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Becoming a mum is a great milestone in life, and having a newborn child brings along many new experiences and possibilities. However, the process of having a child is hard, from the bouts of morning sickness, to childbirth, and all the other things that come along with pregnancy.
Finally giving birth to your child and being able to hold his or her hand can be a truly magical moment, and you will want to enjoy the process as much as you can. However, you might find out that while you have given birth to your child, your body might not return to behaving like it used to immediately. For instance, you might suddenly find yourself losing so much hair after childbirth, adding on to your insecurities.
Postpartum hair loss is a problem that many women struggle with, but you might still feel lost and have no idea what to do to tackle it. If you are feeling this way, read on, as we have the best guide for you to learn how to cope with postpartum hair loss!
In this post, we will be covering these topics:
This excessive hair shedding is also called telogen effluvium. Hair normally goes through an active growth phase and a resting or shedding phase. The active growth phase is also known as anagen, and your hair can be in that phase for up to three years. On the other hand, the resting or shedding phase of your hair typically lasts about three months.
Typically, around 85 percent of your hair is in an active stage of growth, while the other 15 percent is in a resting stage. Hair will fall out naturally after the resting period of its life cycle, and is then replaced by new hair. This happens when the telogen hairs that are resting in the follicles are pushed out by new growth. On average, women will lose around a hundred hairs per day.
In the pregnancy period, the levels of estrogen in your body will increase the length of the growing stage of your hair. Hence, there will be fewer hairs on your head that are currently in the resting stage, resulting in fewer hairs falling off every day. During your pregnancy, you might enjoy thicker hair because of this.
However, when you give birth to your child, the estrogen levels in your body will decrease rapidly, resulting in many more hair follicles entering into the resting stage. Soon (about 2-4 months after birth), you might notice many more hairs falling out when you are shampooing your hair or when you are brushing it.
The hair loss symptoms might be more obvious if you have longer hair. However, this is not usually a cause of worry as the total volume of your hair loss is probably not more than you would normally have lost over the last nine months of your pregnancy. The signs that you see are usually only because your hair is all shedding at once, making it more noticeable.
Unlike what you might be thinking, postpartum hair loss is actually a lot more common among new mums. Losing hair might come as an unexpected shock after giving birth, but it is actually really normal, and is often not a major cause of panic. For most cases, hair will start to grow back over the next 6 – 12 months.
You might start to see signs of postpartum hair loss once you give birth to your newborn baby, and it can last for as long as a year. For most cases, there is little to worry as you will probably have all your hair back by the time you are holding your baby’s first birthday party. The hair loss will usually peak around the 4 month mark, so do not panic too much!
If your hair loss problem continues to bother you even a year after giving birth, your hair loss might be due to other reasons. If that happens, make sure to make an appointment with a dermatologist or a scalp treatment specialist, as your hair loss might be due to some other reason that needs to be addressed.
Hair loss can be due to many different reasons, and it is hard to tell why you are experiencing it without a professional diagnosis. Do not be afraid of visiting the doctors, as an accurate diagnosis is the first step for effective treatment and to getting a full head of hair back.
If you have had a kid, or are planning to have more children, this question might be on your mind. However, experts say that hair loss will usually not worsen with each pregnancy, so do not worry about this. Despite that, some women might discover that genetic hair loss issues such as female pattern baldness, can be triggered by pregnancy. If you have a genetic predisposition to hair loss, the hair loss symptoms will become more pronounced with every pregnancy.
An easy way to naturally prevent / reduce postpartum hair loss is definitely through what you eat. Eating is such a large part of our lives and is essential for us to survive, but so many of us city dwellers pay so little attention into what we are putting into our bodies every day because of our hectic lifestyles. Many health aliments start from a poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle choices, so we should definitely start by reviewing what we put into our bodies.
Not only will your hair thank you, but consuming a better and well balanced diet will do wonders for your skin, nails, and your general health. Besides that, you will get a boost of energy that oil laden fast foods and sodas can never give you, so stop waiting and get your diet in check!
While foods will not help to stop the drop in estrogen that is the main cause of your postpartum hair loss, foods rich in certain nutrients and vitamins can help you to retain your hair and to speed up the rate of new hair growth. Deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals can contribute to your hair loss.
This is especially true if you are not consuming sufficient zinc, iron, vitamin B12 or vitamin B6. Flavonoids and antioxidants that are present in foods can also help you to protect your hair follicles, decreasing the rate of hair fallout and increasing the regrowth rate of hair. Here are some healthy foods that are not only great for postpartum hair loss, but also your all round health.
Eggs: These are high in biotin, an essential B vitamin that will help to promote healthy hair growth. Boiled eggs are an easy snack to bring about, or load up on the soft boiled eggs with your kaya toast breakfast set in the mornings.
Oysters: These briny morsels are rich in zinc, which will help in tissue growth and repair. It can be an acquired taste if you have not tried it before, but give it a try and you might really enjoy its taste.
Lentils: Dried lentils are very affordable, and are easy to cook. Simply simmer them in a pot with water until soft. Lentils have been used as a protein alternative by vegetarians and vegans for a long time, and its high protein content will provide your body with sufficient protein for cell growth.
Sweet potatoes: There are so many types of sweet potatoes in the supermarkets nowadays, ranging from those with a bright orange flesh, to those that are in a brilliant deep purple, ensuring that you will never get bored with the variety. These fiber rich studs are rich in vitamin A, and will also provide antioxidants that will help in protecting your hair follicles. Try substituting rice with sweet potatoes for your daily carb intake to incorporate more of this nutrient rich food into your diet.
Bell peppers: These some in many colours too, and be it the red, yellow or green variety, they are all great for your hair. This vegetable is high in its vitamin C content, which will help in promoting the formation of collagen, a structural fiber that makes up your hair.
Spinach: While its dark green colour might scare vegetable haters away, this leafy green is actually very good for you. It is high in iron and the vitamin B, folate. If you are a self-declared carnivore and hate the taste of leafy greens, a good way to hide its taste is to blend a handful of it in a breakfast smoothie. Make sure to put in lots of fruit to hide the taste, and you will be taking in your daily greens without even knowing it.
Take prenatal multivitamin supplements: You might have already been taking these vitamins when you were still carrying your child, so why not continue taking them when your child is born, especially if you still have many bottles stocked up. These multivitamins are also great for new mothers, as it is packed with many different vitamins and minerals that will contribute to healthy hair growth.
It is also a simple thing to do—simply pop a pill every morning or evening, and will hardly be a hassle despite the busyness that comes with having a new baby in the house. However, before taking any supplements, make sure to consult your doctor first to ensure that you do not overdose on anything.
Take fish oil supplements: Essential fatty acids such as omega 3 has many benefits. They help to keep brittle hair shiny, and also help the growth of healthy, strong new hair. The supplements come in both pill or liquid form, so if you hate swallowing pills, try searching for one that is in a syrup.
Take Biotin: This is a supplement that is commonly found in beauty supplements, as it is widely known to promote healthy hair, skin and nails. It is a vitamin B complex that can also be found in foods such as carrots, bananas and yeast. If you would prefer taking a more natural approach in increasing your biotin intake, try increasing your consumption of these foods as an alternative to popping a supplement. Alternatively, if you prefer convenience, try taking five milligrams of biotin supplements.
Take MSM: This is a natural and organic source of sulfur. Sulfur is present in every cell of our bodies, and is essential to its proper functioning. Keratin production requires a steady supply of sulfur in the body, and is hence essential for hair growth and follicle strength. Besides that, it also has the additional side effect of being great for joint health, so also say goodbye to creaky, sore knees.
Get regular haircuts and stay away from using heat on your hair: Keep your hair well groomed, and go to your hair salon regularly to get your hair trimmed. This will keep it healthy and strong. Also avoid using heat on your hair in this period, so put away your heat styling tools and give them a break until your hair is back to its healthy and strong state again. Heat can contribute to damaging your hair, so stay away from putting your hair under such unnecessary stress when it is already weak.
Chinese herbal treatments: The Chinese herb, He Shou Wu, is known to help with postpartum hair loss. The herb is rich in zinc, and also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Besides that, it is also known to prevent the greying of hair, making sure that your hair continues to look black and healthy.
Almond and castor oil massage: Almond oil contains a high amount of monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin E, which are all essential nutrients required for healthy hair growth. Castor oil is rich in omega 6 fatty acids and ricinoleic acid. Its unique composition means that it is great in promoting hair growth. Try to massage a mixture of warm castor oil and almond oil into your scalp. Coconut oil can also be added to the mix for better results.
Aloe vera: This natural plant is rich in vitamins and minerals that contribute to promoting healthy hair growth. It also helps to increase the blood circulation in your scalp, which will promote the growth of hair, keep your scalp moisturised, and at the best pH for a healthy head of hair. To enjoy the many benefits of aloe vera, apply some aloe vera gel to your scalp three times a week. Every time it is applied, leave it on for half an hour before washing it off thoroughly.
Try getting a new haircut: Long hair might also not be the best look if you are currently dealing with hair loss. To find the best hairstyle for your specific condition, pay a visit to a stylist to get professional advice. It is not recommended for you to try to make any drastic changes to your hairstyle yourself at home. Shorter hairdos can still look great, and a great haircut can not only help to frame and complement your features, but also bring on a fresh new look. Consider layering your hair too, as it is an easy way to add volume and create that full bodied look.
Keep your hair hydrated: Using the right type of hair products can also give the illusion of a fuller hairstyle. Volumising mousse might be a good option to try, as they are lighter compared to creams and waxes, and will not weigh your hair down. They can be readily found in your local drugstore or salon, so do try them out to see if they suit you. To keep your hair soft, shiny and healthy, make sure to apply hair conditioner or a mask after you shampoo your hair. Some shampoos can be very harsh and can strip your hair of its moisture, so make sure not to skip this step!
Bring some colour to your hair: Have you always wanted to try a different hair colour? Now might be the perfect time to do it, as hair colouring techniques can be used to give the illusion of hair with a full body. If you have dark hair, highlighting the front can help to camouflage a receding hairline. Glossing is also another treatment that can increase the shine of your hair. However, make sure that the hair dyes that you are opting for are not unnecessarily harsh for your hair, as some can be extremely damaging. Search for gentler, more natural options- while they might be more expensive, they will keep your hair looking strong and healthy.
Change the parting of your hair: This is an easy and quick way to add some volume into your hair. If you normally part your hair to one side, simply change the parting to the other side, and this will help to add more volume and bounce to your hair.
Adding texture into your hair: Long, sleek and straight hairstyles will amplify any signs of thinning hair, so rebonding your hair is definitely not a good choice if you are experiencing hair loss. Instead, a natural curl will help to give more body to your hair, hiding any signs of hair loss. If you have straight hair, try to add a curl to your hair by using Velcro rollers or using a curling iron.
Mix it up with different hair ornaments: With so many different types of hair ornaments in the market, there is so much that you can do with your hairstyle. Headbands and bandannas are great to style your hair with to hide any signs of hair loss. Not only will you look more stylish, these hairstyles are also often simple and quick to do, saving you time that can be spent catching up on much needed sleep as a new mum.
Do not wash your hair with hot water: Hot water baths might feel great, but they are definitely not good for your hair! Hot water can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dehydrated and unruly, which will bring more attention to any sparse spots on your head. Instead, wash your hair with lukewarm or cold water to freshen up.
Comb your hair using a wide toothed comb: Especially when your hair is wet, it is extremely delicate and will need to be treated with care. A wide toothed comb allows you to comb your hair more easily and will reduce hair breakage from daily hair combing.
However, it is important to keep in mind that your hair might never return to the condition it was before you gave birth. At times, the texture of your hair can be permanently changed upon childbirth. Manage your expectations, and embrace your new hair! It is a symbol of strength for what you had to go through to bring a baby into the world, and you should be proud of it.
If you are experiencing any form of hair loss, Bee Choo Ladies is the place to go for effective and affordable treatments. If you are not a fan of using harmful chemicals on your hair, we use a hundred percent of natural herbs that will boost your hair growth, allowing you to walk out of your treatment with a fuller and thicker head of hair. We have a huge following, and have served more than 8 million customers all around the world. Not only are the treatments effective, the price of these treatments are also highly reasonable, ranging from $38 to $66 depending on the length of your hair.
Our treatments are renowned for being natural yet effective, and we leverage on modern technology to extract the best nutrients out of herbs such as ginseng and lingzhi. If you are thinking about how bad it might smell with the use of so many herbs, fret not, as our hair treatments do not have an unpleasant smell! You will leave the treatment with great smelling hair, all ready to tackle your day.
Typically, a human loses approximately 100 hairs per day, but those who are suffering from hair loss problems can lose more than 3 times of that. Hair loss can also come with the thinning of your hair. The average thickness for Asian hair is between 0.006cm to 0.008cm, with about 3 to 4 hairs per pore. Hair loss can result in both the thickness of hair and the average number of hair growing from each pore to decrease. The combined effect of both of this results in hair loss to become obvious at a rapid rate.
At Bee Choo Ladies, our signature herbal hair treatment will stimulate blood circulation, clean any clogged hair pores and also provide essential vitamins and minerals to your scalp. This will help to rebalance the condition of your scalp, promoting its natural recovery. Besides that, after the treatment is done, a layer of protective herbs will coat your hair, thickening every strand and resulting in a fuller and healthier look.
We recommend for you to go for at least one treatment every week at Bee Choo Ladies if you are suffering from postpartum hair loss. However, this is the bare minimum, and to experience better results, you have to supplement it with at home treatments daily. This will help to enhance and speed up your rate of recovery. The specially brewed Bee Choo Origin Herbal Tonic is recommended to be used together with the herbal treatment to boost recovery rates. Make sure to also try out our signature anti hair loss shampoo. Use it 3 to 4 times per week, and it will also help to reduce your hair fall.
Becoming a mother to a newborn child is a beautiful thing, and you deserve every bit of it! Enjoy this period fully, and do not let postpartum hair loss ruin this great and wonderful experience. With our tips and tricks, we are sure that you are more equipped with the knowledge to tackle this problem head on. See you at Bee Choo Ladies, and soon you will be walking out with full, healthy hair again! You may also want to read about Organic Dye Salons in Singapore for Pregnant Ladies to help you prepare for post natal hair loss.