POSTPARTUM HAIR LOSS? HERE’S HOW TO BOUNCE BACK!

POSTPARTUM HAIR LOSS? HERE’S HOW TO BOUNCE BACK!

After giving birth, you may notice your hair falling out at an alarming rate every time you shower. Here’s why postpartum hair loss happens and why you shouldn’t worry.

While pregnancy can make your hair thick and lustrous, postpartum often brings a shock to many of us as our hair sheds in clumps. Don’t stress! Postpartum shedding is a temporary form of alopecia called Telogen Effluvium, and about 50% of women experience it after birth. Postpartum shedding after birth is a natural process and is very common.

Stages of hair growth

1. Anagen phase (growing)
2. Catagen phase (transition)
3. Telogen phase (resting)

What causes postpartum hair loss?

Postpartum hair loss occurs as the high levels of the pregnancy hormone oestrogen that stopped you from losing your hair, drops to pre-pregnancy levels. The hairs in the Anagen phase get unlocked and transition into the Catagen phase (transition), followed by the Telogen phase (resting).

The hair that should have fallen out naturally now falls out all in one go. This usually occurs approximately 1-5 months postpartum. The amount lost will roughly equal the amount of hair gained, but any form of hair loss can seem alarming, especially following a growth spurt. This is an interim condition and your hair should be back to its normal thickness and texture within 12 months.

How to boost hair growth

For most women, postpartum hair loss is self-correcting. Your hair will return to the Anagen phase and continue to grow as normal once your hormone levels return to normal. Your hair should go back to its usual growth cycle between 6-12 months.

A healthy scalp is imperative when slowing down hair loss and improving growth. To keep your scalp happy and healthy, massage The One & Only Creamy Conditioner, which has a scalp treatment in it, into your hair and scalp. Avoid using products with silicones, as they can block the hair follicles. This causes hair to grow out weaker, breakage, and hair loss over time. You can also try our Mint To Be Peppermint Cowash, with peppermint oil to help stimulate blood flow to the scalp, assisting in hair growth.

IntrinsiCurly Me is a proudly South African haircare brand that has products made specifically for wavy, curly and coily hair, celebrating the gorgeous curls you never knew you had!