If you’re reading this, you may have had a new baby recently, so huge congratulations!
However, there’s also a good chance that you’re now experiencing hair loss – a not so welcome result of giving birth.
Coping with hair loss after giving birth
Many new mums find that they quickly lose a lot of hair after giving birth. The good news is that this is normal and, in most cases, it’s temporary and doesn’t mean there is anything wrong.
But what causes postpartum hair loss?
Pregnant women often find that their hair gets thicker and greasier. This is probably related to estrogen which changes the usual cycle of hair growth and loss, so the scalp holds onto hair for longer. You may also notice thicker eyebrows and eyelashes.
So after birth, all that extra hair is lost when your estrogen levels fall. You may feel as if you are shedding frightening amounts of hair, but it’s probably just going back to how it was before you became pregnant. You may have to be patient for a few months before your hormone levels return to normal.
New mums can also lose their hair if they experienced a stressful birth. This type of hair loss causes thinning of the hair and is called ‘telogen effluvium’ – it can happen about three months after the stressful event that triggers it. Again, this is usually a temporary condition, and your hair will regrow.
While you’re waiting for your hair and hormones to settle down, Try taking these positive confidence-boosting steps to ensure you stay looking and feeling good:
- Try a head massage: to help dial down the stress while stimulating blood flow across your scalp to encourage healthy hair regrowth.
- Change your hairbrush: avoid harsh bristles and metal combs and opt for softer, natural bristles to help massage your scalp and protect your hair from breakage. Ask us if you’d like some advice or help.
- Use thickening shampoos, conditioners, mousses and hairsprays: we can help you decide which products are best for your hair. We can also recommend thickening treatments such as serums and leave-in sprays.
- Eat your veg! In other words, eat a healthy diet to give your hair the best chance of recovering quickly. Dark green vegetables, fruit such as blueberries and raspberries, eggs and food rich in protein such as lean meat, fish, seafood, and dairy products should all help.
Thinning hair styling tips for mums
“Pop in for a consultation and be inspired”. There are different things you can try to help disguise your temporary hair loss and bring back some of that pre-pregnancy pizzazz:
- Move your part: hair thinning can show up more along your usual parting. So try moving it – a simple solution that may make a big difference.
- Go shorter or more layered: ask us about which styles will make the most of your post-baby hair.
- Try a new hair colour: we can take you through some options that will help to give the impression of thicker and fuller hair such as highlights or balayage. Spoil yourself!
- Rock a colour spray: this will help to disguise areas where your hair hasn’t yet grown back, making for a fuller more voluminous look.
- Accessorize: hats, scarves, hairbands, clips – add some fun and sparkle to take the attention away from your temporarily thinner locks.
- Experiment with extensions: they are not just for adding length. Let’s chat about using extensions to temporarily increase the volume of your hair.
When to see your GP
Our client’s health and safety always come first. It’s best to get advice from your GP if:
- Your hair loss persists.
- Clumps of hair are falling out.
- You have bald patches.
- Your scalp is painful or feels it is burning.
Book a consultation today
Would you like some expert advice on how to cope with your post-baby hair? Call now to book a consultation or to ask about our self-care retail products: 905-681-0277.
