Many women face the problem of a thinning hair and increased hair shedding after giving birth. If your thick, shinny and voluminous hair is falling at accelerated paste, do not go into panic mode as you are not alone. In fact, almost 50% of new moms are affected by postpartum alopecia or better known as Telogen Effluvium. Videlicet, during pregnancy, the rise in hormones prohibits normal hair loss cycle. After delivery, levels of hormones return to normal which cause increased hair shedding as hair is gradually returning to its normal cycle. Also, stress, fatigue, changes in eating habits, etc. contribute to all this. And, unless your genetic code predispositions you to hair loss, this postpartum shedding is temporary and usually occurs within first months after delivery.
For most women, postpartum thinning hair occurs just weeks after giving birth and manifests even more on women who breast-feed during this time. In the most severe cases of postpartum shedding, women lost as much as 30% of hair. Even though most of hair loss is visible on scalp area, whole hair becomes dull, oily, thin, tangles easily and is hard to comb it. Thankfully, just a month after occurring, the process starts to slow down gradually. Nevertheless, hair should receive special care during this period, otherwise hair loss may resume. So, what can you do to retain as much hair and overcome postpartum hair shedding easily and without added anxiety.
Even though doctors reassure that about 90 % of hair lost during this period will be restored, many women experience longer recovery period. Therefore, it is important to implement proper care routine to help your hair shine in new better splendor. In fact, there are number of things you can do to reduce postpartum hair loss. Avoid ponytails, braids and other tight hairdos which pull and stress hair. Also, avoid harsh shampoos, conditioners and other styling products. Wash hair with products which contain biotin and silica and avoid to comb hair when wet since it is most fragile then. Avoid using harsh styling gadgets and if you need to use blow dryer make sure it is set at cool or low heat. Also, entrust professionals with hair straightening and any other styling techniques as they know how to without causing damage to your hair. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and dairy products and supplement your diet with vitamins C, E and B complex, iron and zinc.
