One minute, you’re glowing with that new-mom energy, the next you’re watching strands of your once lush hair fill your brush, clog the shower drain, or mysteriously appear on your baby’s onesie. Welcome to the not-so-talked-about club of postpartum hair loss—where hormones party hard, then leave your scalp to clean up the mess.
According to Healthline, postpartum hair loss is a very common side effect of childbirth and can start anywhere from one to five months after giving birth. It’s not permanent, but that doesn’t make it any less alarming. Your body, having sustained a hormonal high during pregnancy (which keeps hair from shedding), suddenly drops oestrogen levels after delivery, and your follicles go into shedding overdrive, explains the mentioned source.
Don’t panic and reach for the scissors just yet though, there are ways to navigate the fallout (literally). First, be gentle with your hair. Skip the tight ponytails and heat-styling marathons—your hair’s already going through enough. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a wide-tooth comb and switching to a volumising shampoo to give thinning strands a boost.
While you might be tempted by trendy supplements, focus on good ol’ nutrition first. Medical News Today says iron, biotin, vitamin D, and protein all play a role in healthy hair regrowth. Leafy greens, nuts, eggs, and lean meats? Yes, please.
If all else fails, remember: you’re not alone, your hair will grow back, Samson. In the meantime, rock that messy bun or silk head wrap. Motherhood may take your sleep and your hair, but it also gives you stories worth every strand.
Also see: From mom, with love: How one kidney gave Ditshegofatso a second chance
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