One of the side-effects of having a baby is spotting that your hair has changed a few weeks after the birth (and of course many notice changes during pregnancy). Post-partum hair is different for everyone and some people don’t experience this phenomenon at all, after the birth any changes in their hair return to pre-pregnancy. When hormone levels fluctuate and, in particular, when oestrogen drops, some people notice what’s known as excessive hair shedding. Although it is natural and nothing to be worried about, it can still be distressing. Many people see their hair as an important part of their appearance and, to some extent, their identity. If you want to take the best care of your post-partum hair, here’s how.
Understand Your Hair’s New State
So many big and small aspects of your physical being change during and after pregnancy, including your hair. The texture may be completely different to what you are accustomed to and you might notice frequent shedding. It’s important to start from a place of understanding so that you don’t overreact to your hair loss.
Maintain Good Nutrition
For the health of yourself and your new baby, it makes sense to eat well and stay fit in the months after giving birth. Good nutrition will also help your body to regulate itself properly and return to its normal state as well as give your scalp what it needs to regrow hair. Encourage growth by giving your scalp gentle massages to improve blood flow around the follicles.
Consult a Specialist
While it is normal for new mothers to experience some hair loss as a result of changing hormone levels, you may be concerned that your situation is more serious or more prolonged. If you are losing a lot of hair or haven’t seen a slowing down of the shedding, consider making an appointment with a specialist. If the effects of post-partum hair loss don’t go away after a certain length of time, you may want to think about finding more permanent methods of bringing your hair back to life. The professionals at The Harley Street Hair Clinic, for example, can talk you through the options for hair restoration should it come to that.
Treat Your Hair Gently
If you have noticed changes in your hair after giving birth, it is most likely feeling thinner and more fragile than it did before. This is because the process of growing a baby means giving the infant plenty nutrients from your own body. Just as you may have noticed your teeth feeling more sensitive, your hair can become brittle too. This is why you must treat your hair gently and limit its exposure to harsh chemicals until it has regained its prior fullness. Don’t brush, comb, or style your hair too roughly as this can tear the strands and damage the roots, making regrowth more difficult.
Give Yourself Time
It’s unrealistic to expect your post-partum hair to return to its pre-pregnancy state in a short space of time. Have patience and be kind to your hair so that it can grow back full and healthy when the time is right.