The deception of pregnancy is that hair seems to prosper. Why is this a deception? Most expectant mothers experience unusual fullness of hair. What many fail to recognize is that this is due to the increased levels of estrogen.

This is the reason for the full, thick nature of hair in women that are expecting. The estrogen “freezes” the cycle of hair growth and loss at the resting phase. Hair that normally would fall out stays. This leads us to the reason why mothers who give birth notice hair loss shortly afterwards.

Why is my hair falling out after having a baby?

Upon giving birth, those increased levels of estrogen begin to decline. All the hair that was “frozen” in the resting phase falls out as the estrogen levels decline.

How long does hair thinning last after giving birth?

Most women find that the hair loss and thinning that occurs after birth lasts from 6 months to a year.

Symptoms of Hair Loss after Pregnancy

The symptoms that accompany postpartum hair loss vary. Some women find that their hair comes out all over their head. Others experience hair coming out in clumps as they comb through it, or while showering.

The more common symptom that occurs, however, is hair loss at the hairline. This gives an appearance of fine hair in the front. To some extent, it appears that the new mother is going bald.

Treatment and Prevention

So, now that I know what has caused this frustrating hair loss as I am caring for my newborn, what can be done to treat it? Better yet, what steps can be taken to prevent it if I get pregnant again?

We need to revisit the fact that postpartum hair loss is temporary. So many mom’s freak out as they experience this hair loss. With the stress of a baby, and all the responsibilities that come with motherhood, it is easy to empathize with why the feelings of “Oh my God” would run through the mind.

The first suggestion is to reduce stress wherever possible, as stress has numerous negative effects on our health. There are some trains of thought that suggest that stress does not directly cause hair loss, others claim it does. What we do know, for a fact, is that it is detrimental to our physical and mental well being.

There is a host of home remedies to prevent and treat postpartum hair loss. It is necessary to mention that proper medical guidance is suggested for those who may be experiencing unusual symptoms or are prone to certain deficiencies.

Below you will find a couple home remedies to assist in preventing and treating hair loss after pregnancy:

Egg Whites

Take 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 egg white and blend them together. Once blended, apply this to your hair (hair pack) for approximately 30 minutes.

Fenugreek Seeds

Here is a gem of an idea that has worked wonders for many. Start out by soaking the seeds in water overnight. Next, apply the strained water to your hair and scalp for 1-2 hours. This process only needs to occur once or twice a week to see results.

Curd

Known for its hair conditioning qualities, curd also assists the scalp in arresting hair loss. Simply apply some curd paste to your scalp and leave it for 10 minutes.

Coconut Oil

Widely suggested for hair treatment, coconut oil is one of the best oils for hair loss. There is a host of products available on the market today. The consensus of many is to use extra virgin coconut oil. Once you have decided on the particular brand, the directions for use typically consist of applying to the hair and scalp and massaging in. Once it is applied and has been massaged into the scalp, leave for 30 minutes.

Massaging Your Scalp

This can not be emphasized enough. Once the hair loss begins, the hair follicles lack the essential nutrients to replenish the hair growth. In order for these nutrients to travel to the follicles, blood flow must be encouraged. By massaging your scalp, this increases blood circulation to your hair follicles ensuring they will receive the proper nutrients.

Outside of home remedies, there are some basic changes that can be made to your daily hair maintenance that can help with your appearance:

A New Look

Celebrated stylists agree that a new look during your postpartum hair loss phase is wise. Step into the fear of the unknown and trust your stylist.

A New Color

Since the hair thinning that occurs after birth is usually found in the front, a change in hair color (especially for those who have darker hair) can help hide the thinner areas.

Hair Accessories

Many new moms, who are busy enough with the newborn, do not have time to stye in front of a mirror. Why not hide some of the hair thinning with a scarf or headband?