For a mother who has just given birth, haircare may be the least of her worries. Whilst trying to adapt to new changes in her life and her body, hair loss comes with it all. Postpartum hair loss, which is also referred to as postpartum alopecia, is relatively common: it affects between 40-50% of women in the months following childbirth. Even though it is unavoidable due to hormonal changes, taking preventable measures early can help reduce the amount of hair loss.
This week, Doula and Birth worker from East London, Aisha Kankiya tells us more about postpartum hair loss and how our crowns can be beneficial to new moms during this particular time.
When does postpartum hair loss happen?
Postpartum “shedding” doesn’t happen immediately after your baby is born. In fact, this noticeable hair loss can come as a surprise after most other postpartum symptoms have passed, with peak hair loss around four to five months postpartum.
Why does postpartum hair loss happen?
Hair normally grows in cycles (growing phase, resting phase, shedding phase: repeat). But during pregnancy, most of your hair stays in the growth phase due to those big changes in your body’s hormones.
After childbirth, hormones begin to change (again): your estrogen levels fall, causing your hair to begin the shedding phase. Because so much of your hair is shed all at once, the volume of hair loss seems far more substantial.
Thankfully it is temporary but taking care of yourself through correct nourishment and using the correct hair care treatment will support your hair health in many ways.
If you are noticing that the hair shedding has not stopped after your child's first birthday and that you are shedding considerably large amounts of hair, do contact your GP.
How can the crown be beneficial for women after childbirth?
Even though postpartum hair loss is unavoidable due to hormonal changes, taking preventable measures early can help reduce the amount of hair loss. So this is where the crown serves such a strong purpose. Firstly, let's look at the inside of the crown: its satin-lined interior is already the first step to protecting the hair during this delicate period. It gives the hair the ability to breathe, and retain its moisture, it will keep any style in place, and keeps the hair hydrated which means less breakage. All of these amazing benefits derive from just the lining alone.
Secondly, it is such a simple accessory, easy to wear that supports hair care in a phenomenal way, especially for black hair which is particularly sensitive at this time. They come in three different sizes for your best comfort and in a large choice of colors and prints.
Finally, the crown, in its entirety, stands as a symbol of strong femininity and empowerment, which is also a motivating factor for mothers who may want to cover the hair loss for their own personal reasons.
Overall, what are your recommendations for women experiencing postpartum hair loss?
I would recommend, continuous hydration to stimulate hair growth. Dehydration causes hair to become dry and brittle meaning you are more susceptible to breakage and more hair loss. The more hydrated you are, the quicker the hair can grow.
Investing in natural hair care products, especially products that do not contain chemicals such as parabens, sodium laurel sulfate, and EDTA. Having a haircare routine for at least every 10 days will help greatly.
Most importantly a great moisturizer for the hair and scalp.
I would recommend hair products by Enitan, the healthy hair coach.
- Deep follicle treatment
- Mighty Moisture
- Moisture hold
- Protein defense (which you mix with your conditioner)
- Deep conditioning
- scalp massages to stimulate the hair follicles
All of these are amazing, but for extra protection definitely invest in a crown by Malka. Having a crown in your hospital bag for a hospital stay is exactly what you need to start the protection process. Throughout your journey and hopefully shed as less hair as possible during this chapter.
Lastly, hire a Doula who knows about hair care products. Postpartum is a special time for new moms when their care and well-being need to be tended to with absolute attention to detail. With my years of experience, I will guide you through this process by using traditional postpartum care techniques taught to me by my elders. As a Doula, I also will come to show you how empowering you actually are with my presence and words of encouragement.
About Aisha.
"My name is Aisha, I am a mother to one princess, I was born and raised in East London. I am a Doula~Birthkeeper (A sister, who provides love, care and wholistic support during pregnancy or postpartum). I would describe myself to be a multicultural person who also loves football. You can find me on instagram @fulanidoula, or you can check out my website fulanidoula.co.uk."
