Is your hair falling out in knots and starting to panic? Although it is a fact and true that this can be a very scary thing, you should know that even a large amount of hair loss after giving birth is not considered an unusual phenomenon. But you may be wondering: when is the problem considered pathological? Is what you are experiencing really normal? But when will you get your old crown back, and is there anything you can do to speed up the process? Now you get answers to all your questions!
What causes postpartum hair loss?
The average person loses 50-100 hairs per day, essentially unnoticed. During pregnancy, however, due to increased hormone levels, these hairs do not fall out as they would normally. This is why most women’s hair gets stronger and thicker during pregnancy. Unfortunately, the exact same hormonal changes cause subsequent hair loss.
It is a well-known fact that hair grows in cycles. First, it is in the growth phase (3-5 years on average), then in the transition phase (about 10 days), and finally in the telogen, i.e. resting phase (about 3 months). At the end of the resting phase, the hair falls out, giving way to a new growth phase.
During pregnancy, due to increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, more hair remains in the growth phase. However, after giving birth, hormone levels return, and this results in long-lived hairs entering the resting phase one by one – essentially all at once.
How common is postpartum hair loss?
On average, 40-50 percent of women experience hair loss after giving birth. The amount of hair loss can vary from one pregnancy to another, and it also varies greatly from person to person. So far, experts have not found an explanation for why some women lose a much larger amount of hair after giving birth than others.
How long does postpartum hair loss last?
Hair loss typically begins 1-6 months after childbirth. Although it can last up to 18 months in some cases, most women see improvement much sooner than that. Unfortunately, it may happen that the hair remains a little thinner compared to the state before giving birth, but the normal hair growth cycle will definitely be restored.
How long is postpartum hair loss normal?
If hair left on the pillow, floor, or drain has visibly multiplied after giving birth, there is no need to panic right away. As we wrote earlier, we lose an average of 50-100 hairs every day, but after giving birth, this number can increase several times: new mothers can lose up to 400-500 hairs a day.
This is a natural process, if there are no other changes in the background, the hair loss is approx. After 6 months, it slows down and its level slowly returns to the normal level. If this does not happen and the intense hair loss is still present a year after giving birth, it is worth visiting a specialist, endocrinologist or gynecologist. Hair loss may be due to iron deficiency or a thyroid problem – both of which can be revealed by a blood test.
What can be done against postpartum hair loss?
Although it’s a natural process, this fact alone doesn’t do much to make you feel better when you look in the mirror. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help fight hair loss.
1. Healthy, balanced nutrition
Adequate nutrient intake is essential for healthy hair growth and beautiful hair. Protein consumption is important, as it is one of the basic components of hair. You should also take care of normal blood sugar, iron, ferritin, zinc and vitamin D levels . The period after giving birth is also an excellent opportunity to carry out a hair vitamin cure: choose as complex as possible a preparation with a high vitamin and mineral content and take it for at least 3-6 months!
2. Minimizing stress
Strong and/or persistent stress only increases hair loss and worsens the general condition of the hair. Of course, reducing stress is often not an easy task, especially after the arrival of a baby, when the whole life up until then is turned upside down. It is worth gradually creating a new daily routine, dividing the tasks, but it is very important not to forget about your own physical and mental needs!
3. Regular hair care
In the case of hair loss, many people almost dread washing their hair, even though this actually has no effect on the amount of hair lost. Hair that is ready to fall out will definitely fall out sooner or later, but hairs in the growth phase definitely require care. Try to use gentle, preferably natural shampoos and hair care products, avoid too hot water when rinsing and try to air dry your hair!
4. Sufficient sleep
Even if it’s just reducing stress, it’s not exactly the easiest task after the arrival of a baby. Still, it is extremely important to ensure the right amount and quality of sleep , as this affects the entire body, including the health of your hair. Restful sleep also helps a lot in warding off mood swings and fatigue after childbirth.
5. New hairstyle or hair style
It’s time for some experimentation! Cut your hair shorter or cut your hair into a shape that makes it look fuller! Find the style that helps cover up the more problematic areas. Use hair styling products as little as possible and choose products with a natural composition as much as possible!