Postpartum Hair Loss

How come no one told me about postpartum hair loss?

It is totally normal, but there are things you can do to speed up and increase the regrowth. Here’s what I learned! It wasn’t until 3 months after I had my baby that I started to notice increased shedding in the shower, my hair was dry and brittle and I started to get a receding hairline. It’s normal to lose 50-150 strands a day, but the loss I was experiencing was extreme. Like most mamas, I was sleep deprived and all my energy was going to my baby, not me, so I just accepted this and moved on. Fast forward over a year later and I finally found a naturally based hair care line that worked for me and so many women around me to help speed up regrowth just by switching up my products!

As new mamas, our hormones change through pregnancy and postpartum. Our estrogen and progesterone levels that were at a high during pregnancy, and were keeping our hair in the growth stage longer, begin to level out and this is when we begin to notice increased shedding. Not eating an ideal diet, lack of rest and sleep, the overuse of dry shampoos that are filled with toxic ingredients and wearing hair in a messy bun with elastics puts a lot of added strain on hair while also causing damage. Many mamas don’t have the time to notice what’s going on with their hair until months pass, or they give up hope and just accept it, but I am writing this to tell you that there is hope to the postpartum hair loss you may be experiencing!

Here are some tips that have helped me grow my hair back and restore it to its natural healthy state which has also helped me gain my confidence back too. First, it is so important to take a look at your diet. Make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals, and if not, invest in a high quality vitamin to supplement for what you are lacking in. I also recommend letting your hair air dry as much as possible and trying not to go to bed with wet hair, as this prevents putting further stress on your scalp and hair. If you use hot tools make sure to use a heat protectant. Wear your hair down as much as possible, and when you do wear it up, use a soft scrunchie or coil hair tie. Use a wet/dry brush before and after you shower and a microfibre towel or cotton t-shirt to dry your hair to lessen the friction caused by heavy rough towels (you can find both of these at Winners or HomeSense). Using warm water while shampooing and cool water while rinsing conditioner will also help seal the cuticle and hold in moisture. If you want to see change on your scalp and hair health, it is important to invest in not only high quality products but also to take into account that they are safe for you and your baby who will most likely be nuzzled in nice and tight around your neckline.

The products I have been using are backed by science to encourage faster hair growth, repair and strengthen the hair follicle and hair shaft. The active ingredients work together to keep your hair follicles in the hair growth stage longer, so that many women who haven’t been able to grow their hair past a certain length, for example, are now are seeing amazing results!

Laura’s Recommendations

The hair care line I fell in love with is Monat. Monat stands for modern nature because the ingredients are naturally based, pure, sustainable and the effectiveness is backed by science. One of the key ingredients in Monat’s products is capixyl, which is powered by red clover extract. It reduces scalp inflammation, strengthens and thickens hair, and creates an environment on the scalp that promotes natural, visible hair growth. Clinical results have found a significant decrease in hair loss and increase in hair regrowth. Monat’s products are gluten free, vegan, leaping bunny certified and free of toxic ingredients. Here are 5 products which can help new mamas grow their hair back faster, stronger and healthier.

2in1 + Intense Repair Conditioner. This duo provides a deep clean that nourishes the scalp, providing the essential ingredients needed for hair follicles to thrive creating increased hair growth. It also provides conditioning to maintain essential moisture balance for youthful, healthy hair and protection for ultimate scalp health.

Rejuveniqe Oil. This oil is liquid gold. There is nothing else like it. It can be used on your skin and hair for its anti-aging benefits and long-lasting shine. Made up of Abyssinian oil and 13+ natural plant and essential oils rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants and nutrients that balances and rejuvenates your hair and skin. This oil replenishes skin with nourishment that tends to be removed by washing, and since it is highly compatible with the skin it is easily absorbed without leaving greasiness.

Intense Repair Spray. This spray is most effective when used morning and night on targeted areas of hair loss/thinning. In combination with the Rejuveniqe Oil, this makes for the perfect overnight scalp treatment. In combination with the 2in1, it is proven more effective than Rogaine.

The Champ Dry Shampoo. This is truly one of a kind. Free of nasty ingredients like butane and talc, this dry shampoo is the only one recommended by the National Hair Loss Association. It has a rice starch base and is actually conditioning for the scalp while soaking up oiliness with no white residue left behind.

By Laura Soetemans
@hairvitalitylaura