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Hair Fall After Delivery: Remedies To Prevent Postpartum Hairfall

Team AckoNov 28, 2024

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A lot of women suffer from hair fall after delivery. It is fairly common, and this article will give you all the information you need to know, from its causes to treatment. Unfortunately, women and hair loss issues often go hand in hand. Hair fall after delivery is a normal phenomenon that occurs in nearly every woman. It's important to understand that this is a temporary condition and a natural part of the post-pregnancy process. 

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During pregnancy, you might have experienced thick, lustrous, and full hair, but after delivery, all your hair beauty seems to fade away, and you start experiencing severe hair fall. This continuous hair falling keeps you worried, adding more stress to your mind and body. Hair fall is a big concern, but relax! You will not get bald; it is a temporary phase, and you will soon regain your beautiful tresses.

What is Postpartum Hair Loss?

Postpartum hair loss, medically known as telogen effluvium, is a temporary condition that affects many women after childbirth. It usually occurs between two to three months after delivery and results in noticeable thinning or shedding of hair. During pregnancy, high levels of oestrogen help hair remain in the growth phase for longer, reducing hair loss. However, after childbirth, as oestrogen levels drop, many strands of hair transition into the shedding phase simultaneously, increasing hair loss.

How Does Postpartum Hair Loss Occur?

Postpartum hair loss is a natural, temporary condition caused by hormonal changes after childbirth. During pregnancy, higher oestrogen levels prolong the hair growth (anagen) phase, leading to thicker hair and less shedding. However, oestrogen levels drop after delivery, causing many hair follicles to enter the resting (telogen) phase, resulting in increased shedding. This shedding usually becomes most noticeable around 2-3 months postpartum.

For many women, this can feel like a sudden, overwhelming loss, but it’s important to keep in mind the following points.

  • Normal shedding: We typically shed 70-100 strands of hair daily, but after childbirth, all hair in the resting phase sheds at once.

     

  • Temporary condition: This hair loss is not permanent and will gradually subside as hormone levels stabilise.
     

Hair usually starts to regrow within a few months, and during this time, treatments and proper hair care can help make hair appear fuller and healthier.

How is Postpartum Hair Loss Treated?

Although hair fall after delivery is not permanent, your hair texture might change temporarily or even permanently. It can be oily, extra dry, limp, or broken. There are effective home remedies to try, which help keep your hair healthy and promote hair growth even after delivery.

1. Treat Deficiency

Eat well and prioritise your health. Along with low oestrogen levels, insufficient nutrients in the body lead to hair fall after delivery. A low level of iron, zinc, Vitamin D, and other essential nutrients can lead to increased hair fall. Vitamins shouldn’t be a substitute for a varied diet; continue with your prenatal vitamins after your baby is born. Add natural sources of iron, calcium, zinc, protein, and Vitamin D to your diet to stop hair fall. These can be found in green leafy vegetables, soy, milk, eggs, legumes, curd, whole grains, and cereals. Ask your doctor to prescribe the required supplements to treat the deficiency.

2. Curd

It is an excellent tonic your hair requires to regain its lost shine and prevent excessive hair fall. It is also known as the best conditioner for hair. Apart from including it in your diet, apply it on your scalp and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Wash it with normal water to have soft and shiny hair.

3. Indian Gooseberry or Amla

It is recommended by Ayurveda and has been used for many centuries for nourishing the tresses. It strengthens the hair roots, maintains colour, and improves shine. Boil amla with coconut or almond oil till it turns black, and use the oil for hair massage, or you can include it in your diet to reap its benefits.

4. Egg Whites

Make a hair pack by mixing one egg white, two tablespoons of olive oil, and one tablespoon of honey, and apply it to your hair. Leave it on your hair for about 30 minutes and rinse it with lukewarm water. Egg white is a rich source of protein, which promotes hair growth; honey provides shine, and olive oil strengthens the hair.

5. Fenugreek Seeds

These tiny seeds can do wonders for your hair, promoting healthy hair growth and preventing hair loss. To use fenugreek seeds, soak them in water overnight. Strain the water and make a paste out of the seeds. Apply the paste on your scalp and leave it for 30 minutes. Use the strained water to rinse your hair. Do this treatment twice a week for best results.

6. Dry Fruits and Flax Seeds

Include these in your regular diet to promote healthy hair growth. These are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help in improving overall health.

7. Bhringraj

Include it in your diet or make a paste of fresh leaves of bhringraj and apply it to your scalp. Bhringraj helps promote hair growth, reduce hair fall, and prevent premature greying.

8. Aloe Vera

Apply aloe vera gel on your scalp and leave it for about half an hour. Repeat this treatment thrice a week. It increases blood circulation in the scalp, promotes hair growth, moisturises the scalp, and also keeps dandruff away.

9. Regular Massage

Massaging the scalp with coconut oil, amla oil, or almond oil promotes blood circulation and, thus, hair growth.

Other Tips to Control Hair Fall After Delivery 

1. Avoid styling with heat or other heat treatments like drying or straightening.

2. Use a volumising shampoo.

3. Apply conditioner properly.

4. Opt for layered cuts to achieve a fuller look, or go for shorter styles for a denser look.

5. Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair.

Conclusion

Postpartum hair loss is a common and temporary condition caused by hormonal changes. Although it can be distressing, the shedding is usually short-lived, and your hair should begin to regrow as hormone levels stabilise. In the meantime, adopting healthy hair care practices and using natural remedies can help promote hair growth and restore your hair's fullness.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a list of FAQs about Hair Fall After Delivery

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How long will hair fall out postpartum?

Postpartum hair loss typically starts around three months after giving birth and can last up to six months. It's temporary, and your hair will eventually return to its normal thickness.

How to stop post-pregnancy hair fall?

While there's no guaranteed way to completely stop postpartum hair loss, managing stress, eating a balanced diet, and using gentle hair care products can help minimise it. Consulting a dermatologist for severe or persistent hair loss is recommended.

Does cutting hair help with postpartum hair loss?

Cutting hair won't stop postpartum hair loss as it's a hormonal condition. However, trimming can improve the appearance of your hair by removing damaged ends.

How to disguise postpartum hair loss?

To disguise postpartum hair loss, consider using volumising products, trying different hairstyles, using hair accessories, or exploring hair extensions as a more significant solution.

How to limit postpartum hair loss?

To limit postpartum hair loss, prioritise stress management, ensure adequate sleep, stay hydrated, and maintain a balanced diet. These practices can help support overall health and hair growth.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

 

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