My Experience with Postpartum Hair Loss
Three months after giving birth, I remember seeing my hair everywhere in the shower and in the comb. I remember feeling anxious and overwhelmed when I saw my hair in my baby’s hands. It was really hard for me to cope because I have always had issues with hair-thinning and during my pregnancy had thick hair and the drastic change left me feeling super self-conscious. I am still going through hair loss and have been trying my best to regain self esteem.
What I have been trying to remember is that postpartum hair loss is a phase and that there will be a permanent end. Hair loss is a natural response to shifting hormones and hopefully soon will be regaining the hair.
Managing Postpartum Hair Loss
If you’re experiencing postpartum hair loss, here are a few things I did to manage the situation and boost my confidence:
- Be Gentle with Your Hair: Postpartum hair is fragile, so it’s crucial to handle it with care. I used a wide-tooth comb to detangle my hair, avoiding harsh brushing or pulling especially after taking a shower. I also switched to a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent further damage.
- Consider a New Hairstyle: I have trimmed my long hair up to my shoulders for a shorter haircut to help my thinning hair look more fuller and voluminous. I even felt as though my layered and shorter hair made me look a bit younger!
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: I have had issues with low iron and I made sure to eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially iron, biotin, and vitamin D, all of which are essential for hair growth. It also helped me keep my breast milk supply up. I also felt empowered to take control of my health.
- Scalp Care: Being Indian, I am used to hair oiling. I was able to massage my scalp with natural oils, like coconut oil or castor oil, helped to soothe my scalp and promote circulation. I used a wooden comb to help disperse the oil. While there’s no guarantee that it would accelerate regrowth, it felt relaxing and helped me unwind during stressful days.
- Don’t Compare Yourself to Others: This was the hardest especially since so many of my friends had children at the same time. I wanted to keep asking others what they were experiencing and would get disappointed when some of my friends were not even experiencing hair loss. I had to constantly remind myself that every pregnancy and every body is different.
- Give It Time: Patience is key. Even though it has been feeling like the shedding is endless, I knew that within months, my hair would begin to regrow. I have heard that it takes time and sometimes up to the six month mark but I will continue to practice every technique and stress less!
When to seek help
If your postpartum hair loss feels excessive and continues well beyond the first year postpartum, it may be worth consulting with a dermatologist or your doctor. The hair loss could be related to other issues such as thyroid, iron deficiency or other underlying medical issues.
Conclusion
Postpartum hair loss can feel never-ending and can cause you to lose some self-esteem. Just remember that it is extremely common and also a temporary state. It is important to focus on nutrition and rest while your body heals and adjusts after childbirth. After all, growing a baby is no small task, and it’s okay to give yourself some grace as you navigate the ups and downs of motherhood.
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