“I know this topic sounds very common and overdone but hear me out! You've just delivered your baby and motherhood has taken over your life. On those rare moments when you get to wash or comb your hair, you see a large clump of hair.
It’s terrifying & is overwhelming. But there is no need to panic, this is a very natural phenomenon and this occurs because of the changes that you go through during and post pregnancy.
Why Does this happen and it is normal to shed so much?
Yes it’s pretty normal, both as per modern science & ayurveda, the rapid changes in your body causes hairfall. May it be the hormones like estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin and prolactin decreases or doshas like Vaata & Pittah increasing. The good news is that it can be controlled and can be preventable.
When does it start & When does it end?
Hairfall due to sudden hormonal changes is called ‘telogen effluvium'. This stage is triggered post delivery and it generally settles within 6-8 months .
How can it be controlled ?
As saddening as it is, it is impossible to dodge postpartum hair loss but definitely can be controlled by reducing the impact post delivery. As per health experts, a holistic approach towards this could really help to control or prevent the hairfall. One needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle ie eating the right foods that will help to normalise the misbalance of hormones and also indulge in selfcare or a simple ayurvedic haircare routine.
What should I eat to reduce postpartum hairfall?
A healthy and nutritious diet during and after pregnancy is beneficial for preventing hair loss and maintaining good health. A well balance diet including fruits, veggies containing essential vitamins will be a game changer. The below are few essentials vitamins that one must include :
- Vitamins A,C,K,E- Essential for collagen building which help to improve scalp circulation, strengthen the hair shaft and prevent breakage. Fruits like Apples, Banana, Kiwi, Oranges, Avocados, Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Amla & Grapes are the best sources to get these essential Vitamins which help to strengthen the hair follicles
- Protein rich foods- It is the most important needed component for strong, voluminous, and lustrous hair growth. Having a rich protein diet will help in maintaining health & help to reduce postpartum hairfall. We can get these from unsweetened yogurt, peanuts, beans, pulses, soya-rich foods, chicken & eggs
- Greens & Veggies- Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, collards (Haak saag) are rich in iron, beta carotene, folate, iron and vitamin A. Other veggies that are rich with essential vitamins for hair are bell pepper, sweet potato, pumpkins, carrots, onion & curry leaves.
- Essentials like Omega 3 fatty acids & biotin - These are a must have to reduce the hair fall & also strengthen the hair follicles and better the growth of the hair. We can get these in chia seeds, flaxseeds, cashwes, almonds, eggs, carrots.
Some extra tips to reduce postpartum hair fall at home
- Avoid using hair styling tools as excessive heat or styling will increase your hair loss.
- Regularly cleansing your scalp wild mild shampoo & use moisturising conditioner.
- For the days when your hair needs selfcare use DIY Hair masks. to get that extra moisture with the banana+yogurt+ honey and ones who are ok with eggs then its egg whites + coconut oil
- Regular scalp massage with hair oils. Frequent oiling is also considered a very healthy practice since ancient times. Shiro, the practise of anointing oneself with warm oil from head, is the highest manifestation of self-love. Oil massaging is beneficial for everyone, but it is especially calming and centering for Vata dosha imbalances.
However, it is tough to find hair oils that fits or is made to treat the postpartum hairfall issue. As per our books of ayurveda, there are some natural ingredients that help to balance the vata in particular are usher, kera oil, dhatur patra, durva, guduchi, kimsuka, musta, kusta, elaichi (cardamom), yashtimadhu, sesame seeds, camphor, lemon, amla. All of these have the properties of cooling and provide the much-needed calm and lessen anxiety at the same time. They create a supportive helping hand for all the struggling moms.
Our Root strengthening oil is a compilation of Vata stabilizing ingredients combined with hair growth herbs that help to prevent hair fall post-delivery.ence, moms should use it from the second trimester to control the imbalance and ensure hair health is taken care of. The herbs are handpicked and curated by ayurvedic docs and we handcraft each product, thus delivering the purest, most potent & best to the mothers.
Some of the ingredients that we need a combination of are:
- Malatyadi Thailam, a potent mixture that helps moisturise and soothe the scalp. It helps strengthen the hair cuticle, which helps prevent breakage and encourages new hair growth.
- Baheda,- A powerful herbs with hair growth booster along with anti bacterial properties that help to protect the scalp & nourishes your your hair. Also a main component that help in balancing all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha)
- Ushir, commonly knowns as Khas, is enriched with cicatrizants which are cell-renewing agents promoting the synthesis of collagen, a key component of our hair. This enhances hair structure, adds shine and encourages hair growth.
To use the hair oil, warm a small quantity and gently massage, ensuring that the entire scalp and hair strands are oiled. Leave the oil in for at least thirty minutes. Wash with a sulphate-free hair cleanser and rinse well.
More points to remember to save your mane are
- To avoid, heat & treatments.
- To prevent tangling, shampoo only when required and use an excellent conditioner and a wide-toothed comb
- Postpone any highlights, perms, or straightening appointments until the shedding is over. Instead, try air-drying your hair. Using heat-styling products on your hair may aggravate the problem and make it appear thinner than it is.
- Try practices like meditation and exercise. This will assist in managing hormonal imbalances and minimize hair loss dramatically.
As a mom, especially a new mom, women tend to ignore their wellbeing and focus all that they have on the new baby. But its quintessential to take care of yourself so that you are happy and make full of this new phase and enjoy being you - and not so perfect Mother.