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Having a baby can be an exciting and challenging time. One of the unexpected changes many new moms experience is postpartum hair loss. Postpartum shedding is a normal physiological process that occurs in nearly all women after giving birth, with most experiencing some degree of thinning or shedding within three to six months after giving birth. It’s important for new mothers to understand that this is a normal process and to know how to care for their hair during this transition period.

In this blog, we will discuss what postpartum hair loss is, why it happens, what you can do to minimize its effects; as well as provide a few tips on taking care of your hair during the postpartum shedding phase. We'll also cover lifestyle adjustments you may want to consider making while trying to manage your post-pregnancy hair loss. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can help ensure that your strands stay healthy and look great throughout your pregnancy journey!

What is Postpartum Shedding?

Postpartum hair loss is a normal physiological process that occurs in nearly all women after giving birth. It's often linked to the hormonal shifts and imbalances that occur during pregnancy, as well as the associated changes in diet, lifestyle, and stress levels.

During postpartum shedding, you may experience an increase in hair loss, with most women noticing some degree of thinning or shedding within three to six months after delivery. This process can last anywhere from two to fifteen months and is usually considered the “normal” amount of hair loss for this stage in life.

Why Does Postpartum Shedding Happen?

Postpartum shedding is caused by the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. During pregnancy, your body produces higher levels of estrogen, which helps keep your hair in a longer growth phase (known as anagen) and delays its normal shedding process.

Once childbirth occurs, your hormones shift back to their pre-pregnancy levels and your hair begins to shed more quickly and in higher volume than usual. This process is often referred to as telogen effluvium, which is a non-scarring type of alopecia (hair loss).

How Can I Care for My Hair During Postpartum Shedding?

Now that you understand what postpartum shedding is and why it's happening, here are some tips on taking care of your hair during this transition period.

1. Don't Roughly Towel Dry Your Hair

When you get out of the shower, it may be tempting to vigorously rub your hair with a towel to dry it faster. However, this can cause unnecessary breakage and further damage your hair. Instead, gently blot your hair and scalp with a cotton or microfiber towel until it's damp.

2. Minimize Heat Styling

Using excessive heat to style your hair can cause damage, especially if you already have weakened strands from postpartum shedding. If you must use a blow dryer, flat iron, or curling iron, make sure to set it at the lowest temperature setting possible and avoid using any hot tools more than twice a week.

3. Keep Your Scalp Clean

Postpartum hair loss can be worsened by a buildup of sweat, dirt, and oil on the scalp, so be sure to shampoo your hair regularly to keep it clean and healthy. Also, make sure you're using a very gentle cleanser that won't strip your hair of its natural oils.

4. Nourish Your Hair

Hair loss can be prevented by nourishing your strands with a deep conditioner and/or leave-in conditioner once or twice a week. Look for products that contain natural ingredients such as jojoba oil, babassu oil, and avocado oil, which are all very effective in strengthening and protecting the hair.

5. Massage Your Scalp

Massage your scalp often with a nourishing oil to help stimulate circulation and promote healthy hair growth. This will also help to reduce stress, which can be a major trigger for postpartum shedding.

Try our Scalp Massager to enjoy a relaxing scalp massage while also helping to improve circulation and hair growth. With regular use, you can help your hair stay healthy and strong during postpartum shedding.

6. Choose a Shampoo and Conditioner that is Moisturizing

Look for a shampoo and conditioner that helps adds moisture to limp dry hair as this can help make your hair healthier. Avoid products with heavy silicones or other ingredients that may cause buildup in the hair.

Our Leave-In Conditioner is perfect for postpartum shedding as it adds moisture without weighing down the hair. And with natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and vitamin E, it helps to nourish the hair and scalp for healthy growth.

In addition, Non-Stripping Shampoo Bar has been specifically formulated to help cleanse without being too drying. Its natural ingredients are designed to promote healthy hair growth and reduce breakage, while also giving the hair a boost of volume.

6. Talk to Your Doctor

If you're still experiencing hair loss after trying these tips, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition or vitamin deficiency. In this case, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.

7. Try a Different Hairstyle

If your hair is thinning due to postpartum shedding, you may want to try a different hairstyle that can help hide any areas of patchiness or baldness. Longer styles such as braids, buns, and updos are all great options that can help create the illusion of thicker hair.

When trying out a new hairstyle, it's always best to avoid any tight or restrictive styles as these can further damage the hair and cause breakage.

8. Take Your Vitamins

Hair loss can also be caused by a vitamin deficiency, so make sure to take a multivitamin every day. This will ensure that your body is getting the essential nutrients it needs to maintain healthy hair growth.

While vitamins can help prevent further hair loss, they will not be able to reverse the damage already done. For this, you'll need to focus on nourishing your scalp and strands with the tips above.

9. Reduce Stress

Stress can be a major trigger for postpartum shedding, so make sure to take time for yourself and do things that help you relax. This could include exercise, meditation, reading, or any other activity that helps alleviate your stress levels.

Conclusion

Postpartum shedding is a common issue that many women experience after giving birth. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help alleviate this hair loss and help give your hair a chance to recover. Start by keeping your scalp clean and your strands moisturized. Also, avoid tight hairstyles that pull on hair follicles as this could lead to further damage.

Additionally, consider taking dietary supplements and vitamins to support a healthy scalp. Lastly, be sure to take breaks from heat styling tools and use gentle products when washing and styling your hair. In doing so, you can help keep your strands healthy and strong during this time of transition.

Don't forget to try out our products which can help nourish your hair and scalp while also helping to reduce postpartum shedding. Our Scalp Massager and Leave-In Conditioner are great options that will ensure you have healthy, strong strands throughout this period.

Remember, postpartum shedding is normal and there are effective ways to give your hair the nourishment it needs. With a bit of patience and dedication, you can get through this period with stronger, healthier hair.