We finished our Special Postpartum Care, and it could not miss an entry dedicated to the hair, since after the first two or three months after giving birth it is very common, in most women, to notice a major hair loss.
Hormonal changes are primarily responsible for this phenomenon, which can last between six and ten months. After this time, normally the hair grows back and stay as usual, although it never hurts to give you some help, so that it looks again as beautiful as ever, or even more!
Why do you lose so much hair?
During pregnancy we usually have an excess of estrogen, something that in some mane feels fatal because of the increase in fat, but in others it moves into a bright, beautiful and abundant hair that seems to be better than ever.
What happens after giving birth? Estrogens and progestogens decrease, as well as the production of keratin (protein that makes up most of the hair) and this affects the hair follicle that weakens, leading to hair loss.
If we join this stress, hormonal changes or the reduction of vascular flow to the scalp, it is normal that when we pass the brush to comb our hair we are full of hairs that say goodbye.
Some basic care
If we do not want to make the situation worse, it is better to avoid overstretched strands or tight braids for a season, as well as using irons or dryers with too hot air. If there is no other choice, we can use the tempered air option.
Dyes, straightening or other chemical procedures are totally discarded during these months. To wash it the most indicated is a mild shampoo, with a ph close to 5, because although there are also specific hair loss shampoos, not all are recommended for postpartum, so when in doubt it is better to prevent and choose a soft one, suitable for daily use.
As we have said before, emotional state also influences hair health, so first of all it is essential to take everything (including hair loss) calmly. Practicing deep breathing or some yoga sure helps you.
Nourish your hair with proper nutrition
The part we see of our hair is what is known as "dead" because it has stopped receiving blood. The living part of the hair (hair follicle) is under the scalp and feeds on the bloodstream through the capillaries.
Taking this into account it is easy to deduce that a good diet can do much more for our hair than the products we use on the outside, especially if it is rich in Group B Vitamins present in the beer yeast, wheat germ, soybeans, alfalfa sprouts, whole grains, nuts, seeds, avocado, tomatoes, legumes, potatoes and broccoli.
In this group the famous is present Biotin, known for strengthening hair, nails and skin, and favoring the creation of keratin, something that we also get with a good dose of Folic acid that can also be found in brewer's yeast, escarole, spinach, oranges, beets, peas, sunflower seeds, asparagus or lentils and with foods rich in Zincsuch as celery, eggplants, carrots, brown rice, bananas, wheat bran, oysters and oatmeal.
Nor should we neglect the food they provide us Vitamins A, E and C, antioxidants and essential in the formation of collagen, which we already discussed in our post on how to take care of stretch marks, or forget to drink enough water to hydrate well.
A diet too low in calories helps the hair to fall out even more, so in general, trying to include the mentioned foods in our daily lives, it is important even if we are trying to lose weight that we follow a varied and healthy diet, according With our situation, it requires encouragement and extra dose of energy.
Finally, comment that if the hair loss produces important patches, or lengthens in time beyond ten or twelve months after delivery, it is necessary check with our doctor, to give us an adequate treatment to the problem.
Every woman is a world and her hair, we could almost say another one. Do you tell us your experience?
Photos | The road is home | Helga weber
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