiwi is a rich source of vitamin C, E, K, and potassium that helps prevent premature greying of hair, dandruff, and hair loss. It also improves blood circulation in the scalp.
Oranges are a super source of Vitamin C and antioxidants preventing scalp infection, dandruff, and hair fall.
Papayas help add moisture to the hair, prevent hair thinning, and impart antifungal properties to the scalp.
Avocados are considered a super-food rich in protein, vitamins like A, B, E, and C, linoleic acid, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and biotin. It promotes hair growth and produces effects like hair conditioning.
Gooseberries enhance hair follicle growth and hair texture. Gooseberries, also known as Amla, are widely used in Indian home remedies for hair growth because of the presence of antioxidants and vitamin C.
Strawberries are a rich source of Vitamin C, slow down hair loss, prevent baldness, treat dandruff, and make hair smooth and glossy.
Raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These encourage hair growth, feed hair follicles with Vitamin C, and promote blood circulation on the scalp.

Vegetables and green leafy vegetables which are rich in zinc, iron, beta-carotene, and biotin can help promote hair growth. Include curry leaves in your diet that is rich in keratin, an important protein required for your good hair health. Including nuts and seeds rich in antioxidants and omega-3-fatty acids can help in promoting good scalp and hair health. Maintaining a good diet can also help you stay active and energetic throughout the day.

Easy Styling Ideas For Thin Hair

To maintain a healthy hair volume, it is important to stay away from styling products like straighteners, curlers, and blow dryers that can damage your hair.

You can follow some tips such as

Protecting your hair from direct pollution and dirt.
Using hair scarves before stepping out can help you stay away from pollution.
Making sure to follow this if you have an oily scalp since it is easy for the dust to pile up on an oily scalp.
Trim your hair, as trimming makes it look a lot thicker and healthier.
There are many styles that you can try on. Choose the one that suits your hair. Trimming removes splits by making it easy to manage.

When to See a Doctor For Postpartum Hair Loss?

Postpartum hair loss is a quite common symptom that normally reduces or stops after a year. Though it may vary from person to person, you should not be experiencing extreme hair loss for a very long time. If you continue to experience a high rate of hair fall, ensure to get an appointment with your doctor to rule out any other medical conditions like

Thyroid
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Diabetes
Nutritional deficiencies
Side effects of birth control pills
Stress
Side effects of certain medications

Understandably, dealing with heavy postpartum hair loss can be stressful. But you should remember that stress can also be a reason for increased hair shedding. Most new moms go through this hair loss phase and recovery may vary from one mother to another. Ensure to follow the hair care routine and good diet habits to promote hair growth. Strictly avoid using styling products that use heat and chemicals. And most importantly, spend some stress-free happy time with your little bundle of joy.

FAQ’s

1. Can You go Bald From Postpartum Hair Loss?

No, going bald never happens with postpartum hair loss. Hairball at this stage is a temporary condition and you can get your hair back within a year.

2. Do Prenatal Vitamins Help With Postpartum Hair Loss?

Taking prenatal supplements can help with postpartum hair loss. Vitamins are the most essential micronutrients that can help you deal with many conditions, one of them being hair fall post-delivery.

3. How Long Does it Take For Postpartum Hair Loss to Grow Back?

As soon as your hair starts to shed, new hair will already have taken its place. It mostly takes a year for your new hair to add to your existing locks.

4. How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?

Postpartum hair fall lasts for about a year in most cases though the time period varies.

5. How to Control Postpartum Hair Loss?

Postpartum hair loss can be controlled by using natural organic chemical-free hair oils and shampoos and minimizing the use of chemicals and chemical and heat-based treatments. Make sure to wash your hair frequently whenever you get some time. Get good sleep. And have a rich nutritious diet.

Postpartum Hair Loss – Your Complete Guide to Hair Loss After Delivery

How to Identify Your Postpartum Hair Loss?

Why Does One Experience Hair Loss Post Delivery?

How Long Does Hair Loss Occur Post Delivery?

How to Deal With Postpartum Hair Loss?