If there is one thing that you loved about pregnancy, it might be your hair. Most women will have lustrous and thick hair when they are pregnant. But, that just stops with childbirth. After childbirth, you may experience sudden shedding of your hair. Well, that’s postpartum hair loss.
Worry not, it is normal. In the first few months after giving birth, it is perfectly normal to lose your hair. Even though you may be disappointed to see your shiny, long locks falling out, there is no need to panic. Wondering why? Here you go.
Why Is It Normal
To understand that, you need to know how your hair grows normally. In fact, 85 – 95 percent of the hair on your head actively grows. And the others are in a resting stage. Once the resting stage gets over, the hair falls out. It paves the way for new hair.
But, when you are pregnant, it doesn’t work this way. Your pregnancy hormones play a role. The increasing level of estrogen in your body influences the hair growth. It prolongs the growing stage, leaving very few hairs in the resting stage. Thus, with less hair to fall out, you will be blessed with thick tresses.
However, it changes once you give birth. As your estrogen level goes down, more hair will be in the resting stage. Thus, in a span of four to five months, you will see a lot more hair falling out. Well, it’s all hormonal!
But, how long?
Hair loss will be more in the first few months. For some women, it may get back to normal within six months. Others may have to wait for a year to see the normal growth. Thus, by the time you celebrate your kids’ first birthday, your hair will be healthy and glossy. Meanwhile, you can use some tips to take care of your hair.
Helpful Tips For Hair Care
Even though you may not be able to prevent it, certain tips help you minimize the effect and keep your hair look good. According to American Academy of Dermatology, you can choose shampoo and conditioner that nourishes your hair. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Use shampoo only when it is necessary.
- Use a volumizing shampoo as it tends to contain ingredients like protein that coat the hair. It makes the hair appear fuller.
- Choose a conditioner that is meant for fine hair. Their lighter formulas will not weigh down your hair.
- Make sure that you use conditioner primarily on the ends of your hair. Applying conditioner to your scalp and all of your hair tends to weigh down your hair.
- Avoid conditioners labeled “intensive conditioners” and any shampoo labeled “conditioning shampoo.” Both might be too heavy for your hair.
- Stay away from chemical- based hair treatments.
- Choose a haircut that makes your hair look fuller. For this, seek the help of an experienced stylist.
- Opt for a short haircut. It may be easier to manage as you may not get enough time for hair care.
When To Call The Doctor
If you feel that you have excessive hair loss, talk to your doctor. Hair loss can also be a sign of other health conditions such as anemia or postpartum thyroiditis. Moreover, if hair growth does not get back to normal within one year, seek medical advice.
Beware Of Hair Tourniquet
Sometimes a strand of hair may end up tightly wrapped around your baby’s fingers, toes, wrists, ankles, and penis. If the hair strand is too tight, it may cut off circulation or may result in an infection. Known as hair tourniquet, it can be quite painful for your baby. Even though it is rare, you need to be aware of this. If you notice it in your baby, gently remove the hair as soon as possible. If you could not do it, seek medical help.
