5 Ways to Prevent and Treat Postpartum Hair Loss So It Doesn’t Kill Your Mama Mojo

Pregnancy and childbirth can be really hard on women. During those times, hormones are completely out of whack, resulting in so many changes, including mood swings, breakouts, extreme tiredness and the much-dreaded postpartum hair loss.

Why does postpartum hair loss occur?

Postpartum hair loss is temporary and completely normal. Many new mums experience dramatic hair loss at around three months postpartum – as if the lack of sleep from taking care of a new infant wasn’t stressful enough.

How this happens: During pregnancy, hormonal changes stimulate an increase in the percentage of hairs in the growth phase. This is that golden period when you get to enjoy thicker, lusher hair than normal. After the birth and its related hormonal upheavals take place, a larger-than-normal number of hairs enter the resting phase of the hair cycle, which is followed shortly by hair shedding. This is when all that lovely hair starts to fall out, sometimes in alarming clumps, leaving receding hairlines, bald patches and more visible scalp.

Most women return to their usual hair growth cycle between six and 12 months after birth. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for women to experience postpartum hair loss that’s greater than the norm, or to find that your hair still has yet to grow back one year after the birth of your baby.

 

 

5 Ways to Prevent and Treat Postpartum Hair Loss

There are several things you can do while you wait for your hair to go back to its normal growth cycle.

Invest in a good haircut

Some new mums choose this time to snip off their long locks or change to a low-maintenance hairstyle, especially when baby starts to grab at their hair. Introducing layers or going for a shorter, less “heavy” cut can make your mane seem thicker and look fuller.

Use hair accessories

Stylish accessories can hide a multitude of sins. Think wide headbands, hats and caps, or a vibrant head scarf. Choosing accessories in striking colours is also a convenient way to punch up your strolling-pushing outfits.

Switch to specialised, good-quality haircare

Make sure your haircare regime is up to par and specialised – after all, female hair loss manifests very differently from male hair loss.  The FEM Fortify range is specially formulated for women with mild hair loss and thinning concerns, and for those who want to prevent premature or postpartum hair loss. The Shampoo, Conditioner and Tonic work in tandem to help restore scalp health, reduce hair fall and control the loss of hair. Replenishing essential and vital nutrients, the FEM Fortify regime improves circulation and nourishes the scalp to help support healthy, natural hair growth.

Try products that densify hair strands

Different hair products or leave-in hair treatments can help to “bulk up” hair and let your mane appear fuller. The FEM Thickening Shampoo, for example, helps to thicken the look and feel of hair strands. Active botanicals boost scalp circulation while invigorating and densifying new follicles as they grow.

Avoid pulling or stressing your hair

That means no overly tight ponytails, top knots or buns, and sticking to only good-quality hairbrushes that don’t yank your precious strands out. Stick to wide-tooth combs or detangling combs when your hair is wet to prevent hair thinning due to breakage.