How to Treat Postpartum Hair Loss

It’s well known that during pregnancy women’s bodies go through many changes. What many don’t know is that even after the baby is born women go through even more bodily changes and new symptoms arise. Postpartum hair loss is a common but not often talked about occurrence many women experience.

Hair loss that is connected to pregnancy usually occurs after delivery. Our hair grows and sheds in phases. During pregnancy hair often will often become longer and look and feel more luxurious. This is because of increased hormones during pregnancy which causes more hairs to go into the resting phase. Once the baby is born women’s hormones return to normal levels and their hair cycle resumes its normal pace. About one to five months postpartum the hairs in the resting phase move to the shedding phase all at once causing excessive hair loss. This excessive shedding of hair after pregnancy is known as telogen effluvium. According to the American Pregnancy Association this affects between 40 to 50% of women. However, this increase in shedding is temporary and the amount depends on what phase your hairs are in between pregnancy and delivery. Most women will return to their usual hair growth cycle within six months, or between 6 and 12 months after birth.

Any hair loss can be scary and emotionally challenging especially while having to care for a new baby. While telogen effluvium is completely common and only last temporarily there are things you can do to help prevent or decrease the severity of shedding. Make sure you maintain a healthy hair care regimen by getting regular trims and keep your hair and scalp clean with special shampoos and conditioners. Avoid heat styling and tight hair styles that can pull or put stress on your strands like braids or ponytails. Also make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and eat a healthy and balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables contain flavonoids and antioxidants that may provide protection for your hair follicles and promote growth. You can also take supplements and vitamins like biotin, fish oil, or a multivitamin. Taking a prenatal vitamin is not only great for nursing but also it is packed with the vitamins and minerals to grow your hair and nails fast-just like during pregnancy.

It’s also important to talk with your doctor to make sure you have the right balance of hormones and that other health issues are not causing excessive shedding. If you notice bald spots forming or permanent hair loss happening as a result of health issues or genetics you should speak with a trusted professional hair restoration specialist. The earlier you take steps to treat and prevent the problems the more hair loss solutions are available to you. New England of Associates specializes in hair restoration and replacement for any level of hair loss. You can schedule a FREE microscopic hair and scalp evaluation today by calling 781-246-8202 for our office in Wakefield, MA or 603-669-2224 for our Manchester, NH office. For more information on all our hair loss solutions visit our website.

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Since 1982 New England Associates® has known hair loss is as individual as you are. New England Associates® offers all of the procedures that work to repair, replace, restore, and grow hair. We are members of the American Hair Loss Council and the Better Business Bureau. Locations include Wakefield, MA and Manchester, NH. Our hair restoration options include hair and scalp treatments, non-medical hair replacement, laser hair therapy treatments, hair transplants, and shampoos and vitamins for fine and thinning hair.