Hair loss after childbirth - who is to blame and what to do?

During pregnancy, hair makes many women happy. The improvement in hair condition is especially noticeable in the last months before childbirth. Hair becomes vibrant and shiny, practically does not fall out or break. This is facilitated by favorable hormonal levels in the last months of pregnancy. But a woman doesn’t have to rejoice for long – a few months after giving birth, everything becomes exactly the opposite. Hair breaks down a lot, becomes dull and lifeless, and most importantly, it begins to fall out.

There is no need to be particularly upset - this is a natural process. Soon (by about 7-9 months after birth) the hair will regain its vitality. But they need a little help - and this is within our power.

Why does hair fall out after childbirth?

There can be many reasons for hair loss after childbirth, because... During pregnancy, a woman gives more than she receives

3-4 months after the birth of the baby, many women experience increased hair loss. With what it can be connected?

Why hair falls out a lot after childbirth:

1. Hormonal changes. During pregnancy, increased hair quality is due to increased estrogen levels in the blood. After childbirth, the hormone level returns to normal, and the body reacts with hair loss.

1. Lack of vitamins and protein. The problem is especially acute for breastfeeding women. If this is the reason, then in parallel with the hair, problems with nails and skin appear.

1. Stress, overwork. Sometimes hair falls out after childbirth due to fatigue, lack of sleep and worries.

1. Low hemoglobin levels (iron deficiency anemia). After a difficult pregnancy, difficult childbirth, or heavy blood loss, a woman may experience hair loss due to a lack of iron in the body.

1. Disruption of the endocrine system. In this case, hair loss will continue for at least a year. Another sign is the problem of normalizing weight after childbirth while maintaining an adequate diet.

1. Androgenetic alopecia. This type of baldness is sometimes triggered by postpartum hormonal imbalance. The main symptom is an increase in the opening of the parting.

1. Anesthesia. Hair loss may be the body's reaction to the anesthesia used during childbirth or a caesarean section. In this case, the problem goes away within 3 months.

Most hair problems can be resolved with a balanced diet and proper rest. To restore the body and normal functioning of body systems, a woman should sleep at least 8 hours a day.

It is not always possible to independently determine the cause of hair loss. If such a problem appears, then it is advisable to do a general blood test, check hormonal levels and examine the thyroid gland. If your hair falls out in clumps or bald patches appear, you should immediately consult a trichologist and find out the cause of the alopecia.

Eliminating the effects of stress

It is not necessary to experience any negative emotions for a stressful state to occur. For women, pregnancy and childbirth become the greatest stress. After the birth of the baby, there is also no need to talk about peace of mind - the mother is in constant worry about the health of the baby. Added to this is chronic fatigue due to lack of sleep. And if the child is the first, then we can say that the woman lives in constant stress.

The main negative impact of stress is the disruption of blood circulation in the vessels of the scalp. As a result, the follicles are no longer supplied with the necessary amount of nutrients, hair growth slows down, and some of them simply die and fall out.

Treatment of hair thinning in women after childbirth due to stress requires, first of all, the elimination of negative factors. It is necessary, as far as possible, to maintain a daily routine, which includes proper sleep, timely rest, and systematic nutrition.

To restore blood flow in the scalp, an irritating and nourishing effect is necessary. Various masks can provide this. They usually include the following components:

• mustard powder;
• hot red pepper;
• onion or garlic juice;
• vegetable oils;
• eggs;
• honey.

To improve the effect of masks, it is useful to massage your head before using them. To do this, you can use a wide-toothed comb made of natural materials or a special massage brush with natural bristles.

What should you do first if you experience severe hair loss after childbirth?

Not every woman can calmly react to how her hair is thinning. What measures should be taken urgently if there is significant hair loss after childbirth?

Even if a woman is already undergoing examination or has made an appointment with a trichologist, there is no need to just sit and watch her hair fall out. There is an auxiliary set of actions that will help you deal with the problem faster.

Measures for hair loss after childbirth:

1. Take special vitamins for hair. Complexes for pregnant and lactating women contain all the necessary substances and are safe for the child.

1. Supplement your diet with foods rich in iodine. They will support the functioning of the thyroid gland, and hormonal levels will return to normal faster.

1. Avoid dyeing your hair, curling your hair, using a hair dryer, and wearing tight elastic bands. Replace metal combs with plastic and wooden combs with thick teeth.

1. Wash your hair correctly. Do not use hot water; the temperature should not exceed 40 degrees. Detergents should be thoroughly rinsed from hair.

1. Make strengthening and nourishing masks, apply protective balms. Use available anti-hair loss products.

1. Massage the scalp. This will improve blood circulation and access of nutrients to the hair follicles.

1. Reduce length. For many women, shortening their hair helps them cope with hair loss. Shorter strands will receive more nutrients and the bulbs will have less stress.

Tips for taking home: making medicinal hair masks

To answer the question “How to restore hair after childbirth?”, you should understand exactly what substances it lacks for healthy growth.

Yeast mask

Hair deterioration is caused by a lack of biotin in the body, which is found in large quantities in yeast.

Pour dry yeast from the bag with water no higher than 37 ºС (1 glass), place in a warm place. Add liquid vitamin E (1 ampoule). Apply to skin and hair. After half an hour, wash with shampoo and rinse with nettle decoction.

Egg and honey mask

Its nutritional value is due to the rich organic and mineral composition of the components. Hair gains shine, a healthy appearance, and becomes stronger.

Add 1 yolk to a tablespoon of honey. Distribute the paste over your hair. Put on a plastic cap. After 20 minutes, rinse with shampoo.

Mustard mask

Also, to nourish the follicles, you can stimulate blood flow to them using irritating (baking) masks: mustard or pepper.

Dilute half a teaspoon of mustard powder in 2-3 tablespoons of warm water or kefir. Rub into skin. Cover your head with a shower cap and towel. After 60 minutes, rinse with water without shampoo.

Nettle mask without rinse

Use fresh juice, infusion and decoction of nettle. It is rich in phytoncides, vitamins B and C, and pantothenic acid.

A decoction is prepared from 1 tablespoon of leaves, 1 tablespoon of rhizomes, and a glass of water. After the mixture boils, cook over low heat for half an hour. The finished product is rubbed into the head without rinsing. You can buy a ready-made nettle mask with neroli essential oil on sale.

Mask with table or sea salt

Sodium and chlorine ions, which are part of ordinary table salt, are involved in the continuous process of human cells - the transport of substances. Sodium ions also regulate cellular pressure by attracting water into the cell. Therefore, a salt mask will moisturize your hair.

You need to prepare a paste of salt and a small amount of warm water, and then rub it in, leaving it for 15 minutes. Then wash off.

How to stop hair loss after childbirth? Effective treatments

All remedies for hair loss are divided into medicinal and folk, for internal and external use. The most effective recipes and preparations are collected here. If hair falls out after childbirth, treatment can be quite long. Sometimes it takes several months to restore your hair to its former thickness.

Dimexide

Dimexide is a “classic”, well-proven remedy that is used for hair loss.
Dimexide is a concentrated product for external use. It has anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, antimicrobial effects. Dimexide improves metabolic processes in tissues and has shown positive results in the treatment of hair loss. The drug is not used in its pure form, as it can cause burns. The high conductivity of dimexide is used in hair treatment. It is added to masks based on oils, vitamins, herbal decoctions and various products.

The peculiarity of dimexide is that it peels off from other components and therefore the mixture must be thoroughly mixed before application and during the process. Contraindications: pregnancy, lactation, inflammatory diseases, acne. The average cost of dimexide is 40-60 rubles.

Castor oil

It is made from the seeds of the common castor bean. Castor oil contains valuable acids: linoleic, oleic, palm. They have a beneficial effect on hair health and help stop hair loss. The oil is used in its pure form or as part of masks. Before use, it is necessary to warm it up in a water bath; you can add Aevit vitamins. The product is applied to the scalp using massage movements, an insulating cap is put on and left for at least an hour. You can leave it overnight. The oil does not leave a greasy film and is perfectly absorbed. With regular use, hair stops falling out, becomes strong and thick. The cost of castor oil is 15-30 rubles.

Minoxidil 2% (Regaine)

Minoxidil 2% or Rogaine is a drug designed specifically for women.
5 and 15% solutions are used only for men. White powdery drug, soluble in water. Activates cell function and dilates blood vessels, thereby improving microcirculation and supplying the bulbs with nutrients, which leads to the awakening of follicles and increased hair growth. The effect of the drug has been clinically proven. Minoxidil is used to treat various types of alopecia, including androgenetic male pattern baldness.

Use a pure solution for rubbing, and also add it to shampoos, masks, lotions and balms. The cessation of hair loss can already be noticed after 2 weeks, and the growth of new hair after 3 months from the start of use. The cost of preparations based on minoxidil depends on its concentration and ranges from 800 to 3000 rubles.

Read reviews about the use of the drug and instructions for use in the article: Minoxidil is a revolutionary remedy in the fight against hair loss. Read more specifically about Rogaine in the article: Rogaine is the strongest drug against hair loss.

Rinfaultin

A popular herbal preparation for the treatment and prevention of hair loss. Available in the form of shampoo, solution in ampoules and lotion. Shampoo is used for prevention, lotion in the early stages of hair loss, and ampoules in complex cases of baldness. Ingredients: ginseng, peppermint, nasturtium, caffeine, palm berries, camellia sinensis. Activates hair growth, prevents hair loss and awakens dormant follicles.

Used to treat androgenetic and alopecia areata. Rinfoltil does not have a negative effect on the body, but individual allergic reactions in the form of hives, itching and skin rash are possible. The course of treatment with ampoules and lotion is up to 50 days, shampoo can be used for 3 months. Average cost from 380 rubles.

Esvitsin

Therapeutic and prophylactic hair product Esvitsin based on biostimulants, micro- and macroelements. Consists of environmentally friendly raw materials. Can be used internally and externally. Eliminates many hair problems, including hair loss. Apply to the scalp with massaging movements. Does not require rinsing.

Take 1 tablespoon orally 2-3 times a week on an empty stomach. Externally 3 times a week until the desired result is obtained. Esvicin can be added to shampoo, conditioner and hair masks. It has no contraindications and does not cause any side effects. The average cost is from 120 to 150 rubles.

Burning masks

In the list of priorities, masks should be in last place because... professional drugs are much more effective

Among folk remedies for treating hair loss, masks based on hot foods are most often used: mustard, pepper, onion, garlic. They irritate the scalp, which increases the flow of blood and nutrients to the hair follicles. Use these products 2-3 times a week before washing your hair. Mustard and pepper masks last as long as the burning sensation can be tolerated.

It is not recommended to apply products over the entire length of hair if it is damaged and dry. Only on the scalp. Before you make masks based on onions and garlic, you need to know that your hair absorbs the smell very well and it will last a long time.

How to maintain hair?

First of all, it is advisable to go to a therapist so that he can prescribe tests and confirm that your hormonal levels are normal.

Then follows:

• stop braiding your hair too much and pulling your hair with an elastic band;
• allow hair to dry naturally;
• stop combing wet hair;
• massage your head more often;
• You can even change your comb; using the same comb for a long time can also significantly affect the health of your hair.

Products for eliminating hair loss in ampoules

Vichy is one of the most affordable anti-hair loss ampoules on the market.

Vitamin ampoules for hair will help eliminate the problem of hair loss and strengthen it. For example, Vichy, Placenta formula, L'Oreal, Vivasa. Depending on the brand, they contain proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and placenta extracts. In addition to strengthening, hair becomes shiny and manageable, dandruff disappears and sebum secretion is normalized. The contents of the ampoules are applied to the hair 2-3 times a week. No need to rinse off. If you have a tendency to allergic reactions, then before purchasing you need to carefully study the composition. The cost of ampoules depends on the manufacturer and ranges from 50 to 400 rubles per 1 ampoule.

What to do?

Let us note that first of all there is no need to panic. Your body is already experiencing quite a bit of stress, so calm down and think about what is best for your hair, based on the possible cause of baldness.

What to do if sudden signs of baldness appear:

1. First of all, you should pay great attention to proper and nutritious nutrition, as much as possible. The absence of sweets, foods with preservatives, and fast foods has a beneficial effect on health. But, a lack of certain vitamins and microelements contained in foods that are unacceptable during breastfeeding can provoke vitamin deficiency, iron, iodine, protein, calcium deficiency and others. Try to diversify your daily diet as much as possible.
2. Fresh air. Even if you cover your head in cold weather, it has a beneficial effect on the hair, as it increases the tone of the body and improves mood.
3. At least once a week, make a nourishing mask to treat the outside of your scalp. There are many easy and quick recipes for this.
4. Use skincare products to treat alopecia. The mass market offers many good shampoos and conditioners for hair restoration, but during the breastfeeding period it is best to pay attention to professional, luxury or pharmacy products with the most natural composition.
5. An item that is not required, but very desirable for all nursing mothers. Go to a beauty salon and spend at least a couple of hours with your loved one. If there is an opportunity to leave the baby with someone else from the family, take it. These precious couple of hours will give you energy and new strength. In the salon you can get professional help, cut off split ends, and consult on proper hair care in your case. Many beauty salons offer various procedures for hair restoration and growth, which will also be very useful.

If within 2-3 months after the start of such “rehabilitation” you still feel severe hair loss, you should consult a trichologist who will recommend effective remedies against hair loss. Regarding issues of baldness in the first months after childbirth, you can immediately consult a gynecologist the next time you visit him. He will give useful advice regarding taking hormonal medications.

Hair care

A woman who is worried about excessive hair loss must take into account some rules for caring for her hair and scalp. First of all, a young mother should put aside brushes and combs made of metal. Such combs may pull out hairs during use. It is best to purchase a high-quality soft comb or brush made from natural material.

Hair washing should be done as carefully and carefully as possible. In this case, it is advisable to use special shampoos with a strengthening effect. You should rinse your hair with high-quality hair rinsing balms, which make it easier to comb your hair. Accordingly, much less hair is lost during combing. In addition, it is recommended to periodically wash your hair in a herbal decoction.

Another important point: if you have severe postpartum hair loss, you should not use a hair dryer. A strong stream of hot air can damage even healthy hair. Weakened and thin hair in the postpartum period suffers even more from using a hair dryer.

By the way, going out into bright sunlight with bare hair is also extremely harmful. If in the summer a young mother constantly wears a Panama hat or headscarf, the condition of her hair will noticeably improve after a few months.