What should I do if I have postpartum hair loss?

One of the most dreaded side effects of pregnancy is hair loss. For many women, postpartum hair loss can be quite severe - extra hairs in the shower drain are not the best feeling. If you are experiencing hair loss after giving birth to your baby, don't worry, it is normal - you are not alone! In this blog post, we will discuss what to do if you have postpartum hair loss and provide some tips on how to help control it.

Phases of hair growth

There are three phases of growth: anagen, catagen, and telogen.

Anagen phase: This is the growing phase where the follicle lengthens and the hair shaft grows. The growth phase can last for several years.

Catagen phase: This is the transitional phase where the follicle shrinks and the shaft starts to detach from the follicle. This phase lasts for about two weeks.

Telogen Resting Phase (Resting Stage): This is the resting phase where the follicle is inactive and the shaft is released. Hair stays in the resting stage for about three months.

After the telogen phase, the follicle will enter the anagen phase again and new hairs will start to grow.

When does postpartum hair loss start and how long does postpartum hair loss last?

When does postpartum hair loss start:

Postpartum hair loss typically starts around two to four months after giving birth. In some cases, women find that losing more hair can last more than a year.

How long does postpartum hair loss last?

There is no one answer to this question as everyone experiences hair loss differently. Some women may only lose a small amount of hair, while others may lose a significant amount. In most cases, health will improve on its own within a year.

What is Postpartum Hair Loss?

Postpartum hair loss, also called telogen effluvium, is a type of temporary hair loss that can occur after pregnancy. It is perfectly normal and is caused by the sudden change in hormone levels that occurs during pregnancy and childbirth which affect the hair growth cycle.

Why does your hair fall out after having a baby?

During pregnancy, the level of the hormone estrogen increases, which delays the natural shedding process of hair. After delivery, the levels of estrogen drop suddenly, which causes postpartum hair loss. Excessive shedding is totally normal in postpartum women whose pregnancy hormones are beginning to return to pre-pregnancy levels. Hair loss may be more noticeable for those with longer hair or fine hair. Those with long hair should keep hair in protective styles to help keep shedding at bay. The hair shedding phase of postpartum telogen effluvium usually starts around two to three months after delivery and can last for several months.

Is hair loss after pregnancy permanent?

That depends, but generally speaking, the answer is: no, postpartum hair loss is not permanent. In most cases, your hair will start to regrow on its own within six to twelve months after delivery. Some women have faster recovery times when they have supportive hair habits. This includes visiting their doctor to get blood work done and checking their hormone levels. This will help them know which path to follow forward to support a healthy scalp. If you are still losing hair after one year, it is important to speak to a doctor to find out if your hormones are normal or if there is another reason for your hair loss.

How can I stop postpartum hair loss?

New moms: If your hair falls more than usual after giving birth to a baby, you may be experiencing postpartum hair loss and there are several things you can do to help control it.

Take a Blood Test

A blood test can tell you if your hair loss is because of a hormone imbalance. It can also tell you if you have any vitamin or mineral deficiencies. This information will help you make better choices about the foods you eat so that your vitamin and mineral levels stay healthy.

You can get vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat or from supplements. If you are breastfeeding, you will need more of certain vitamins and minerals than you did before you were pregnant.

Some vitamins and minerals that are important for hair health include:

- Vitamin A

- Vitamin C

- Vitamin E

- Biotin

- Zinc

- Iron

Eat Well

Eating a healthy diet is important for your overall health, but it is especially important if you are looking for healthy hair growth after saying goodbye to your beloved pregnancy hair. Incorporate prenatal vitamins (or postnatal if available to you) as a normal part of your diet and avoid dieting as this can increase the risk of hair loss after pregnancy.

Get Plenty of Rest

The hair follicle grows when the body is resting. So, if you want to support hair growth, make sure you are getting enough sleep. This is easier said than done when you have a new baby but the American Pregnancy Association recommends sleeping when the baby sleeps if your schedule allows.

Exercise However your Healing Allows

The postpartum period can seem like the least exciting time of your life to get up and exercise but I promise you that thicker hair and fewer hairs on the bathroom floor are so worth staying active and busy as part of supporting your postpartum condition. Due to the fluctuations in estrogen levels, especially just a few months postpartum, it is important to give yourself as much emotional and mental support as needed. Take exercise seriously in the sense of trusting your body to know what its limits are and do not over-exert yourself. Exercise shortly after pregnancy should be utilized as a means of supporting positivity, good health, and tranquility for the mother - not as a means of prep for an upcoming fitness competition (unless that is your happiness and your body is capable...).

Handle your hairstyle with care.

Your hair is more likely to fall out if you handle it roughly. Be gentle with your hair care when you shampoo, brush, and style it. conditioning shampoos and lightweight conditioners will help keep your hair follicles healthy.

Postpartum Hair Loss Treatment

Postpartum hair loss treatment can be as simple as changing your diet, getting more sleep, or being more gentle with your hair. If you are looking for natural remedies to try postpartum, take a look at these best-sellers from CRISAN Beauty

CRISAN Beauty Extreme Hair Strengthening Oil

This strengthening oil is formulated with a blend of 55 natural essential oils and carrier oils that are known to improve hair health. The oil is designed to help with hair loss, and thinning hair, and can even be used as a pre-shampoo treatment.

Bestselling Natural Postpartum Hair Loss Set - CRISAN Starter Set

This set includes vitamins, shampoo, conditioner, a hair mask, and hair oil that are all designed to help with hair loss. The products are made with natural ingredients and are safe to use while breastfeeding. Shop Now.

What vitamins should I take to prevent postpartum hair loss?

There are a few vitamins that are especially important for hair regrowth after pregnancy including biotin, zinc, and iron. The complete hair essentials vegan daily vitamins from CRISAN Beauty are a biotin-free alternative option for hair health.

Use Natural Shampoo and Conditioners

Many conventional shampoos and conditioners contain harsh chemicals that can strip your hair of its natural oils. This can lead to dryness, breakage, and even strand loss. Look for natural volumizing shampoo and intensive conditioners that are sulfate-free and contain nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, avocado oil, or shea butter.

Taking the right products, visiting the doctor, or getting a new haircut postpartum may be the ticket that helps you feel better.

How to Prevent Postpartum Hair Loss

There are a few things you can do to prevent postpartum loss which mirror the postpartum treatments we've already discussed. Staying away from heat styling products such as blow dryers, flat irons, a curling iron, etc., is a great preventative measure that is recommended by the dermatology association. According to the Cleveland Clinic, dermatologists recommend "not putting a lot of heat on your hair, a lot of chemicals on your hair, kind of avoiding those tight ponytails or things that pull very hard on your hair can definitely help decrease the amount of (postpartum) hair loss."