Here’s How You Can Deal With Postpartum Hair Loss

An average person loses up to 100 hairs a day, however new mums can lose up to 400 hairs a day. While it can feel like you’re literally going bald, postpartum hair loss is completely normal. It usually occurs anywhere between two to six months after giving birth, but can sometimes be delayed. The good news is, it can be managed and it does get better. Let’s look at some of the reasons why women go through postpartum hair loss and what you can do about it.

Why you’re losing hair postpartum
Hormonal fluctuations: When you’re pregnant, extremely high levels of progesterone and oestrogen hormones result in thick, lush hair. But as levels of these hormones start coming back to normal post childbirth, hair goes into the telogen or “resting phase” and eventually falls out. This is the hair you see on your pillow, your brush, the drain and all over the floor. This kind of hair loss is also known as telogen effluvium or postpartum alopecia.

Anemia: During pregnancy, your body uses up your stores of iron and these levels are further depleted when you bleed during childbirth. Breastfeeding can further reduce your levels of iron in the body. This means the body is unable to generate red blood cells and this in turn reduces oxygen and nutrients being transported around the body. At this point only vital organs receive precious oxygen and nutrients and your scalp is less likely to receive oxygen and nutrients leading to further hair fall.

Stress: Whether you choose to have a C-section or a natural birth, going through labour is stressful for the body. Once you’ve recovered from childbirth, you still have to get used to the lack of sleep, constantly being available to a tiny human and generally being a new mum, which can all be very stressful. And stress is another cause of hair fall.

Now that you’re aware of some of the reasons for postpartum hair loss, here’s what you can do to manage it.

Check your diet: Your confinement nanny is probably making sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need for you and the baby. But make extra sure that you’re also eating foods that are rich in iron, proteins and omega-3 to nourish your hair from within and help with hair growth.

Be gentle with your hair: Hair is the most delicate when it is wet, so be extra careful when washing it and let it air dry at least 80 per cent before you start styling it. Be gentle when brushing and combing, starting at the bottom and undoing knots gently instead of tugging at them. Similarly, avoid hairstyles that pull hair back like tight buns or high ponytails.

Pick anti-hair loss shampoos and conditioners: Using products that have the right ingredients to help reduce hair fall and promote hair growth is especially important at this time. The Papilla By Kim Lim Hair Rewind shampoos and conditioner masks all feature the proprietary Phyto-Revive Complex. A blend of potent botanical extracts, it inhibits the androgen hormone that causes hair loss, reactivates and prolongs growth phase of hair and increases the number and size of hair follicles. Another key ingredient, the Multi-Peptide Complex, features biomimetic peptides and growth factors that boost hair
growth by activating the hair follicle stem cells.

Get regular scalp treatments: Getting regular scalp treatments will maintain the scalp equilibrium while encouraging healthy hair growth. The S.E.P Activator for Hair Loss is ideal for those who want to boost hair growth. It starts with a gentle scalp exfoliation to remove dead skin and debris, which is then followed by a relaxing head massage that also helps promote blood circulation to the scalp. Then, the Papilla By Kim Lim exclusive stem cell solution is delivered to the deepest layers of the scalp with S.E.P or ScalpElectroporation technology. This technology uses low electrical pulses to temporarily disrupt the skin’s water-based channels to increase absorption by up to 17 times making it an extremely effective treatment. The solution itself is rich in PDRN, which helps regeneration at a cellular level for a healthier scalp and improved hair growth.

Get your Papilla By Kim Lim membership now and enjoy a free trial, perks on your birthday as well as access to smaller treatment packages.