The Tea on Postpartum Hair Loss
Postpartum hair loss can be a scary thing…hair loss in general IS a scary thing. It feels out of your control and may be confusing to understand where it’s coming from.
HORMONES are the biggest reason for your pregnancy hair changes and postpartum hair loss.
During pregnancy, your estrogen levels increase and prevents your usual shedding. They say it’s common to loose about 100 hairs a day but not all at once, so you don't notice it so much and that number significantly decreases during pregnancy because of your increased blood volume and circulation.
After your baby arrives and your hormone levels drop, your hair makes up for lost time by falling out in much bigger clumps than it normally does. It can be VERY alarming, especially the first time you notice it (probably in the shower). The total volume of your hair loss isn’t more than you would have lost over the last nine months, it just seems like it because it’s happening all at once. So, don’t freak out!
It’s important to know that it’s extremely common and 100% normal! Mine started at exactly three months postpartum and I was shedding significant amounts until about six months. It obviously varies for everyone, but after experiencing it and doing tons of research, I’m sharing what has worked for ME. Because this is a natural process, unfortunately there is no magic quick fix and you just have to let nature run its course but there are a few things that I have tried and noticed a difference with. Below, I put together a list of tips and supplements that I’m taking daily.
Do less to your hair. Wash it less often (once a week, if possible), less heat and less product. Give your locks a break to breathe! This is the shampoo I use and follow it with this hair mask for 5 minutes. I gently squeeze the water out of my hair, and brush it out starting from the bottom and working my way up. More hair usually ends up in my brush, but this isn’t something to stress about!
Don’t use an elastic hair tie, opt for a larger hair clip or soft scrunchie to minimize breakage.
Focus on a nutritious diet: while losing the pregnancy weight is something on every new mom’s mind, I really tried to give into what my body was asking for (and still do). I ate a good amount of red meat during pregnancy which was definitely out of the norm for me, and I still had some cravings months after having Gemma, which could be a sign that I was deficient in Iron. I also tried to incorporate as many dark leafy greens (for more iron and vitamin C) as I could- this could have been in the form of smoothies, sautéed, or raw in a salad. Also, sweet potatoes and carrots (for beta carotene), eggs (for vitamin D), and fish (for omega-3s and magnesium) were and still are very important for me. It’s important to schedule your meals and always have something healthy on hand, because new mom life is exhausting and cooking is probably the last you thing you’re going to want to do. But, try to prioritize your nutrition because it will pay off!
Try to limit stress: stress hormones, such as cortisol can have a negative impact on your hair cycle, compounding the hormonal changes after birth. Limiting stress is easier said than done, especially with a newborn!!! But it’s important to keep this tip in mind, accept help when it’s offered and get as much rest as possible.
Here’s my supplement cocktail:
Prenatals: I never stopped taking mine after having Gemma! It’s replaced my multivitamin and I have no plans to stop taking it. Some days, when I’m extra tired, I increase the amount of capsules I take for some extra energy and nutrients.
B Complex: B-vitamins help carry oxygen and nutrients to your scalp, which aids in hair growth. Whole grains, meat, seafood and dark, leafy greens are all good sources of B-vitamins.
He Shou Wu: a Chinese herbal medicine that works on the liver and kidneys to improve the quality of red blood cells and reduce the buildup of hepatic (liver) fat. This in turn stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, where nutrient delivery is improved, nourishing hair follicles and promoting the production of melanin.
Nutrafol: Made with a cocktail of Marine Collagen, Ashwagandha, Saw Palmetto, Curcumin, Tocotrienol Complex, Horsetail, Resveratrol, Kelp & more to help target the root causes of hair growth.
Probiotics: These are the specific ones that I take. Probiotics help promote a healthy microbiome, which not only supports the production of some of the nutrients needed for growing hair, but it also can regulate the hormones that control the transition between the phases of hair growth.
I hope this was helpful!! Leave a comment if you’ve tried these tips and if you have any of your own to share! xx
PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING ANY OF THE SUGGESTED SUPPLEMENTS.