The journey from pregnancy to becoming a new mum can be quite exhilarating. You are amazed at how much your body changes to support your little one’s growth, and continues to do so even after giving birth. During your postpartum, you may experience several physical changes, including hair loss.
But there’s nothing to worry about, as these changes are only temporary. With a few changes in your diet and hair care routine, you will be able to tackle postpartum hair loss like a pro.
What Is Postpartum Hairfall
During pregnancy, some women enjoy thicker, fuller hair and glowing faces. This generally occurs due to increased levels of pregnancy hormones progesterone and estrogen. Postpartum hair loss is a form of telogen effluvium, a temporary hair loss pattern triggered by a specific event.
This condition is triggered by a sudden drop in estrogen levels, which is completely normal after giving birth. The good news is that postpartum hair loss is temporary and can be tackled in natural ways.
When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Start
Postpartum hair loss occurs three to four months after giving birth and can last for up to 12 months. While most women may experience their hair return to its normal texture by their child’s first birthday, others may regain normal fullness even earlier.
What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss
Typically, the hair growth cycle proceeds in three phases. First, the growth or anagen phase (2-6 years), second, the transitional phase (2-3 weeks), and lastly, the telogen or shedding phase (3 months). During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels increase by eight and nine folds, respectively.
As a result, there’s a spike in hormone levels and the cycle remains in the growth phase for longer durations, hence the fuller and thicker hair. However, after the removal of the placenta post-delivery, the hormone levels begin to return back to normal. This sudden fall causes all the hair in the growth phase to shed at an abnormal rate. This rapid loss can cause anxiousness, but fret not, your hair will most likely return to its normal state in a year.
Add These Superfoods To Your Diet For Speedy Recovery
One way to combat postpartum hair loss is by providing your body with sufficient nutrition. Believe it or not, nutrition plays a pivotal role in reversing hair loss. Here are five superfoods that you should include in your diet to reduce postpartum hair fall.
Avocados
Avocado is a millennial-favourite fruit and is beneficial for hair loss concerns. It is an excellent source of Vitamins B and c, which help stimulate the hair follicles and prevent hair loss. They also contain monosaturated fats that moisturise the scalp and keep your hair naturally conditioned and shiny. You can consume it as a fruit with mild seasoning or add it to your salad bowl.
Iron-rich Foods
During childbirth, you may lose some amount of blood. This may reduce the red blood cell count in your body, leading to hair loss. Therefore, you should look at including iron-rich foods in your nutritional plan such as nuts, dates, seeds, spinach, and lentils. These foods are best consumed in combination with Vitamin C. For instance, you can sprinkle some lemon juice over your bowl of green leafy veggies and dishes.
Oats
Oats are power-packed with essential nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium, which help boost hair growth. However, try to avoid packaged instant oats as they are filled with preservatives and chemicals. Get raw or steel-cut variety of oats, soak it in curd or milk, and add your favourite assortments of fruits and nuts. This makes for a great breakfast option or midday snack.
Protein-rich Foods
Our hair is made up of a protein called Keratin. It is crucial for hair growth and if you want voluminous hair, you must up your protein intake. However, be informed that both over and under consumption of protein can affect your hair. Ensure to include good quality protein in your diet such as eggs, tofu, chicken, fish, rice, and lentils. Moreover, these foods are rich in biotin as well, which is another important nutrient for hair health.
Walnuts
Walnuts are rich in biotin and Omega-3 fatty acid and are foundational to healthy hair growth. They also provide an effective shield against UV damage and prevent hair loss. The best time to consume walnuts is in the morning. Soak it in water for about two hours before consuming it to get maximum benefits.
Some Other Ways To Deal With Postpartum Hair Loss
Apart from incorporating the aforementioned foods into your diet, you can also try elevating your hair care routine with the following steps.
- Do not style your hair in tight braids, pigtails, or ponytails. These hairstyles may pull on your hair too hard and cause breakage. Also, keep the usage of styling tools, such as straighteners to a minimum.
- Try substituting your shampoo with a volumnising one and use a lightweight conditioner. Do not use products with intensive conditioning properties as that might make your hair limp and thin.
- Handle your hair with care and use gentle motions while combing.
Postpartum hair fall can be a tad bit scary. But with a proper nutritional plan and a gentle hair care routine, you will be able to tackle this concern effectively.
