What is postpartum hair loss?
Postpartum comes from the Latin origin “after childbirth” and refers to the mother and the period of time after which she has given birth. The time frame is from immediately after labour and anywhere up to 6 months there after.
Postpartum hair loss is the excess loss of hair experienced after childbirth.
What are the causes?
During pregnancy, the hormone oestrogen increases. It effects the hair growth cycle by slowing down and even ‘pausing’ the natural hair shedding phase (also known as the telogen phase). This means that on average the 50-100 hair strands we would naturally lose everyday, slows down significantly resulting in your hair feeling and looking thicker than ever before during your pregnancy. However, once you deliver your baby, these hormones become unsettled for a period of time and out of nowhere, the hair comes out of its resting phase and begins to shed (also known as the exogen phase or early anagen stage) then re-enters the Anagen phase (also known as the growing phase).
The Hair Cycle
There are 4 key phases to the hair growth cycle.
Anagen is the active phase of hair growth and can last between 2-7 years. The dermal papilla is a tiny organ that serves the follicle. It surrounds the hair bulb and has an excellent blood supply which aids in the growth of the hair.
Catagen is the transitioning phase where the hair detaches from the dermal papilla. It takes around 10 days for the hair to move towards the base of the sebaceous gland. The hair will sit here until it naturally falls out or a hair behind pushes it to the surface.
This stage can be followed immediately by a new hair or the dermal papilla and follicle will enter a resting phase.
Telogen is the resting phase, lasting approximately 3 months. Around 15% of the hair on your scalp is in this phase, however, this phase can be prolonged due to other intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Early Anagen is the shedding phase, a new hair bulb forms round the dermal papilla. The old hair will be loose and fall out so a new hair can begin to grow and the cycle begins again.
It is estimated 50-150 hairs will fall out daily
How long will postpartum hair loss last?
Each person is different, but it is thought that after 3-6 months from experiencing hair loss, the shedding stage should start to slow down and the normal hair growth will resume. Even though the hair shedding eventually slows down, from personal experience, I have found that the over all feel of my hair is finer and new baby hairs that are growing around the front of my hair line are taking longer to grow back through.
Hair loss and hair thinning can continue well after giving birth and can be caused by a number of factors;
Stress, anxiety, hormonal fluctuations, age, nutritional deficiencies, medication and even over-styling your hair.
How can you stimulate hair growth?
There are a variety of ways to help encourage hair growth and I have been exploring new ways in which to kick start my hair growth!
Scalp massage is something I do most days and always incorporate it into professional facial sequences. I believe that by applying gentle massaging pressure to the scalp you will stimulate blood flow and encourage healthy new hair to grow back through.
Using a paddle brush to massage the scalp and regular brushing will help release hairs in the shedding phase giving way to the new hair behind to reach the surface. Head over to my Tutorial highlight on my Instagram page to watch a short step by step scalp massage ritual.
Increase your intake of nutrient rich foods
A healthy balanced diet is something that can positively impact many elements of your hair, skin, nails whilst working to internally nourish your body. Protein
Your Hair is made up of proteins, so it’s crucial to ensure your diet contains adequate levels of this dietary requirement. Chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, milk, yoghurt, beans and pulses, fortified tofu, soya based drinks. Nuts and seeds are a great protein choice if your on the move or great as a snack!
Vitamin C and Iron
Vitamin C aids the absorption of iron. A lack of iron is associated with hair loss. The hair follicle and hair root are feed by the dermal papilla which relies on a nutrient rich blood supply. The body’s daily need for iron is about 2mg for women and 1-1.5mg for men and children. When iron levels fall below a certain point it will affect the follicle and hair growth and an increase in the shedding phase may be the result.
However, iron absorption by the body is not very efficient, therefore, it’s great to combine a vitamin c source with an iron rich food source into your diet to ensure maximum absorption.
Try to incorporate iron-rich leafy green vegetables, spinach, red meat,chicken and fish And combine alongside vitamin c foods such as strawberries, kiwi, blackcurrants, blueberries, papaya and sweet potatoes.
Zinc and Selenium
A lack of these important minerals can lead to brittle hair, hair loss and a dry flaky scalp.
Oysters, eggs and beef as well as fortified cereals can help increase these mineral levels.
Biotin
A water soluble B vitamin.
Whole grains, liver, egg yolk, soy flour and yeast can help increase this vitamin to avoid brittle hair and hair loss.
Include a supplement
There are a variety of supplements to choose from that can enhance absorption of the key nutritional elements mentioned above. I have tried a few mostly zinc and vitamin c, iron supplements and a multi vitamin. I was browsing my IG when I came across a comment recommending hair gain. I was intrigued to look into this further.
Grow by Hair Gain
My Story
As you may have seen on my IG page I have started a course of Hair Gain to see if it can improve both hair growth and thickness of my hair. Even though I suffered postpartum hair loss (2 years ago) my hair did eventually go back to a normal hair growth cycle, but the condition of my hair had changed. My hair, takes ages to grow, the texture of my hair is finer than before and I have noticed thinning at the front of my hair line.
The Key Ingredient
Anagain TM is the ingredient derived from the organic pea shoot. It has powerful phytonutrients to stimulate fuller and thicker hair at the root.
Anagain TM Clinical Study Results
Contributes to a 78% increase in hair growth
86% of users noticed a significant improvement after taking this product
Strengthens thinning hair from the inside out
Supports visibly thicker and fuller hair in just one month
Scientifically proven time reduce hair loss
Stimulates hair follicles at source
Next Blog ~ Hair Series ~ Grow By Hair Gain
Read all about this supplement including a discussion with the creator & founder of Hair Gain, Lucy Palmer
Here are some useful links surrounding the subject of Postpartum hair loss
Postpartum hair loss
Hair growth supplement
If you experience significant hair loss it is always recommended to go to your doctors to get a professional diagnosis and even be referred for blood tests to check for any deficiencies that could be causing your hair loss.
All images are credited to Hair Gain and have been used for educational and informative purpose
