4 Ways to Care for Your Postpartum Hair

Your body goes through numerous changes during pregnancy and, believe it or not, the transformation doesn’t end when you give birth. Your hair, for example, may undergo a starling shift. While you might have enjoyed thick, flowing locks for nine months, after baby is born, it may feel thinner and more prone to frizz. The good news? Postpartum hair loss is totally normal, and many of the factors that exacerbate or prolong it can be addressed.

Here, we'll talk about what postpartum hair loss is, why it happens, and how best to manage it.

Why Postpartum Hair Loss Happens

Hair naturally goes through a continuous cycle with three main phases: growth (anagen), transition, and shedding (telogen). At any given time, some hairs are in the shedding phase, which is why daily hair loss is normal.

During pregnancy, rising estrogen levels shift this cycle. Estrogen prolongs the growth (anagen) phase. At the same time, it delays the shedding phase, so fewer hairs fall out. This is why many women notice fuller, thicker hair during pregnancy.

After childbirth, hormone levels, especially estrogen, drop rapidly. As a result, many hairs that were held in the growth phase enter the shedding (telogen) phase all at once. This leads to noticeable hair loss, a temporary condition known as telogen effluvium.

"On a typical day, it’s normal to shed about 50 to 100 hairs as part of the natural hair cycle. During postpartum telogen effluvium, that number can increase significantly—sometimes several hundred hairs per day," says Hair restoration physician Dr. Alan Bauman of Bauman Medical. It often results in hair feeling thinner and more prone to frizz.

Signs of Postpartum Hair Loss

Recognizing the signs of postpartum hair loss can help you know what to expect. It can also help you spot anything that seems out of the ordinary.

• Increased shedding:You notice more hair than usual on your pillow, in the shower drain, or on/in your brush.

• Thinner ponytail:Your ponytail feels smaller overall, and you may be able to wrap your hair tie around it an extra time.

• Thinning hairline:Some women see more noticeable thinning around their temples or along the front of their hairline.

• Short regrowth hairs:After the shedding phase, you might see fine new hairs growing in , especially around the hairline. These are often referred to as "baby hairs."

Haircare Tips to Help Manage Postpartum Hair Loss

If you're experiencing postpartum hair loss, these tips can help you manage the issue.

Styling

Dr. Bauman suggests the following styling tips and tricks to help make the most of this postpartum phase.

• Create the illusion of density:Volumizing shampoos, lightweight conditioners, and root-lifting products can help hair appear fuller

• Change your part:A slightly off-center or zig-zag part can reduce the appearance of widening

• Avoid tension:Skip tight ponytails, buns, or extensions that can stress already vulnerable follicles

• Avoid heat and harsh treatments:Hair may be more fragile, so minimize high-heat styling and chemical processing

• Change your cut:Shorter or layered styles can make thinning hair look thicker and more manageable

Nutrition

Postpartum hair loss can also be treated from the inside out. Consider the following.

• Consume nutrient-dense, easy-to-digest meals:  "Think bone broth, nourishing soups, stewed fruits, ghee, and soaked nuts and seeds to stabilize blood sugar, calm the nervous system, and deliver the minerals needed to support healthy hair," says Ameya Duprey, board certified Ayurvedic practitioner and postpartum doula.

• Replenish depleted nutrients:Postpartum recovery and breastfeeding place significant demands on the body, says Dr. Panicos Shangaris, a consultant in obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine. According to Shangaris, deficiencies in vitamin D, B12, folate, and zinc can affect hair growth and recovery. A simple blood test can identify specific deficiencies so you can target your individual needs.

Scalp care

Postpartum hair care starts at the roots or, more precisely, the scalp. Duprey suggests a simple scalp oiling ritual three to four times per week for the first one to two months postpartum.

She recommends massaging a warm, unrefined oil like castor or sesame directly into the scalp to support circulation to hair follicles and strengthen strands. Leave it on for 30 to 60 minutes or overnight before shampooing.

"Pairing internal nourishment with external oiling often leads to less shedding, stronger new growth, and a calmer, more grounded recovery," says Duprey.

Self-care

The next two suggestions might be easier said than done for a new parent, but stress and sleep do affect hair growth .

• Manage stress:This can be anything from a brief meditation to a moment of silence when the baby is sleeping.

• Get enough sleep:If you have a partner, consider switching so they can take the night shift while you catch some Zs.

While hair loss can be concerning, it's important to remember that it's a natural part of your body's postpartum recovery process. Time, care, and patience, along with these tips, will go a long way in maintaining a positive outlook on your hair's overall health.

Read the original article on Parents