Did you experience hair loss during postpartum recovery? Don’t panic because postpartum hair loss is common, called telogen effluvium. Instead, keep reading to learn more about what causes it and what you can do to care for your hair during this stage.
Telogen effluvium is a temporary hair loss condition triggered by extreme stress, traumatic events, or hormonal changes. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, the normal hair growth cycle consists of hair growing, resting for a few months, shedding, and regrowing.
But with telogen effluvium, the “shock to the system” can cause large numbers of shedding. For Mamas who have just given birth, it’s the latter that is why your hair suddenly falls out after giving birth.
You see, estrogen levels are high during pregnancy. That’s why our hair tends to look thicker. But after you give birth, estrogen levels will taper off. This change in hormone levels is what causes telogen effluvium.
The Differences Between Telogen Effluvium and Other Kinds of Hair Loss
Telogen effluvium shares several known hair loss disorders, such as alopecia, a common autoimmune condition. However, unlike telogen effluvium, the hair loss in alopecia is patchy, with some being as big as coins. Other key things that differentiate hair loss during postpartum and alopecia are as follows:
- The hair loss is usually on top of the scalp.
- Visible hair shedding when washing or combing hair
- Seemingly dry and weak hair that can be easily plucked
How To Cope With Hair Loss During Postpartum?
Hair loss during your postpartum recovery usually peaks four months after delivery and lasts approximately six months. So don’t worry about going bald, Mama. By your little one’s first birthday, everything will be normal. But if it’s chronic telogen effluvium, it might take a little longer, though.
There’s no specific treatment for telogen effluvium, but there are still many ways to take care of your hair during this period. Here are a few ways to manage postpartum hair loss at home:
1. Do a Creambath or Hair Mask
Doing a cream bath or hair mask is excellent for nourishing your hair! Products with vitamin A, E, biotin, and folate can help stimulate hair growth. Plus, it’s also great for maintaining or keeping your hair strong.
There are many options in the market, but you can also create your hair mask using natural ingredients. The most prevalent ingredient for a cream bath or hair mask is aloe vera because of its many benefits. It’s great for strengthening hair, controlling greasy hair, and soothing itchy scalp.
2. Use a Shampoo & Conditioner for postpartum hair loss
While many shampoos and conditioners address hair loss, not all of them may be safe for breastfeeding mamas. Many hair products use harmful ingredients such as parabens, SLS/SLES, and triclosan. Thus, carefully selecting shampoos and conditioners is vital for breastfeeding women (even more so during pregnancy!).
For this reason, you should go for Mama’s Choice Treatment Shampoo and Treatment Conditioner. These two are formulated with natural kiwi extracts, candlenut, and aloe vera, which aid in overcoming hair loss by strengthening the hair roots and stimulating hair growth.
3. Skip the styling tools
Do you miss getting your hair done? Step away from the hair straightener and curling irons if you’re struggling with hair loss during your postpartum journey. Heat styling can cause hair breakage if you turn up the heat too much, thus potentially worsening your hair loss problem.
4. Use a Hair Loss Hair Serum
While hair serums are often thought of if you’re looking to achieve sleek and shiny hair, some hair serums are also created specifically to help with hair loss. A hair loss serum can do wonders for your hair strands and roots as it nourishes, thickens, and improves the overall health of your hair.
If you’re looking for a hair serum, choose one that is safe to use for pregnancy and even when you’re nursing. Mama’s Choice Strengthening Hair Serum is just what you need, mama!
This hair serum restores hair vitality and density and speeds up hair growth. It’s formulated with natural ingredients that help minimize hair loss while being 100% safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mamas. It has no alcohol, paraben, silicone, or ammonia!
Best of all, it’s proven effective! We surveyed 30 Mamas who regularly used it and 71% felt less hair loss after regular use.
Hair loss during postpartum can dampen anyone’s confidence. But try not to worry about it too much, Mama. As we all know, stress can also affect your hormones and further aggravate your hair loss.
Instead, look forward to your new baby and enjoy every moment as a new Mama! Soon enough, your hair loss will be another one of those things you look back on.
Did you find this article about hair loss during postpartum helpful? Then, click the share button to spread the knowledge to more Mamas or comment below with your postpartum hair loss tips!
Mama's Choice Team
The Mama's Choice PH team is composed of three Mamas who are dedicated to spoiling their little ones with lots of cuddles, playtime and the occasional sweets, of course. <3
