Home Remedies for Postpartum Hair Loss

Home Remedies for Postpartum Hair Loss
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Home remedies for postpartum hair loss will be the same as those used to counteract any hair loss. Implementing a variety of lifestyle changes can result in improved hair growth and health. Be patient with these remedies. No miracle cures exist for hair growth, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Your hair grows an average of ½ to one-inch per month.

Watch Your Stress

Stress plays a major role in hair loss, according to the Mayo Clinic. Childbirth and the postpartum period are life-changing events that can play havoc on your hair health by increasing your stress level. Once you begin to lower your stress level, your hair can start to regrow. Choose from a variety of stress-reduction techniques. Find one, or many, that will be enjoyable to you. Stress-reduction strategies include engaging in a hobby, meditation and/or deep-breathing exercises, nature walks, drinking water, laughter and humor, becoming better organized, maintaining a positive mindset, imagery, music therapy, pet therapy and exercise, according to holisticonline.com. Implementing time-management skills to manage your household and newborn duties will also help.

Exercise to Increase Circulation

Exercise can serve a multitude of purposes, including improving your hair health. Exercise can increase blood circulation in all parts of your body, according to the American Heart Association. When your scalp receives blood, your hair follicles receive more nutrients and oxygen. This can help your hair grow, according to holisticonline.com. Yoga has a variety of inverted positions, such as headstands, that improve circulation to your scalp. Do not attempt these if you have high blood pressure. Engaging in aerobic exercises such as swimming, brisk walking, jogging, dancing, water and/or land aerobics, rowing and bicycling will increase your blood circulation while improving your cardiovascular health.

Eat Well

Eating well will serve many purposes. Eating properly will help lower your stress level, according to holisticonline.com. Consuming a well-balanced diet will be the best way for you to counteract hair loss, according to the Mayo Clinic. Make certain you eat foods from each food group to get a good mix of needed nutrients. These include fruits and vegetables, dairy foods, lean protein, whole grains and vegetable oils. Lean protein includes fish, skinless poultry and lean cuts of red meat including beef, pork and lamb. Choose whole grain products over those made with refined flours. Make certain to eat iron and protein-rich foods. Lack of these nutrients causes hair loss, according to the Mayo Clinic. Do not engage in any fad diets since these can lead to poor nutrition, which is a precursor to hair loss.

Use Gentle Treatments

Treating your hair in a gentle manner will counteract hair loss, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Use gentle, free-flowing hairstyles instead of tight braids and ponytails. Stop twisting, vigorously pulling or rubbing your hair. Let the towel absorb your wet hair instead of harshly rubbing the towel against your hair. Excessive heat causes hair loss, so stop drying your hair in the sun. Limit your use of curling iron, blow dryers or flatirons.

References

Article reviewed by Greg Duran Last updated on: Jul 28, 2010

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