After you have a baby, it’s not uncommon to experience some hair loss. This is called postpartum hair loss, and it’s completely normal. Postpartum hair loss (PPHL) is a condition that affects a large number of women after giving birth. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 70% of women will experience some degree of hair loss in the months after childbirth.
It is characterized by excessive hair shedding and can lead to thinning, balding, and overall hair loss. While the exact cause of PPHL is unknown, it is thought to be related to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum.
Fortunately, there are a number of treatments that can help to minimize hair loss and improve hair growth.
What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?
There are a few different factors that can cause postpartum hair loss . First, during pregnancy, your hormone levels are higher than usual. This can cause your hair to grow faster and thicker than normal. After you give birth, your hormone levels drop back to their pre-pregnancy levels. This sudden change can cause your hair to fall out more than it normally would.
Another factor that can contribute to postpartum hair loss is stress. The physical and emotional stress of childbirth can cause your hair to fall out. Additionally, the lack of sleep and changes in diet that come with having a new baby can also lead to hair loss.
Finally, it’s also believed that postpartum hair loss is linked to iron deficiency. During pregnancy, your body needs more iron to support the growing fetus. After you give birth, your body’s iron stores are depleted, which can lead to hair loss.
While this issue is inevitable for most, it’s not something you have to suffer through. Below you’ll find a few tips to combat hair loss after you’ve given birth.
3 Best Tips for Postpartum Hair Loss
1. Postpartum Vitamins for Hair Loss
One of the best things you can do to combat postpartum hair loss is to take a postpartum vitamin specifically formulated for hair growth. These vitamins are specifically designed for women who have just given birth and are formulated to support postpartum hair growth. Our favorite is Baby Blues Postpartum Hair Vitamins.
Several studies have shown that certain postpartum hair loss supplements can help to improve hair growth and reduce hair shedding. For example, a study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that postpartum women who took a daily supplement containing biotin, folic acid, iron, and zinc experienced significantly less hair loss than those who did not take the supplement.
Another study, published in the International Journal of Trichology, found that postpartum women who took a multivitamin supplement containing biotin experienced improved hair growth compared to those who did not take the supplement.
These studies suggest that postpartum hair loss supplements can be an effective treatment for this condition.
2. Regular Exercise
Exercise is great for your overall health, and it can also help to reduce postpartum hair loss. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting and stress-reducing effects. Additionally, exercise can help to improve circulation, which can promote hair growth.
There is some evidence to suggest that exercise may help to reduce postpartum hair loss. One study found that women who exercised regularly during pregnancy had significantly less hair loss post-delivery than those who did not exercise (1).
Additionally, another study found that postpartum hair loss was significantly reduced in women who participated in a moderate-intensity exercise program three times per week for 12 weeks (2). Exercise is thought to help reduce postpartum hair loss by increasing circulation and providing nutrients to the scalp (3).
Start out with something as simple as a 10-20 minute walk per day with the baby in the stroller. That’s about all you can do in the first few weeks anyway. Then, you can build up to longer walks when you feel ready. If you’re already active, continue your workout regimen once you’ve been cleared by your doctor to exercise.
3. Green Smoothies and a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is also important for postpartum hair loss. Make sure to include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains in your diet. I also love taking a probiotic daily.
Drinking green smoothies is a great way to get the nutrients your body needs to support hair growth. Smoothies are super simple to make, and they’re a great on-the-go meal or snack.
Here is our simple Green Smoothie recipe for new moms:
- 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk (or plant based milk of choice)
- ½ Avocado (I love slicing 5 avocados up at once into halves and freezing them)
- ½ cup of berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 handful of spinach (or kale)
- 1-2 Scoops of Baby Booster Salted Caramel Protein (I Love Salted Caramel, but their other flavors are great too. They’ve also got Strawberry Cream, Chocolate Mocha, and Tahitian Vanilla)
If you are considering taking any supplements, talk to your doctor first to make sure they are safe for you.
Postpartum hair loss is common, but there are things you can do to combat it. Taking a postpartum vitamin, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet are all great ways to reduce hair loss and promote hair growth.
References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20687573
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22496294
3. https://www.webmd.com/baby/features/truth-about-postpartum-hair-loss#1
