During the first few months after having a baby, many women discover that their hair falls out more profusely and frequently than during their pregnancies. This benign condition, called telogen effluvium, is the result of hormones getting back to normal, according to the online pregnancy resource WhattoExpect.com. An increase in estrogen helps keep hair growing, so when levels plummet after birth, you may find an increase in stray hairs when brushing or washing your hair. Some of the shedding may be impossible to prevent until your hormones even out, but eating a balanced diet and being careful about your hair care routine can help stop some of the excessive shedding.
Step 1
Continue to take your prenatal vitamins when you experience postpartum hair loss. If you do not have any left, ask your doctor what type of multivitamin he recommends. The American Pregnancy Association states that vitamins A, E and C can help reduce hair loss after having a baby. Eating fresh produce that contains these antioxidant vitamins, such as citrus fruits and orange-colored vegetables, can also help keep your hair healthy.
Step 2
Increase your omega-3 and protein intake. WHFoods.org reports that these two nutrients are crucial to the health of your scalp and your hair. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts and flaxseed products, stimulate the hair follicles on your scalp and keep them in good working condition. Hair follicles that are damaged are not able to produce hair, and the strands fall out. One of the elements of human hair is protein; eating high-protein foods such as lean meats can also help you have healthy hair that is less likely to fall out.
Step 3
Reduce the frequency with which you wash your hair during the height of your shedding. Shampooing and styling your hair can make it fragile, and boost the chance of hair breakage and loss. Try to wash on an every-other-day schedule if you have oily hair and usually shampoo daily.
Step 4
Avoid styling your hair with accessories that pull on your hair tightly or use too high a heat setting. Hair elastics, tight braids, curlers and hot irons can all stress your hair and cause more damage, according to the American Pregnancy Association. While you are experiencing postpartum hair loss, wear your hair loose and dry it on a cooler setting to stop some of the excessive shedding.
Tips and Warnings
- Speak to your doctor about telogen effluvium if your hair is still coming out in great quantities by the time your baby is a year old. Continuing hormonal imbalances may indicate an underlying problem such as a thyroid condition.
Things You'll Need
- Prenatal vitamins
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