Postpartum Hair Loss – How Get Over Faster
Becoming mom beautiful but simultaneously challenge-rich time involving significant changes in woman's body. One of most common problems new moms face exactly excessive hair loss after childbirth. With advice how overcome this stage easier more effectively shares Health and Beauty Center Adoria trichologist Jevgenija Vladimirova.
In this article you'll learn:
- Why hormonal fluctuations after childbirth cause excessive hair loss;
- How long this process usually continues when still seek trichologist help;
- What hair care nutrition recommendations help regain hair health faster.
What causes excessive hair loss after childbirth?
Main reason intensive hair loss after childbirth sharp hormonal fluctuations. During pregnancy woman's body elevated estrogen level prolongs hair growth phase (anagen phase) thus hair becomes thicker stronger falls out much less than usual.
After childbirth estrogen level sharply drops large amount hair long in growth phase simultaneously transitions to rest phase (telogen phase) followed by fallout about three months later.
This process medically known as telogen effluvium physiological norm not pathology. Though hair loss may seem dramatic usually temporary reversible. Important distinguish this natural process from other hair loss forms potentially caused e.g., iron deficiency thyroid function disorders appearing exactly postpartum period.
How long can hair loss continue after childbirth?
Usually most intense hair loss observed about three to four months after childbirth. This time period can individually differ depending on body characteristics hormonal background overall health condition. Most cases hair growth cycle normalizes six to twelve months after baby birth. Meaning gradually decreases fallen hair amount new hair starts growing.
Hair postpartum period: care basic principles
Though hormonal changes cannot fully controlled gentle proper hair care can help reduce hair loss promote new hair growth. During this period hair follicles particularly sensitive thus important follow few basic principles.
- Gentle washing suitable product selection. Recommended use mild moisturizing shampoos conditioners without sulfates parabens. Hair recommended wash with lukewarm not hot water as heat can additionally irritate scalp. Particularly valuable products containing biotin niacin (B3 vitamin) panthenol (provitamin B5) keratin strengthening hair structure promoting growth.
- Minimal thermal mechanical impact. During this period limit hair dryer straightener curling iron use. If still needed choose lowest temperature setting mandatory use heat protectant. After washing hair recommended not rub with towel but gently dry with soft microfiber towel. Also advisable abstain from aggressive chemical procedures e.g., hair bleaching perms.
- Proper hair combing. For hair combing best use comb with wide spaced teeth or brush with soft bristles. Combing recommended start from hair ends gradually moving toward roots reduce hair breakage pulling.
- Gentle hairstyles accessories. Preference given to loose hairstyles not stretching hair roots e.g., loose braid low ponytail. Tight braids ponytails can intensify mechanical hair loss. Recommended use silk satin hair ties gentler on hair. Additional protection provides silk satin pillowcases reducing friction during sleep.
- Scalp health maintenance. Regular gentle scalp massage with fingertips improves circulation can help stimulate hair follicles. Additionally can use specialized serums tonics for scalp containing caffeine peptides plant extracts (e.g., rosemary) stimulate follicles soothe skin.
How nutrition affects hair health this period?
Balanced proper nutrition one of cornerstones hair health restoration. Postpartum period especially if breastfeeding body needs additional resources thus nutrient deficiency can both intensify prolong postpartum hair loss.
Special attention to adequate iron zinc biotin (B7 vitamin) C D E vitamins protein amount in diet. Iron deficiency anemia common problem new moms one of most common hair loss causes.
To confirm iron other important elements level in body test submission recommended. Doctor nutrition specialist based on test results can recommend most suitable supplements. Also important drink enough fluids water throughout day.
When needed trichologist consultation?
Most cases postpartum hair loss transient process. However situations requiring specialist. If hair loss excessively large doesn't pass within year or scalp appear bald patches recommended visit trichologist – specialist deeply dealing with hair scalp disease diagnosis treatment.
Trichologist consultation needed exclude other hair diseases not related to postpartum hormonal fluctuations e.g., androgenic alopecia alopecia areata other scalp conditions.
During consultation detailed examination performed including digital trichoscopy assess hair scalp condition where necessary orders additional tests e.g., blood tests. Exactly timely diagnosis most important step start effective treatment prevent irreversible hair loss.
Trichologist in Riga at Health and Beauty Center Adoria
Cases where postpartum hair loss causes pronounced anxiety or prolonged professional help best solution. Health and Beauty Center Adoria experienced specialists provide necessary support performing precise diagnostics developing individual treatment plan help regain hair health. Book consultation now!