Many new moms are surprised to find that they’re shedding more hair than usual in the first few months after giving birth, but it's perfectly normal. There's no need to panic: you won't go bald. In fact, your hair should be back to normal by your baby's first birthday.
Causes of Hair Loss After Giving Birth
Hair grows in three stages: the growing stage, the transition stage, and the resting stage. Pregnancy hormones lock all the roots of the hair into the growing stage. As a result - during pregnancy, increased levels of estrogen prolong the growing stage. There are fewer hairs in the resting stage and fewer falling out each day, so you have thicker, more luxuriant tresses.
Post pregnancy, your estrogen levels take a tumble and a lot more hair follicles enter the resting stage. Soon you'll have more hair coming out as you brush. This unusual shedding will taper off and your hair will be back to its pre-pregnancy thickness, about six to 12 months after giving birth.
So, what can I do about it?
Unfortunately, there’s not much that you can do to prevent your hair from falling out, but you can experiment with different hairstyles or hair thickening products, to give your hair a fuller look during this transition period.
Prenatal vitamins are known to benefit your skin, hair and nails, so consult with your doctor on whether you should continue taking them after pregnancy. Natural oil supplements such as: omegas, found in fish, avocados and nuts or in the dietary supplements Fish Oil and Flaxseed Oil, are also beneficial to hair growth.
Avoid wearing pigtails, braids and tight hair curlers which can pull and stress your hair. You may also want to try using shampoos and conditioners that contain biotin and silica.
There is no real cure for temporary hair loss. It’s also important to realize that in most cases involving hair loss after pregnancy, the new hair is already growing in while old hair is falling out. Therefore, the situation is temporary and will remedy itself.