POSTPARTUM HAIR LOSS

When I was pregnant with my first baby, I didn’t get any of those amazing pregnancy perks i.e. thick hair and a pregnancy glow (I had thin hair and the worst acne!).  However, when I was pregnant with the girls, I had all the wonderful benefits of pregnancy. My hair was full thick and shiny and my skin felt better than ever. However, 3 months after the birth of Wesleigh, (second baby) my hair started to fall out in fist fulls. Not just here and there, but actually clogging up the drain every other day.  I started to get really upset and concerned about it. After a few weeks of this, I paid a visit to my doctor. Here is what I learned…

First of all, if your hair is falling out from all over your head, and not in just one spot then you are o.k., it’s totally normal. Here is the gist…

“Normally, the average head loses 100 hairs a day — but not all at once, so you don’t notice them. Your pregnancy hormones keep those hairs from falling out (which is why your hair looks as lush as a supermodel’s, or is so thick you can barely get a brush through it). But all good things must come to an end, and that includes your awesome new ‘do. When those hormones drop back to normal, the extra hairs drop, too.” You can read more on What to Expect.

It’s truly amazing what the human body can do, especially a woman’s body! This is just one of the ways our body goes back to “normal” after we give birth. It’s nothing to worry about, it does go away, but I know from experience it can completely freak you out. You can’t prevent postpartum hair loss, but here are some tips to help you minimize it as much as possible. Oh and stay sane…

1. Don’t Shampoo Every Day: Let’s face it with 3 kids I don’t have time anyways! The less scrubbing and tugging you do on your roots, the more likely you won’t be pulling on the hair that isn’t ready to fall out.

2. Bring Scrunchies Back: Bring back the 90’s and go buy your self some scrunchies to tie your hair back at night. Elastics can pull and tug at your hair.

3. Deep Condition: Twice a week treat your hair to a deep conditioning mask to keep the hair healthy and hydrated.

4. Take your Vitamins: Keep taking your prenatal vitamins to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need to keep your hair growing strong.

5. Use a Comb: When you get out of the shower don’t brush and pull on tangles. Use a wide tooth comb and brush gently.

6. Avoid Heat Styling: Try to keep heat styling to a minimum until the shedding stops. Heat tools can fry your hair and cause strands to come loose.

7. Schedule a Trim: I let my hair grow as long as I can during pregnancy and then schedule a healthy trim once it starts to fall out. It makes my hair seem more full after it starts to fall out.

8. Take a Hot bath and Don’t Stress: This is the MOST important. Try not to stress, the shedding should stop around 6 months post-baby. However, a nice hot bath to calm the nerves is always a “do”.

Did you have postpartum hair loss? I seem to have only had it after the girls but not with my little guy. I would love to know your story, please feel free to share below!

photos by Brumely and Wells