Expert Advice: 5 Ways to Manage Postpartum Hair Loss

Don’t worry, you’re not going bald…

As a new mum, you will get truckloads of unsolicited advice. But strangely, no one will warn you about postpartum  (ahem..) shedding. Postpartum hair loss is a real thing, and one fine day, you may find yourself in the shower watching (horrifically) as chunks of your hair make its way to the scupper. What the heck is going on?!?

Your hormones are at it. Again.

Well, in this case, they are trying to get back to normal. Since your estrogen levels are falling, so is your hair.

This typically starts happening around 3 or 4 months postpartum, but before you panic, remember that this is only temporary and by the time your li’l munchkin is celebrating their first birthday, it will be back!

Here’s what you can do to minimise the hair loss in the meantime:

1. Oil Your Hair

Oil does some AMAZING things to your hair. It deep conditions it, stops damage and makes hair shiny. When you apply oil, you need to massage it into the scalp in gentle but firm circular movements. This improves the blood circulation, encouraging your hair to grow much faster.

WATCH OUT: When you start oiling, you will notice even more hair shedding than before. Whatever you do, don’t panic. These strands would have fallen off anyway, but because of the massage, they will fall all at once, giving you the impression that more hair is coming off. Just keep at it. Within a month, you will notice tiny hairs beginning to sprout. Promise!

Which oil should I use?
You can use pure olive oil, coconut oil or almond oil. I like to rotate amongst all three because each oil has its own amazing nutrition. So by alternating, I get more nutrients.

How much oil do I need?
That depends on the length of your hair; long hair will need about a quarter cup, while short hair needs a couple of tablespoons. Remember, you need to drench your scalp and the entire length of your hair in oil.

How long should I leave it on for?
The longer, the better. You need it in for a minimum of an hour. I prefer to oil my hair first thing in the morning. Then I eat my breakfast and do whatever needs to be done around the house before washing it off.

How to wash it off?
You need to shampoo twice to get it all out. And then condition as usual. Just don’t use a moisturising shampoo. Clarifying or volumizing shampoos work best at completely removing the excess oil. I actually love using California Baby shampoos. They are gentle on my hair and still manage to get all the oil out.

How often do I need to apply?
In the beginning, thrice a week is ideal. When the hair fall reduces, you can cut it down to once a week.

2. Treat Hair with Aloe

If oiling isn’t your thing, try aloe gel instead! Pure aloe gel has these awesome enzymes that promote hair growth. And by massaging it into your scalp, you are boosting the blood circulation, encouraging your hair to grow faster. Aloe also moisturises the hair, making strands shinier.

How much aloe do I need?
Enough to soak your scalp and hair.

How long should I leave it on for?
You can use it as a pre-shampoo treatment (apply it an hour beforehand), or leave it overnight.

How to wash it off?
Your regular shampoo will do just fine. You don’t need to shampoo twice. I prefer a clarifying or volumizing shampoo to do the job well. Follow it up with your conditioner.

How often do I need to apply?
Every time you shampoo. You will start seeing the results within a month.

3. Continue Your Prenatal Supplements

Vitamins (especially B-complex) and Omega-3 fatty acids, nourish hair from within and help it grow thicker and longer. So just because you had the baby, don’t stop your prenatal supplements. Keep going for another 6 months. Your hair will thank you!

4. Get a Short Haircut

There are many valid benefits to simply chopping your hair off:

• Short hair requires fewer nutrients and may not fall out as much.
• Babies rarely pull their dad’s hair. That’s because it’s short. Enough said.
• A short wash-and-go hairstyle is sooooo much easier to maintain.
• Short hair makes you look younger – much-needed with all those sleepless nights!
• No ‘mommy buns’. Short hair makes you look trendy!

Get Some Fringe Benefits

Ok, so a short cut is not something you’re keen on. Then get a fringe instead. Most of the hair loss is visible at the hairline. A fringe hides these bald patches and also takes years off your face!