For many people, the thought of losing your hair is one of the worst things that can happen. It’s normal to feel that your hair, and chosen hairstyle, help to express your personality. That’s why losing your hair for any reason can be a life-changing issue.
However, not all hair loss is permanent.
Understanding Postpartum Hair Loss
Postpartum hair loss is the term used to describe when hair is falling out due to hormonal changes. In fact, hair loss is part of the regular hair cycle. Just as new hair follicles are constantly growing, older ones are dying and falling out. Hormonal changes can increase the number of hairs in the dying stage, meaning you’ll be losing more hair than you grow. Your hair will appear thinner.
The good news is that postpartum hair loss is temporary. Once your hormones have reverted to normal the hair cycle will also change back to normal, and your hair loss will reduce to the standard 50-100 hairs per day.
There are several reasons why you may suffer from hormonal changes:
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Illness
- Diet
It’s worth noting that postpartum hair loss happens in approximately 50% of new mothers. In general, it is difficult to prevent hormonal changes. However, dietary issues can be adjusted. Make sure you are eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein and fruit/veg and your hormonal levels are likely to improve.
Other Things You Can Do
There are several things you can do to help reduce hair loss, although you can’t stop it until your hormones return to normal.
Choose The Right Brush
There are plenty of different combs and brushes on the market. You should choose one that suits your hair type and then use it gently on your hair. It can help to brush or comb from the bottom to the root, holding the hair near the root while doing so. This reduces the strain on the hair and the potential for it to fall out. You can check some options here for your various hair concerns and styling.
Avoid Playing With Your Hair
Running your hands through your hair or flicking it around will simply loosen the hair further and encourage more strands to fall out. This will also be more worrying as every time you run your hands through your hair you’ll find more hairs in your hand.
You need to style your hair as simply as possible then leave it alone for the day.
Lower Stress
Modern life is fast-paced and often hectic. This encourages people to be stressed. However, when you’re stressed your body releases the hormone cortisol. It prepares your body for fight or flight. At the same time, it reduces the production of other hormones. In short, the more stressed you are the more likely it is you’ll suffer from hair loss.
Taking a few moments to yourself every day and de-stressing can do wonders for your hair and your overall health.
Remember, postpartum hair loss is temporary, it will get better!
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