How to Prevent Hair Loss after Childbirth

In this article we’re going to give you some tips to prevent hair loss after childbirth.

During the nine months of pregnancy, a woman’s body experiences many hormonal changes in order to meet the needs of the baby that is forming inside her.

During these months, as well as after giving birth, the changes that the body undergoes can affect the mother’s hair. But don’t despair! There’s help on the way.

During the first trimester of pregnancy, the hair begins to lose its tone and you’ll experience some hair loss. However, in the second and third trimester it recovers its vitality and becomes brighter and more voluminous.

However, when the time comes to give birth, the hormone levels collapse and this can trigger alopecia. Fortunately, this form of alopecia is reversible, but it should be treated well.

Before offering you some tips to avoid this phenomenon and keep your hair beautiful, we should look at some of the reasons behind hair loss after childbirth.

Causes of hair loss after childbirth

There are several triggers for hair loss after childbirth that can be pathological. In addition to the hormonal alteration, hair loss can be a consequence of stress and severe nutritional deficiencies.

Estrogen is the female hormone that is essential for a healthy pregnancy. This hormone also gets to work on the future mother’s hair, making it more beautiful and brighter.

But when the levels of this hormone drop after giving birth, the hair loses its vitality. This drop in estrogen also influences the capillary cycle.

Stress can also affect the mother after the birth of her baby, caused by the enormous life changes she’s experiencing.

To fight against this nervous tension caused by stress, the body increases its production of androgens. This hormonal disorder causes a change in the structure of the hair, and this eventually causes hair loss.

Fatigue and deficiencies in essential nutrients such as iron are also responsible for hair loss after childbirth.

Childbirth is accompanied by a significant loss of blood, and this causes a decrease in the levels of ferritin in the woman’s body. This in turn causes fatigue and a lack of vitality in the hair.

6 tips to fight hair loss after childbirth

The first thing you should improve during this period is your lifestyle. Here are several methods to counteract hair loss after childbirth.

1. Follow a balanced diet

Diet is one of the most important factors that can influence hair health. Following a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially if they contain antioxidants and flavonoids, protects the hair follicles and prevents hair loss.

It’s important at this stage to drink plenty of water or other liquids to hydrate your body and hair.

2. Take nutritional supplements

In addition to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, it’s advisable to take supplements of biotin or vitamins B and C. Vitamin E is also recommended, as well as vitamins B3, B6 and B5, as they stimulate the roots and strengthen the hair fiber.

3. Use a suitable shampoo and conditioner

Choose your shampoo carefully and opt for a daily use that isn’t aggressive and with a pH adapted to your type of scalp.

When you put your shampoo on in the shower, massage the scalp instead of rubbing it in normally, in order to activate the microcirculation. You should also opt ​​for a suitable conditioner.

4. Don’t damage your hair

Use your hair dryer and hair tongs in moderation. If you use them too much you run the risk of damaging the roots and encouraging hair loss.

Dry your hair at a distance of about 20 centimeters and avoid the higher temperatures.

In addition to this, avoid using dyes and softening products that, especially during the months after giving birth, weaken the hair.

5. Treat your hair gently

Use products that add density and strengthen the texture of your hair. Look out for home remedies that nourish the scalp.

In addition you should dry it and comb it gently and carefully. Avoid rubbing it roughly with a towel, so you don’t damage or weaken it. Keep in mind that prolonged use of extensions, pins or elastics can cause hair loss.

6. Manage stress and fatigue

Finally, a mother’s life can be strenuous. The lack of sleep and your worries for the baby are particularly stressful, and this can accentuate hair loss after childbirth.

In short, if you’ve suffered hair loss after giving birth, it’s a good time to start looking after yourself.

Set aside a few hours a week to relax. Find time to meet up with your friends or have a romantic dinner with your partner. You’ll soon be looking better than ever!