Many women find they start losing a lot of hair in the months after giving birth. This is because hormonal changes in your body prevent the normal cycle of hair loss during pregnancy. After the baby is born, all the hair you didn’t lose while you were pregnant starts to fall out. This is perfectly normal. The hair loss isn’t permanent and should resolve itself within a year. There isn’t much you can do to stop postpartum hair loss, but you can take steps to make your hair look fuller and healthier.
Eat Right
A healthy diet keeps your hair looking full and shiny. Eating right can also prevent excessive hair loss from a vitamin deficiency. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those high in vitamin C and vitamin A such as citrus fruits and dark-green vegetables. Get plenty of protein in your diet from fish, eggs, meat, dairy and soy. Your hair needs protein to replenish itself. An iron deficiency can also cause more hair to fall out. If you can’t stand liver, try getting extra iron from dried fruits and whole-grain cereals.
Use Supplements
Getting adequate and balanced nutrition postpartum can be difficult when the baby takes all your time and attention. Breastfeeding also robs your body of nutrients. The American Pregnancy Association recommends taking extra vitamin supplements to keep your hair healthy. Vitamins that contain zinc, B, C and A will help you make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.
Evening primrose is a natural herbal supplement rich in essential fatty acids. Stores usually sell it in capsule form. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 2 to 8 grams a day, which might help your hair grow back a little faster. Evening primrose is also safe to use while breastfeeding, according to the Medical Center.
Treat Your Hair Gently
When your hair is wet, it’s very fragile. Your regular hair care routine might be pulling out extra hair or causing it to break. Avoid brushing or combing your hair while it’s wet, and don’t use very fine combs that can pull hair excessively. Turn your blow dryer or curling iron to the coolest setting possible to prevent damage to your hair. Avoid hairstyles that pull your hair tight such as ponytails, braids, cornrows or styles that require tight curlers.
Get a Haircut
Some women find it’s easiest to get a short haircut after the baby is born. This reduces the amount of time needed to style your hair, and you won’t have to clean up long hairs from the floor or out of the drain. It also makes it harder for the baby to accidentally pull your hair.
Long hairs on the floor or in beds can get wrapped around a baby’s fingers or penis and cut off the circulation, warns the Baby Center. This can make a baby really uncomfortable. If you have long hair and your baby is crying for no reason, check for hairs wrapped around the appendages.
