Hair loss after pregnancy is common and can last up to six months. It usually starts about three months after childbirth. It's a normal and only temporary impact of postpartum. The majority of people will see their hair return to its original fullness.

This hair shedding is caused due to changes in hormones and typically has generic signs. The most obvious sign has more loose hair on the brush, pillow, or shower floor than usual. One might also notice that their clothes have more loose hair stuck to them, with hair falling out post-pregnancy.

There's a definite cause of this hair loss, and it's important to understand these changes in one's body.

Cause of Post-Pregnancy Hair Loss

Postpartum hair loss is caused by changes in the hormone estrogen during and after pregnancy. The estrogen levels rise in the third and fourth trimesters of pregnancy. The usual hair loss is prevented as a result of this. During this time, one might notice their hair is thick and lush. However, estrogen levels decrease following childbirth. As a result, numerous hairs enter the resting phase of hair growth and begin to fall out.

Telogen effluvium is the medical term for postpartum hair loss. The condition, also known as postpartum alopecia, affects 40 to 50 percent of women in the months after childbirth.

There isn't a definitive treatment or cure to stop hair loss once and for all. But many day-to-day changes can help hair regrowth. A number of these remedies and tips can also help with reduced hair loss. 

And here's what one should know!

Remedies for Post-Pregnancy Hair Fall

Home Remedies

An ideal way to deal with hair loss or other physical health issues is by using natural remedies. They usually have a long history and can be helpful. New mothers can especially adopt methods that help them build better health. To help with hair falling out after pregnancy,one can use any of the remedies listed below.

1. Egg Mask

Use an egg white and three tablespoons of olive oil to make a hair pack. This is one of the best treatments for hair ever, and the combination will nourish the scalp and leave hair enviably smooth.

2. Curd

Curd is known to be one of the best conditioners for hair and is an excellent hair tonic. One will notice significant hair growth after regularly applying a small bowl of beaten curd to the scalp. All they need to do is, let it sit for ten minutes and then wash it with water. 

3. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk can be used regularly to reduce hair loss and increase hair volume. This is a great remedy to combat hair loss after pregnancy. Other than that, one can always apply coconut oil to the scalp.

4. Fenugreek 

A good method to treat hair falling out post-pregnancy is with fenugreek seeds. All one needs to do is soak some fenugreek seeds overnight in water. Apply the strained water to the scalp the following morning and leave it on for two hours. This water will not only improve the health of their hair but also treat any dandruff that may be present.

5. Castor Oil

Traditional medicine has long used castor oil as a treatment. Omega-6 fatty acids and ricin oleic acid, which encourage hair growth, are abundant in them. It is said to improve the health of the hair follicles on the scalp, which in turn is said to encourage hair growth and protect against hair loss.

6. Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is another oil that helps with breakage and hair loss. Even grocery stores carry this natural treatment for postpartum hair loss. Vitamin E, which is well-known for preventing flaking and breakage, and even stimulating new hair growth, is abundant in flaxseed oil.

7. Eat Sweet Potatoes

It is a great source of beta-carotene, which our bodies can use to make Vitamin A. Beta-carotene is necessary for the body to repair damaged cells, which keeps hair follicles from falling apart.

8. Curry Leaves

Curry leaves contain keratin, which is required to form hair follicles and results in hair growth and lustrous hair. Their consumption is an excellent remedy for hair loss.

9. Eating Chia Seeds

Omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and antioxidants are sufficient in Chia seeds. They aid in the growth of healthy, shiny hair and are a nutritional powerhouse that contains all-natural protein. After giving birth, it may be a healthy snack to prevent hair loss.

10. Banana & Olive Oil Mask

These are the kitchen's most common ingredients, which add to the list of great home remedies for growing hair. This mask will nourish and moisturize dry, lifeless hair and the scalp. Olive oil gives one’s hair a shiny, smooth appearance.

Note: Even though these home remedies are made of natural ingredients, some people may be allergic to them. Therefore, it is essential to avoid using them without professional approval.

Tips For Hair Regrowth After Pregnancy 

To deal with most health-related problems, a healthy routine is a must. Additionally, people must take care of things they might be doing wrong in their day-to-day lives to correct them. Here are some things to follow when dealing with hair loss after pregnancy. 

1. Balanced Diet

Include plenty of foods high in antioxidants in your diet. Strawberries, apples, rajma, prunes, and other fruits are all good options. Antioxidants strengthen the roots.

2. Tend your hair

Keep your hair and scalp clean, and use a mild shampoo to prevent hair loss on your scalp. To keep your hair from breaking, condition it. Apply a leave-in conditioner if you are short on time.

3. Style them well

Hair should not be pulled or tied in a tight knot because doing so will stress your scalp and hair. Your hair will easily fall out if you do this.

4. Use a good conditioner

Make use of a conditioner that is made for fine hair. These have lighter formulations that won't weigh hair down. Don't use intensive conditioners as they're too heavy and hard on the hair.

5. Avoid stressing over things

Engage in a variety of methods of relaxation, such as mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises. Make time for gentle or moderate exercise regularly, which can also reduce stress. If you're feeling overwhelmed, ask friends and family for help with the baby or household chores.

6. Avoid Chemicals & Harmful Treatments 

Try to avoid curling irons, flat irons, and blow dryers. Anything that uses heat or damages hair should be avoided. Stay away from treatments that use chemicals. If one is experiencing major hair fall after pregnancy, forgo any highlights, perms, or straightening sessions.

Treatment for Hair Fall After Pregnancy

Pregnancy-related health issues may result in telogen effluvium. The shedding can be quite dramatic when there is a persistent imbalance in hormones or essential vitamins.

Consult the doctor about taking vitamin or mineral supplements to prevent hair loss and encourage regrowth if you are concerned about postpartum hair loss. Vitamin B complex, biotin (B7), iron, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc are recommended. Before taking any supplements, it is important to consult the doctor because a postpartum recovery plan usually includes these nutrients.

It is essential to remember that telogen-effluvium-related hair loss typically results in uniform thinning. If one notices prominent patches or balding, there may be other issues. Genetic and autoimmune conditions can also cause hair loss.

UnCover has skilled and trusted dermatologists who can help one with their hair loss issues. People can connect with them and book an appointment for consultancy. This is an advisable method to approach or even combat post-pregnancy hair loss.

Conclusion

New mothers deal with too many changes in their lives and bodies. In their day-to-day routine, self-care becomes a secondary concern. One might notice changes in mental and physical health, among several other things. Hair loss is one significant issue that most mothers come across often. 

Post-pregnancy, it is as if the hair has to compensate when estrogen levels drop. Therefore, all of the non-shedding hair sheds simultaneously. This can begin anytime after the baby is born, but it typically begins around the two-month mark and reaches its peak between four and six months. Fortunately, this is temporary. Most mothers notice their hair returning to its original thickness and sheen within one year.

However, there are several things that mothers can do to fasten the hair growth process. On the other hand, many people also notice a slow or no regrowth and can use numerous methods to boost this process. Post-pregnancy hair loss can be reduced by adopting home remedies, a healthier diet, and a proper routine, among other ways.

It might be difficult for new mothers to compartmentalize, and self-care might sound impossible. But they must find time for themselves and do things that make them happy or help them structure a healthy lifestyle. For more tips on post-pregnancy hair loss, visit UnCover.