Causes Of Postpartum Hair Loss: How To Prevent Excessive Hair Loss?

Many moms are concerned about postpartum hair loss. Hair loss few months after pregnancy is not uncommon; at least 40 to 50% of women get affected by it. Like many changes which have returned to normal after pregnancy, hair loss too will not last long. It will revert back to normal.

But one thing is certain; you are not going to become bald even after so much of postpartum hair loss, you should not panic. Postpartum hair loss is usually experienced 3 months after delivery. It has something to do with rise and fall of female hormone estrogen that we will discuss in the next paragraph.

What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?

In normal condition, the hair grows in three stages. The first stage is called anagen or growing stage. The second stage is called catagen or the transition stage and the last stage is called telogen or resting stage. At any given time, 90 percent of hair are in growing stage. The rest are in other two stages.

During pregnancy, there is excess secretion of estrogen. The level of estrogen therefore remains high. High level of Estrogen hormones during pregnancy locks the hair roots and accelerates hair growth. It also reduces normal hair fall.

This is the reason many women feel their hair becoming thick, particularly women who have short hairs.

After the birth of child, level of estrogen will gradually fall and come to its normal. As a result, large portion of hair will switch into the transition stage and subsequently in resting stage. The hair in resting stage generally remain on the scalp for 3 months after which the hair starts falling. It is for this reason postpartum hair loss is experienced 3 months after the delivery. This phase of hair loss may remain for 6 months to 1 year. Ultimately after the third phase is over, hair loss returns back to its normal pre pregnancy level.

This temporary hair loss has no relation in context with lack of nutrition or vitamins. So the next time when you observe clumps of hair while brushing, few months after delivery, do not get panic. There are several ways to treat and reduce hair fall.

Prevention Of Excessive Postpartum Hair Loss

Numbers of things can help to prevent excessive postpartum hair loss.

• First and foremost consult your doctor to balance the hormones.
• Avoid hair weave, tightening your hair too much, pigtails, and tight hair rollers.
• Use shampoos which contain natural compounds. Avoid using too harsh shampoos containing chemicals.
• Eat diet rich in vegetables and fruits. It contains flavanoids and other antioxidant compounds which are effective in strengthening hair roots. They also encourage hair growth.
• Use wide tooth combs. This will prevent hair damage when you comb entangled hairs.
• Avoid hair dyes and other hair products that may have a damaging effect on hairs.
• Avoid the use of hair dryers.
• You can take vitamin and mineral supplements after consulting your doctor. Multivitamin which contains vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, Zinc are all good for maintaining healthy hairs.
• Exercise regularly as it will increase the blood circulation in the scalp. Good circulation of blood in scalp will provide nutrients and oxygen which is necessary for good hair growth.
• A gentle massage is also valuable for increasing blood circulation in scalp.

 Source: tandurust