Home Remedies & Lifestyle Tips To Battle Postpartum Hair Loss

Let’s tackle postpartum hair loss together

THE GREEN MAVEN

Motherhood! It’s the gift that keeps on giving, isn’t it? Having a new baby is rewarding, no doubt, but it comes with its fair share of exhaustion. Ask any mother. Other than the sudden lifestyle shift (hello, sleepless nights!) your body also goes through a whirlwind of changes. These changes often impact your health –– your skin and hair are included in that package. While during your pregnancy, the ‘mane’ Goddesses must have embraced you with thick, voluminous hair, post childbirth you often find yourself shedding more than Colie. Don’t hit the panic button just yet –– thanks to your hormonal changes this is absolutely normal. These home remedies and lifestyle tips will help you end that battle against postpartum hair loss and will most definitely put your mane worries to rest.

What is the cause of postpartum hair loss?

Think of a time when you weren’t pregnant! You’d still lose a couple of strands of hair a day, right? Well, hair loss is normal and the average human sheds around 50 to 150 strands per day. During pregnancy, your hormones prevent your hair from falling all that much. Post delivery, there’s a drop in estrogen levels, therefore you end up shedding once again. And since you didn’t lose all that much hair during pregnancy, it catches up with you post pregnancy. Plus, breastfeeding can also help contribute to hair loss as it increases your prolactin levels. Fret not! The time-frame for postpartum hair loss depends on every individual and can last between three months to six months to even a year. So, don’t worry it isn’t permanent.

However, if you want to prevent your heart from breaking each and every time you run your fingers through it then follow these home remedies and lifestyle tips that’ll bring the postpartum hair fall to a halt.

#1 – Regular Hair Massage

There is a reason why your grandma swears by this method of hair care. Opt for a good organic hair oil –– almond, castor, olive, coconut are your bffs during this time. Heat the oil and massage your scalp at least twice a week. You can even steam your hair once you massage the oil. Wash the oil off within four hours and repeat this routine twice a week for at least three to four months for best results.

Ginger infused coconut hair oil

Ginger is known for its healing properties and can help with hair growth. It stimulates blood circulation and helps fight against free radical damage.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon ginger paste or grated ginger

3 tablespoons coconut oil

Method:

Use a muslin cloth or strainer to strain the juice of the ginger and mix it with the coconut oil. Massage it into your scalp and leave on for an hour.

#2 – Avoid Styling

You might want to avoid styling your hair during this period. Let your natural locks take over. Stay away from harsh chemicals, heated tools, and colour treatments. Be gentle with your hair and detangle it with your fingers before you go in with a brush. Always remember to start brushing from the ends, slowly making your way to the crown. Try and go for natural products when you’re looking for shampoos and conditioners –– make sure that they are formulated without sulphates, parabens, mineral oils, PEGs, etc. to prevent your hair from further damage.

#3 – DIY Hair Mask

Opt for a DIY hair mask that’ll help condition your hair and prevent it from breakage. This homemade hair mask is protein-heavy, which makes it perfect for hair thinning and hair fall as it strengthens your roots and prevents hair loss.

Avo-Egg Hair Mask

Ingredients:

½ avocado

1 egg

1 tablespoon coconut oil

½ teaspoon honey

Method:

Mix all the ingredients together to form an ooey gooey paste and massage it into your scalp and hair. Leave it on for 25-30 minutes and rinse off with a mild shampoo and conditioner.

#4 – Natural Pre-Shampoo Mask

If you’ve heard that methi seeds aka fenugreek works wonders for you hair, now is the time to try out this trusted home remedy. Soak a few seeds in hot water and leave it overnight. Now, apply the water on your scalp and hair and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash it off with a mild shampoo. Repeat this twice a week and your hair will be healthy and shiny.

#5 – Yogurt

Hair can only be deemed healthy when it’s not dry and brittle. Use curd or yogurt as a natural conditioner to help your locks retain moisture and go back to the shiny version of itself. Apply plain curd to your scalp and the lengths of your hair for 15-20 minutes, once a week and you’ll see the difference.

#6 – When In Doubt, Trim Them Out

It’s always a good idea to trim your hair whenever you can. Shorten the length in order to encourage healthier growth. It’ll also be a lot easier to manage and take care of too!

#7 – Change Your Diet

You are what you eat couldn’t be truer, especially in this scenario. Your diet plays a huge role in how your hair behaves postpartum. Get your diary out, cause here’s what you need to be consuming regularly to battle that hair fall.

– Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Eat foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids as they help immensely with your hair issues. Known to reduce inflammation and provide nutrients to your roots, these fats also boost scalp blood circulation and moisturise your locks.

Can be found in:

Salmon, Mackerels, Oysters, Sardines

Soy beans, Spinach, Nuts, Flax Seeds, Chia Seeds

– Iron

Research shows that a lot of women suffer from low iron levels post delivery. Lack of iron entails that your body isn’t carrying enough oxygen for it to repair and grow cells. Increase your intake of iron and you will find a remarkable change in your hair.