Combat Postpartum hair loss using the 3 P’s | Prenatals, Placenta & Protective Styling 

There are so many things that happen to a woman’s body after giving birth. Luckily, the bulk of them is normal. Postpartum hair loss is a very normal – and temporary change. Many new moms notice hair loss – sometimes quite dramatic – around three months postpartum. Most women will return to their usual hair growth cycle between 6 and 12 months after birth. After having our daughter I noticed that my hair was shedding more than usual and that the edges of my hairline were thinning. Rest assured that postpartum hair loss is a normal and healthy part of the new mommy processes. Read all about how to Combat Postpartum hair loss using the 3 P’s.

 

 

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Pregnancy Hair Maintenance | Prenatals, Placenta & Protective Styling

 

Becoming a new mom has been one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. That beautiful experience does come with its stressful moments, one of which is postpartum hair loss. Many women in my family have shared some postpartum horror stories. From hair loss to new issues with their health, I’ve heard it all. I’d like to say that I was ready for whatever post-baby life had to offer, but when my hair started to shed I began to worry. A few weeks before Emory was born I decided to put my hair in a protective style. Mainly because the last thing I wanted to do was wrestle with a head of natural hair while adorning a huge belly. Low-maintenance protective styles like braids are a great way to maintain healthy natural hair during pregnancy. That being said, they do increase the amount of shedding one may experience once taken out. That shedding in tandem with postpartum hair loss was what I experienced.

What are the best methods to combat postpartum hair loss? While I don’t have all the answers I do have three suggestions that I would like to offer in this post.

 

Three Treatments for Postpartum Hair Loss

 

Prenatal Vitamins

Preparing yourself for the changes that come during pregnancy and after are essential. Had I known about postpartum hair loss prior to giving birth there are a couple of things I would have done differently. Prenatal vitamins are very important during pregnancy. My hair grew roughly four inches longer during pregnancy. But what I didn’t know was the importance of postpartum, prenatal use. I took my vitamins religiously while carrying Emory (gummies, i.e. “candy”) but fell off my regiment when she was born.

Placenta

In a previous post, I shared why I decided to ingest my placenta postpartum, and how I did it. I highly recommend this to all expecting mamas. If your placenta is healthy and you’ve had a healthy pregnancy, request to take your placenta home. It’s one of the most natural ways to balance out all the normal, hormonal changes that are destined to occur postpartum. Ingesting my placenta was one of the best choices I could have made. It truly made my postpartum hair loss not as horrifying as it could have been.

 

Protective Styling

I’ve been natural for 5 years now. One of my main goals following this transition was to master the art of protective styles. Mainly because I refused to be out in these streets looking crazy. While carrying Emory I rocked Senegalese twists. They were stylish and easy. At around eight months the last thing I wanted to do was wash, deep condition, regular condition, leave-in condition and twist my hair every couple of weeks. No energy for that.

If you’ve ever had braids then you know that there will be shedding during the take-down process. This is where I noticed massive amounts of hair in my comb. Not going to lie, I panicked and instantly transitioned to hairstyles that required little to no maintenance. Two strand twists and fashionable head wraps were lifesavers. Keeping your hair soft and conditioned is what will limit the amount of postpartum breakage you experience.

I also found some amazing products that truly deserve all the glory and the praise. Black Seed Oil (Also known as black cumin seed oil) restored my edges completely. It’s a miracle product that is used to combat allergies, asthma, diabetes, headaches, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, the black seed oil is said to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and fight infections. The oil is used topically for skin and hair concerns, such as acne, dry hair, psoriasis, hair growth, and dry skin. It’s suggested that you cut the Black Seed oil in a ratio of 1 : 2 with another oil. I use Tree Naturals hair & body oil, but olive or coconut oil work fine. After using black seed oil for only 2 weeks I saw my edges slowly reappear.

Though losing clumps of hair feels anything but normal for most women after giving birth, rest assured that all will be restored. I’m so enamored with Emory’s daily stages of progression that at times I don’t even know I have hair!