Everything You Need to Know About Postpartum Hair
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The American Pregnancy Association estimates that an estimated 40%–50% of women experience some degree of postpartum hair loss. This condition is characterized by hair shedding after childbirth, typically three months after giving birth.
A person with postpartum hair loss loses an average of 300 hairs per day compared to typical hair loss, which is around 50–100 hairs daily.
Such significant hair loss often becomes apparent during brushing or washing hair; it can even cause thinning and bald patches in some women. The hair loss usually takes six months on average to resolve, but it can sometimes persist for up to a year after childbirth. If the hair loss doesn’t resolve within six months, you should consider seeing a physician to ensure the hair loss isn’t due to an underlying reason.
The condition is primarily caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy and childbirth. As hormone levels spike during pregnancy, the levels affect the normal hair growth cycle and can cause hair to grow fuller and thicker than usual. The elevated hormone levels also prevent pregnant women from losing their hair via the natural hair loss cycle.
Once a pregnant woman gives birth and her estrogen levels stabilize, she may experience increased hair loss as her hair sheds and returns to its usual cycle. Postpartum hair loss eventually stops within six to 12 months.
Since changes in hormone levels cause postpartum hair loss, you can do nothing to prevent it or stop the process once it begins. Fortunately, you can manage the condition through a healthy diet, gentle hair care practices, vitamins and supplements. A healthy diet containing vegetables, fruits and healthy proteins, will help to build up your hair.
Furthermore, foods with magnesium, iron, beta-carotene, vitamins C and D, and omega-3s will help restore your hair to its original glory. You can also use supplements such as coconut oil and biotin to help thicken your hair and make it stronger. However, make sure you consult your physician before using any supplements or vitamins if you are breastfeeding.
Comb and brush your hair as gently as possible to avoid causing additional breakage and shedding postpartum hair loss. Avoiding tight hairstyles such as ponytails that put additional tension on your hair will also keep you from losing more hair.
In most cases, postpartum hair loss will resolve with time. The biggest thing you must worry about is fallen strands of hair potentially wrapping themselves around your baby’s limbs.
Although rare, hair tourniquets are painful and can cut off blood supply to fingers or toes. Seek emergency care immediately if you discover a hair tourniquet on your baby and cannot remove it.
For individuals who qualify, products from enterprises such as Jupiter Wellness Inc. (NASDAQ: JUPW) can help to stem the tide of hair loss and help women regrow their hair.
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