Post partum hair loss is always a hot topic on the salon. I’ve been working in the hair industry for over 25 years, and I think I have pretty much seen it all. Loosing hair is absolutely devastating but rest assure I got you. The best thing I can tell you is that knowledge is power, understanding why this is happening will help you see the way through to helping yourself regain those gorgeous locks. I will list my recommended products at the end. With a new baby on the way you’ll be feeling all sorts of emotions. I remember being so excited but also so completely terrified all at the same time. With hormones all over the place one month I would be glowing (or so I’d been told) with gorgeous skin and hair, feeling fantastic and the next id look like id been dragged through the bush and a complete emotional wreck. At the end of this crazy life experience the last thing I expected was hair loss!! I mean who the AF forgot to mention that one!?
If you are going through postpartum hair loss, believe me I’m with you I know it sucks but I’m here to tell you that it will get better, and your gorgeous locks will return.
So why do we lose hair at the end of pregnancy? Here’s the science bit, the hormones Estrogen and Progesterone support hair growth and in the third trimester estrogen level are six time higher than normal, wow! Progesterone levels are also higher during pregnancy, these two hormones support hair growth and decrease shedding keeping your hair in the anagen phase (growth phase) for longer, hence why we feel our hair looks more radiant than normal during pregnancy.
A normal healthy scalp loses between 59 and 100 hairs per day, that’s around 14% of your hair that is in the resting phase (exogenous stage), this is the stage where the hair takes a rest from growth and sheds. The other 85% is actively growing. When we have a stressful event in our lives the body reacts to this. Giving birth is a massive stress on the body and this can shift the growth cycle, up to 70% of the hair can move into the resting phase. I know who needs this in there life right! Like us women don’t have enough to deal with.
All is not lost my darling so don’t panic, I know it’s upsetting but this is just nature’s way of telling you, you did a great job with this gorgeous baby, now you’ve got to look after yourself too. Remember this hair loss is a temporary. The growth cycle needs to run its course so try to focus on the regrowth rather than the loss, all those new baby hairs coming through are a win and they will thicken up in time! Every client I have spoken to over the years with postpartum hair loss worries that they are going bald, rest assured this is not the case at all, the hair follicles are noy dying they are just resting and the worst thing you can do is stress, so just trust the process and all will be good.
So, here’s what you can you do to manage postpartum hair loss. Firstly, we need to make sure there are no nasties in our hair shampoo, conditioner, or styling products. Avoid harsh ingredients like Sulphate and parabens as these can cause inflammation to the scalp and weaken new hair growth. Instead use a vitamin and protein rich shampoo and condition (I’ll pop some recommendations below). Help to stimulate the blood flow by massaging the scalp daily. Swap out your elastic hair bands for a silk scrunchie, avoid tight ponytails or braids, keep everything loose to avoid tension and snagging. Use a microfibre towel, make sure you have a gentle brush detangling gently by teasing the knots out from ends to roots. Avoid hot tools as much as possible. Never go to bed with wet hair (hair is at its weakest when wet). Always put your hairdryer on a medium to low heat never the hottest setting. Supplements that contain Zinc and iron may also help.
I have listed my recommendations into a luxury range, mid-range and budget option based on price.
Luxury budget – Kerastase Genesis bundle for hair loss include shampoo and conditioner, treatment and hair serum.
Mid budget – Olaplex Hero bundle includes Olaplex no3 pretreatment, Olaplex no4 and no5 shampoo and conditioner.
Budget range – Umberto Giannini grow long bundle, includes shampoo conditioner, hair mask and scalp scrub.
Hair ties – Slip pure silk scrunchies. Hairbrush – Tangle teaser.
