Postpartum hair loss
This is a reassurance post to say don’t panic, your hair WILL GROW BACK!! and to offer a few tips on how to nourish your hair from within through diet and a few other hair-friendly tips
Postpartum hair loss is SO common and totally normal! I’ve had a few messages on instagram about it and I can relate as I’ve had a lot more hair come out on my hairbrush than normal when I brush and also when I wash my hair too and have also noticed little wispy regrowth baby hairs (can anyone relate?) so this is a reassurance post to say don’t panic, the hair WILL GROW BACK!!
But Why does it happen?
During pregnancy raised oestrogen levels keep hairs in their growth phase longer than normal which is why hair tends to look extra luscious and thicker throughout pregnancy, but after birth the oestrogen levels return to normal which means hairs switch over from their growth phase to their shredding phase which results in a lot more hair shredding than usual which can naturally be slightly alarming! But, just remember its only temporary, it wont last forever and you just need to let it run its course. Your body has created life which is incredible and magical so theres no surprise it will have some knock-on effects here and there in sometimes very inconvenient and annoying ways!
Postpartnum hair loss most commonly happens 4-6 months post birth, I’ve noticed more hair shedding in the last month which would’ve been bang on 4 months since having Sebby.
How to support hair growth
Support your hair by ensuring you’re nourishing your body from the inside-out with plenty of nutrient rich meals and especially making sure you’re eating enough protein, iron and omega 3 rich foods including; eggs, lentils, chickpeas, lean meats, fish, poultry, spinach, flax seeds, almonds and walnuts. These foods will help support your system and hormones to rebalance.
As well as eating a nourishing and balanced diet I also recommend;
Using silk scrunchies to avoid pulling on your hair
Using a volumising shampoo, I love the Living Proof Full Shampoo & Conditioner its great and its also sulphate, paraben and silicone free. (My FAVE shampoo brand! I also love the Restore range for colour damaged / brittle hair)
The Hair, Skin and Nails supplement by Manifesto Nutrition- but remember food comes first, supplements without eating enough nutrient dense foods wont work but can be a great addition.
Make sure you’re getting enough omega 3 in your diet by eating two portions of oily fish per week or by supplementing (I take the Pure Strength Omega 3 by @wildnutrition). Omega 3 is essential for reducing inflammation associated with hair loss as well as being crucial for hormone balance. Omega 3 is also great to help keep hair shiny and nourished too.
Ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D and supplement if necessary
Sleep and stress are both huge factors too (easier said than done with a baby i know!) but try to prioritise these areas as much as you can
remind yourself whenever it starts to bother you that you are an incredible human, you have created life, nourished that life and given birth to your beautiful bundle of joy, hair loss is irritating but it wont last forever and is a small price to pay so try to relax about it and before you know it your hair will have grown back and these worries will be a distant memory!