Overview
Excessive shedding of hair after pregnancy is referred to as telogen effluvium and occurs one to five months after pregnancy in approximately half of women in the U.S. According to the American Pregnancy Association, 90 percent of hair on your head is growing and the other 10 percent is in the resting phase, ready to shed and make room for new hair growth. An increase of estrogen during pregnancy causes hair to become thicker, and when hormones return to normal the excess hair falls out. This is difficult to prevent completely, but it is possible to take steps to reduce the amount of hair you shed.
Step 1
Eat a healthy diet with at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that protect hair follicles and stimulate growth. Hair loss can be the result of a nutritional deficiency, so eating nutritious food regularly will help prevent any more hair loss than is normal after pregnancy.
Step 2
Keep your hair styled loosely. Styles such as braids, pigtails and tight ponytails can stress your hair, causing it to break and fall out. Let your hair hang loose or pull it back in a loose ponytail or hair clip instead.
Step 3
Wash and condition your hair with hair products that contain biotin and silica. These ingredients help nourish hair and keep it healthy and strong.
Step 4
Use heated hair appliances sparingly. Products like curling irons and hair straighteners apply dry heat directly to hair, causing damage and breakage. Your hair becomes brittle after excessive use of these products and is more likely to fall out. If you are going to use a heated hair appliance, protect your hair with a thermal hair product designed to minimize heat damage.
