{"id":4660,"date":"2023-05-21T18:56:01","date_gmt":"2023-05-21T18:56:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsmooh.com\/?p=4660"},"modified":"2023-11-24T18:55:34","modified_gmt":"2023-11-24T18:55:34","slug":"self-care-postpartum-hair-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsmooh.com\/self-care-postpartum-hair-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Postpartum Hair Loss: Causes & How to Find Relief"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Let\u2019s clear this up right away: Hair loss after birth is very normal. More than normal actually\u2013it\u2019s almost always expected. But even though most moms go through it, there’s still no doubt that postpartum hair loss can cause a lot of negative or unwanted emotions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you\u2019re preparing for the postpartum stage or currently deep in, understanding the causes, timeline, and treatment options for postpartum hair loss is the key to getting through it fast.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In normal pre-pregnancy hair, there are three stages of hair growth, according to the National Library of Medicine<\/a>. They are anagen, catagen and telogen. Learning about each stage is necessary to understand what causes postpartum hair loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anagen<\/strong> is known as the growth stage of your hair and is the longest phase in the cycle. During this time, new hair fibers are formed from cells at the base of the follicle, which then slowly grow outwards as the hair we see. The anagen stage usually lasts for several years and can be extended depending on various factors such as genetics, health issues, and lifestyle habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Catagen<\/strong> is the second stage of the hair growth cycle. This period lasts for about two to three weeks and is also known as the transition phase. The hair follicle will detach from its root and slowly shrink in size and stop growing. During catagen, cells below the surface of the scalp are resting and not actively growing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Telogen<\/strong> is the final stage of your hair cycle. It\u2019s considered the resting phase, or shedding phase, in which existing hairs are dormant and begin to shed. During telogen, hair follicles completely rest and do not produce any new hairs. As a result, no new hairs will grow during this period until it\u2019s complete and the anagen phase begins again. The length of telogen varies from person to person but typically lasts three to four months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Essentially, when you are expecting, an overflow of pregnancy hormones triggers your hair to get stuck in the anagen<\/a> stage, or growth period. After birth, estrogen levels drop and hair transitions into shedding again jumping back into the telogen phase with an excess amount of hair waiting to be shed. This is why you will notice large clumps of hair falling out or thin spots on your scalp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 40 to 50 percent of moms experience some sort of postpartum hair loss, according to the American Pregnancy Association<\/a>. It can depend on a lot of factors including age, genetics, nutrition, and hormones. Some moms will notice it more than others, some might not even notice it at all. Just know that either way, it\u2019s all normal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hormonal shifts cause hair loss to typically begin 2 to 6 months postpartum. \u201cThough it sometimes occurs sooner or later than this,\u201d states Dr. Leah Ansell, MD, FAAD<\/a>, a leading Board-Certified Dermatologist at Treiber Dermatology Associates based in Rye, New York. There is no strict countdown to when postpartum hair loss will start – everyone is different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not sure if you\u2019re experiencing normal hair shedding or if it\u2019s postpartum hair loss? If you gave birth a few months ago, you might be in that golden time frame. Here are some signs moms notice when going through their postpartum period hair loss stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no definite time frame on when postpartum hair loss stops. Many factors can determine how long the cycle will be, so there is really no true number. \u201cI say that it starts and rapidly accelerates,\u201d says Ansell. \u201cThis usually lasts 2 to 6 weeks then plateaus.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n After about two months the majority of women will start to see improvement day by day until one day it returns to normal. The American Academy of Dermatology<\/a> suggests that moms will likely regain their normal hair growth by their baby\u2019s first birthday!<\/p>\n\n\n\n So many feelings can come with postpartum hair loss: embarrassment, self-consciousness, sadness, and even anger. This is why so many moms who experience hair loss want to try and find a solution. Let\u2019s take a look at both natural and medical treatments moms can take advantage of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many postpartum hair loss vitamins (including vitamin D<\/a>, vitamin C, and prenatal vitamins), oils, and hair care products on the market that claim to cure hair loss. But most dermatologists and experts agree that time is the only thing that really helps. \u201cEating a healthy diet and reducing stress as you are able will help your hair return to its baseline state,\u201d notes Ansell. Nutritional deficiencies can slow the hair growth process which is what you don\u2019t want to do. Stay away from processed foods, and aim for a whole-food diet. Plus, don\u2019t forget to hydrate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n What about any medical treatments? In general, experts suggest waiting, but if your hair loss is severe and isn’t improving, there are medical treatments you can pursue. \u201cSome patients elect to do procedures such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to help encourage growth,\u201d says Ansell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking to seek medical treatment, please ask your doctor first about your options. We know it sounds cliche, but overall, time is the best treatment. \u201cI try to reassure patients that it will end and the hair will regrow\u2013without any intervention,\u201d notes Ansell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As hormone levels change, your hair will usually slow down on shedding and return to its normal state soon. But Dr. Ansell warns \u201cIf the shedding continues to accelerate, lasts more than 3 months, or you notice bald spots appearing or thinning on the scalp,\u201d that\u2019s when you should seek medical help. Your doctor will come up with some treatment plans and go over any other options for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is that it is possible for a new mom’s healthy hair growth can return after postpartum hair loss. \u201cThere will be numerous short wispy hairs that will regrow and fill in all areas where hair was lost,\u201d reassures Ansell. Many moms feel confident about their hair health again months later and go on to tame all those wisps of hair with happiness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, postpartum hair loss is a temporary phase. By taking the time to learn and understand the hair growth cycle, it\u2019s easier to process those pesky shedding hairs. With some patience and self-care, you can navigate this period with confidence knowing it\u2019s all a natural process your body is going through.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDoes postpartum hair loss happen to all moms? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Start?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Signs of Postpartum Hair Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Postpartum Hair Loss Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Natural treatment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Medical treatment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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When to See a Doctor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Does Postpartum Hair Loss Grow Back?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n