You may be wondering why, after other postpartum symptoms such as insomnia, mood swings, and spells of the ‘baby blues’ have (thankfully) eased off, you are now having to contend with another unwelcome development – losing your hair at a distressing rate. The simple answer is that this is a result of yet another shift in hormones and postpartum telogen effluvium (PPTE).
What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?
Well, for starters, relentless hair-shedding is in actual fact quite normal and the loss of hair is usually not permanent. While everyone sheds hair on a daily basis, the severity of hair loss during postpartum can be influenced by a range of genetic factors and pre-existing medical conditions. Not every new mother experiences hair loss. With regard to timing, it doesn't occur instantly after giving birth; it tends to sneak up on you between four and five months postpartum.
This time lag is down to the levels of oestrogen and progesterone (male hormones called androgens) in the body. During pregnancy androgen levels increase, resulting in less hair loss than usual. After giving birth, oestrogen levels fall back to normal again prompting a woman’s hair to enter its ‘telogen’ (or resting) phase which lasts a few months. Then it will start to fall out.
Inevitably, postpartum hair loss can feel devastating but, believe it or not, even if it appears that you are losing a lot of hair all at once, the actual volume of shedding is probably no more than what you would have lost in the previous nine months anyway, had you not been pregnant.
This cyclical nature of hair growth and loss is normal during pregnancy and in the postpartum stage, as the body contends with a number of hormonal adjustments. Hormone swings may have other effects on your hair, too, such as your body's ability to produce oil and sebum, changes to your hair's texture, e.g. wavy to curly, and hydration generally. Shedding the extra hair you gained during pregnancy is just one of these effects. Still not convinced? Well, here's the thing... dermatologists don't consider postpartum hair loss to be true hair loss and neither should you!
(N.B. should you notice consistent shedding after 15 months postpartum, you may want to seek professional advice from a board-certified dermatologist.)
Turning the volume back up
You may rest assured that most women will naturally see their hair regrow thicker and fuller within three to six months, perhaps even later, and knowing this will keep things in perspective. As an anxious new mum, you are not alone – roughly 40 – 50 % experience postpartum hair loss. Most importantly, if you already dread combing your locks or shampooing your hair, or you’re feeling in desperation whilst reading this (sounds familiar?) – you don't need to suffer in silence. Take a deep breath and turn the volume back up by speaking out! You'll discover just how many women understand exactly what you are grappling with during postpartum, and are willing to offer their support.
Tips for Preventing Postpartum Hair Loss
Although you can't stop postpartum hair loss right away, because it's a natural side-effect of hormonal changes in your body, you can adopt a regular haircare routine to help improve the condition and to promote healthy, thicker and fuller hair while you wait for your hair to return to its normal growth cycle.
But how do I do that? you may be asking.
Well, fortunately, Hair Loving knows its stuff when it comes to postpartum and its impact on hair health. There’s a range of measures you may take to minimise hair loss – such as testing for glucose, iron, ferritin, zinc and vitamin D deficiencies, taking gentle care of your hair when washing, brushing and styling, avoiding harsh colouring treatments or chemical procedures, and of course making sure you eat a healthy, protein-rich diet – but there’s one simple and effective way to tackle the problem... Choosing a high-quality hair oil and massaging it into your scalp!
Hair Loving's tried and tested natural hair-care system is a powerhouse when it comes to treating postpartum hair loss.
Both the Postpartum Support Hair Rescue Kit and our Deluxe Postpartum Hair Pamper Box contain specifically formulated oils to restore locks back to their natural beauty,
Using a combination of clinically-tested ingredients including castor oil, jojoba and grapeseed/avocado/patchouli/jasmine oils, they effectively penetrate the hair shaft, soothe the scalp, and revitalise hair roots.
Free of toxic chemicals, carcinogens or harmful side effects, this cruelty-free and vegan hair oil has been developed to increase the appearance of hair density while reducing signs of shedding.
The result?
Conditioned, thicker, fuller-looking natural postpartum hair. Just imagine that – our powerful botanical hair oil range has been clinically proven to help initiate the growth of new hair.
All I want for Christmas is thicker and fuller hair
Before we show you once again how to apply Hair Loving's New Beginnings Hair Oil for the best results, I don't need to remind you that Christmas is around the corner and what better way to end this year than to discover the natural way to nourish and restore hair growth, leaving your hair noticeably bouncier, thicker and fuller. And the best part?... Really seeing the difference!
Discover the magic of the festive season with Festive Boxes and Stocking Fillers and look forward to five-star treatment all year round!
How to oil your hair
Are you ready?
- Comb hair through with Hair Loving's Anti-static Wide Tooth Detangling Comb and then gently massage 3 – 7 pumps of oil into the scalp from roots to tips.
- Shampoo and condition as normal. Then let your hair fall downwards and wrap with Hair Loving's Luxury Hair Towel Wrap.
- Leave for 5 – 15 minutes to absorb dampness, then style as normal.
- Alternatively, apply the oil and leave it on the hair using the towel wrap overnight, then wash and style the next morning as normal.
Give your hair the support it needs by using Hair Loving's natural hair-care system every step of the way!
