You’ve welcomed your new baby into your family and you’re starting to feel like yourself again. You may be settling into your new routine and even getting some quality sleep. So, why, while you’re regaining your footing, are you shedding hair at an alarming rate? This is a question many new mamas ask. Post-partum hair loss is more common than you may imagine, and, while there are ways to manage this phenomenon, you should also know when and how to treat it.
West End Hair Restoration, a branch of West End Plastic Surgery has been established on a strong reputation of reliability and artistry. Patients in the area of Washington D.C. can rediscover their greatest sense of confidence through our comprehensive hair restoration treatments. We’re here to help you! To learn more about our post-partum hair loss treatment, contact Dr. Lexi Wang at 202-785-4187.
What is Postpartum Hair Loss?
Hair loss in new moms is a condition of excessive shedding. It usually occurs three to five months after a woman gives birth, after most other postpartum symptoms have resolved. Due to its timing, postpartum hair loss often comes as an unwelcome surprise.
How Common is Postpartum Hair Loss?
If you or someone you love is experiencing postpartum hair loss, it may help to know that this condition is very common. Approximately half of all new moms experience this problem.
What Are the Causes of Postpartum Hair Loss?
As you may know, your hair grows in cycles. At one time, it is growing. At another, it is resting. Still, at another, your hair sheds. During pregnancy, the changes in your hormones cause your hair to be in an extended growth phase. This is why you may have enjoyed robust hair growth for several months before giving birth. After delivery, however, your hormones naturally engage in another state of flux. Specifically, your levels of estrogen decline sharply. This leads to a shedding phase that is more profound than normal, resulting in the loss of a large volume of hair.
Is Postpartum Hair Loss Preventable?
Postpartum hair loss is solely related to your shifting hormones so is not preventable. That said, there may be a few strategies you can employ to ease your shedding. These include:
- Be gentle with your hair and scalp during this temporary phase. Brush daily using a softer-bristled brush and a soft hand that doesn’t place too much traction on hair follicles.
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase. Doing so places less “pull” on your hair while you sleep.
- Eat well! Your nutrition can affect your hormones and your overall health while you are in the state of postpartum transition. Caring for yourself and your newborn takes extra energy, so load up on lean proteins, healthy fats, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Supplement. There are many reasons a new mama may not be able to get the nutrients that she needs from her daily diet. When necessary, it can be beneficial to take a postpartum health supplement like a special multivitamin. This is quick, easy, and effective.
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How to Treat Postpartum Hair Loss
Often, postpartum hair loss does not require treatment. The condition is usually temporary, and, using the tips for nutrition and hair care, may be manageable. Some women don a new hairdo for a short time to increase the appearance of fullness until their hair growth cycle regulates naturally. In some instances, though, this doesn’t happen. That’s when you can consult with hair loss experts.
At West End Hair Restoration, our experienced physicians help people every day who want to enjoy the fullness and thickness they once had. Using cutting-edge NeoGraft technology, we continually achieve remarkable results. NeoGraft is a proven treatment for postpartum hair loss that requires very little downtime for recovery, but offers rewarding outcomes!
We would love to help you reclaim your pre-pregnancy hair growth. To learn more about the NeoGraft hair restoration process, contact our Washington D.C. office at 202-785-4187 today for a consultation with Dr. Lexie Wang.