Welcoming a child into the world is, of course, a wonderful event. But it also brings a host of challenges. From emotional changes to getting used to your new body and doing baby feeds, all while trying to take care of yourself on minimal sleep, a new mum’s life can get pretty hectic! With so much going on, it may seem like everything is going wrong. One day, you notice a lump of fallen hair in the shower drain, and self-doubt starts to creep in. You begin to question – why is this happening?
Well, it is all in the hormones. Levels of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and even thyroid hormones are higher during pregnancy. When these hormones are elevated, hair follicles are kept in the growth phase for longer. Hence, during pregnancy, you may not lose as much hair as you normally would. However, these hormone levels will drastically decrease after giving birth, and all those follicles in the extended growth phase will be triggered to shed. This type of hair thinning typically occurs in women who are 2 to 5 months postpartum.
Luckily, postpartum hair loss is not a death sentence for your voluminous mane. In this quick-start guide, find everything you need to navigate postpartum hair loss fearlessly. We will cover everything from hairstyles to rock, nutrition tips, and scalp care advice to help you emerge confident with stronger and thicker-looking hair.
Good health leads to good hair
We cannot stress enough on the importance of nutrition in your postpartum hair loss recovery process. Each hair follicle is connected to its own blood supply, and nurturing the circulation to the follicles can help stimulate hair growth. Packing your diet with B Vitamins like Vitamin B6, B12, and folate encourages healthy cell rejuvenation through the formation of red blood cells. These red blood cells are vital in carrying oxygen to your hair follicles. Without adequate oxygen, the hair would not be able to sustain healthy growth. Beans, chicken, and oatmeal are good sources of Vitamin B. Leafy greens like spinach, which contain folate and iron, can help maintain a healthy blood supply to the hair.
Hair also grows stronger when you include protein in your diet. Since your hair structure is made of hardened protein, it will be difficult to replace lost hair if you do not have enough protein in your diet. Keep your protein intake relatively lean by including foods such as chicken, eggs, fish, and lean cuts of beef like sirloin to maintain the health and growth of your hair.
You will also need iron in your diet, as well as minerals like selenium, copper, zinc, and magnesium to aid in the production of protein, which in turn forms hair. An iron deficiency can lead to weak and brittle hair. Including a variety of iron-rich foods in your postpartum diet will provide the necessary nutrients for your hair's growth phase. Great choices include lean meat, prunes, almonds, and beetroot.
A balanced diet will ensure the healthy growth of your hair. There are some fantastic nutritionists out there to consult with to design a diet that fits your plan and hair growth goals.
Give your scalp extra care
After childbirth, scalp care is vital to your hair regrowth strategy. Invest in a scalp massager to boost your hair growth. Not only does it stimulate blood circulation to your follicles, but it also helps exfoliate the scalp and serves as a stress buster during long showers. Replacing your brush with a wide-tooth comb can also help reduce stress on the scalp while detangling, keeping your hair firmly attached to the scalp.
Avoid harsh products that can inflame, irritate, or damage your hair follicles, as they weaken the scalp and cause hair thinning. Instead, look for lightweight shampoos and conditioners that do not contain parabens and dyes, so they are gentle on your hair and scalp, like the CLEAR Scalpceuticals Hair Fall Resist Range.
Build a hair care routine that works for you.
After giving birth, it's natural for your body, hair, and scalp to feel delicate. It can take a while for your scalp to rebound and hair to regrow. Take time to pamper your scalp. Prioritise a strengthening shampoo, a nourishing conditioner, and consider using a fortifying scalp serum too. CLEAR Scalpceuticals Women’s Anti-Hair Loss range is a 3-step system that gives your hair the complete care it needs.
While most anti-hair loss products focus on shortening the resting stage of hair fibers, CLEAR Scalpceuticals Women’s Anti-Hair Loss range goes further by incorporating the ingredient Dynoxidil™. This ingredient prevents hair fall at key stages of the hair growth cycle. During the hair’s active growth phase, Dynoxidil™ strengthens hair roots to the scalp as hair grows out. During the hair’s resting growth phase, it enhances follicle vitality to secure hair strands to the follicle. The Scalpceuticals Women’s Anti-Hair Loss range has proven efficacy, reducing hair loss by 2,800 strands in women in just one month. It increases hair density, prolongs hair attachment to the scalp, and enhances nutrient supply to nourish hair follicles. CLEAR Scalpceuticals strengthens hair attached to the scalp, making it an ideal option for those suffering from postpartum hair loss.
It's normal to feel less confident about your hair and emotional about your appearance postpartum. However, we urge you to take a moment to remind yourself of what your body has achieved. Hair loss postpartum is common, and with our top tips, you can slowly regain your lustrous locks with improved scalp health and focus on the joys of being a new mom. If you notice significant changes in your hair that concern you, consult your doctor to discuss other possible causes and treatments.