During pregnancy, women go through a hormonal revolution that affects their entire body. The effects of these hormones last until after delivery and can cause postpartum alopecia, meaning postpartum hair loss. This can start up to 3 months after the baby’s birth. Don’t worry! This is absolutely normal. Most women lose their hair in the first months after delivery.
What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss
During pregnancy, the woman’s hair goes through changes due to the hormones of the placenta that cause an increase of the sebaceous secretion of the scalp. Therefore, depending on the type of woman’s hair, the changes will affect one way or another.
These hormones also cause hair to fall out less during pregnancy. The secretion of estrogen keeps almost all the hair in the growth phase. However, once the woman gives birth, the hormones are rebalanced, and a noticeable hair loss is observed. The falling hair is the one that has not been lost during pregnancy.
It is not true, that hair loss in breastfeeding is due to the breastfeeding itself. Breastfeeding is not responsible for postpartum hair loss. Even women who don’t breastfeed have hair loss.
Tips To Prevent Hair Loss After Delivery
Postpartum hair loss is a normal and natural physiological process that women experience after pregnancy. However, some tips can help protect the hair at this stage.
Have a balanced diet
Food is one of the factors that influence the health of your hair and eyelahses. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, especially if they are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the hair follicle and prevent the hair from falling out. It is also necessary to drink a lot of water since hydration is essential.
Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, dairy products and grains. Add to your diet foods rich in vitamin B (oats, soy, yeast, chicken, fish, avocados), omega 3 fatty acids present in oily fish, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, iodine, and zinc (beef, wheat, squash, peanuts, beans, spinach).
At the end of this article, we have prepared some recipes for juices and natural smoothies, providing the vitamins and minerals we need to have healthy hair.
Take nutritional supplements
It is advisable to take vitamin supplements of biotin or vitamin A, E, B3, B6, B5 and C, which complement your balanced diet. These vitamins stimulate the root and strengthen the hair fiber. Don’t forget to consult a doctor before taking any supplements.
Use a mild shampoo, suitable for daily use
During pregnancy, the secretion of oils from the scalp increases, so the hair requires more frequent washing. To do this, use a pH-neutral shampoo for everyday use.
Use a volumizing conditioner
The smoother the hair, the less friction it will suffer when combing. The hair loss will be less after the baby is born.
Apply products that give density and texture to hair
These products will help give a feeling of volume and thickness to the hair, which will improve the appearance of hair.
Treat your hair gently
Dry and comb your hair carefully. Avoid rubbing with a towel, preventing damage or weakening. The friction favors the rupture of hair and, consequently, its fall.
Do not abuse with the hair dryer and straightener
Using these appliances excessively causes damage to the roots and subsequent fall. The hair should be dried at a safe distance (approximately 20 cm), always avoiding high temperatures.
Do not use dyes
These products weaken the hair during the postpartum period, so they should not be applied.
Choose a cut that gives volume look
It is a choice for many women. A new cut can give a more bulky appearance, allow the regeneration of hair in less time, and facilitate the daily hair care.
Be careful when brushing your hair
Avoid brushing your hair more than 3 times a week.
Home Treatments To Prevent Hair Loss After Childbirth
As mentioned above, a healthy diet is essential to prevent postpartum hair loss. So, below yiu will find great recipes for juices and natural smoothies, which combine the right foods with their vitamins and minerals we need to have healthy hair.
Banana and chestnut smoothie
This drink is rich in selenium, a mineral with a high antioxidant power, which helps the hair to grow faster and stronger.
Ingredients
1 glass of l yogurt
1 banana
3 chestnuts
How to prepare:
Mix all the ingredients in the blender and drink immediately. Do this daily, or at least three times a week.
Carrot, Orange and Cucumber Juice
The carrots are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, which are essential for maintaining healthy hair. The oranges contain vitamin C, which is involved in the synthesis of collagen and strengthening the hair strands.
Ingredients
2 oranges
1 carrot with peel
1 cucumber with peel
How to prepare:
Squeeze the oranges. Place your cleaned, cut carrot and cucumber in a blender or food processor. Process until finely chopped or mashed, then add them to the orange juice. Drink this juice every day.
Hair loss after pregnancy resolves naturally, but these tips are essential to soften this effect and help a faster recovery. However, although it is a natural process that happens to most women who have just become mothers if you notice an excessive hair fall for a long period, it is advisable to consult with a specialist.
