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Original poster

Really struggling with post pregnancy hair loss. Any tips?

16 replies

Clumsasaurus · 29/12/2012 11:04

Just that really. DS is 20 weeks and for the last 2 weeks my hair has been falling out in handfuls all day long.

I'm finding it quite upsetting as each day more and more comes out. I know I can't stop it but is there anything I can do to minimise it or help my hair recover? Pregnancy made my hair quite dry and I'm getting a lot of tangles (something I've never had). I've tried switching shampoo and conditioner but has made no difference.

I'm willing to try anything! My hair is long (bra strap length) all one length except for a blunt fringe. Naturally dead straight and fine, but usually lots of it...Sad

OP posts:
wickedfairy · 29/12/2012 12:32

Are you taking vitamins? If not, I would do. Not sure if they would definitely help though....

MoomieAndFreddie · 29/12/2012 12:34

oh its horrible isn't it

i remember it was really quite scary after i had my first dc as i wasn't expecting it

but remember that you are only losing the hair you DIDNT shed in 9 months of pregnancy, and it probably looks more cos its so long

Original poster
Clumsasaurus · 29/12/2012 17:58

Any particular vitamins?

It's just awful moomie Sad

OP posts:
MoomieAndFreddie · 29/12/2012 21:35

oh bless you. is it your first DC? as i said, i was scared and shocked when it happened to me, just was not expecting it at all.

i honestly don't know if it will help post pregnancy hair loss, but i swear by pure organic coconut oil for general upkeep of hair, and since i have been using it, (about a year) my hair is much thicker, shinier and barely falls out at all

i use it as an overnight conditioner every 2 nights then wash it out in the morning. tis fab. i also use it as a moisturiser as well.

and also sea kelp tablets are meant to help with hair growth so i would imagine they may help with hair loss too? and another thing, lots of ladies when they have had babies become anaemic (low iron) which can lead to hair loss so might be worth going docs for a blood test, and if you are anaemic then iron tablets will help.

honestly, the shit us women have to put up with cos of pg / birth etc eh :o

monkeysmama · 29/12/2012 22:17

I could've written your post. My dd is same age and my long straight hair is coming out in handfuls. Brushing it is a pretty shocking. Are you bfing? I am and thought I avoided the worse hair loss with dd 1 until I stopped feeding but not this time.

FrozenNorthPole · 29/12/2012 22:27

I had DC3 17 weeks ago and also could have written your post. I really feel like I will go bald this time. I'm planning to get my hair cut shorter so the thinness is less apparent, and I've been wearing it tied back / clipped up more. I also seem to be getting far more tangles, but think this might be due to loose hairs rather than anything else. Good luck; I really wish I'd made a note of when this hair loss stopped the first two times so I had something to hope for!

GalaxyDisaStar · 29/12/2012 22:32

Bless you. It is horrible, but it is normal. You can't really do anything to change it as it is hormonal. You are losing all the hair you didn't lose in the previous 9 months. Some unlucky people even lose a bit more.

All you can really do is keep it well conditioned. Think about a restyle if you feel you need it. Apply body boosting products if you need it.

Also just beware that if you lose a lot - as I did both times - you will get a fussy line of regrowth as it grows back. If you have a fringe you are already at a bit advantage as it will disguise it. My bob had a wispy fringe and sideburns for ages Sad. You can glue them down by rubbing your hands over your head just after applying hairspray.

Frozen - mine slowed down after about a month of losing it each time.

madmomma · 29/12/2012 23:54

Yes it's quite scary how much you lose isn't it, and at a time when you feel ugly too. No tips but plenty of reassurance from me. I really thought I was going to go bald after the birth of my 2nd baby, but you wouldn't believe how much hair you have to start with! It'll be fine. Eat as well as you can and take your vits + iron.

MincepiePatty · 30/12/2012 00:07

Oh this is horribly familiar!
I was recommended to keep taking the pregnancy multi vitamins, to supplement fish oils, kelp and that cardio exercise would also help (blood circulation I guess)

I also had horrible horrible condition problems so used a lot of overnight packs soaked into the hair and then plaited for the night.

Trust me, it does stop, your hair does grow back and that a lot of this loss is to do with the rate of hair shedding slowing down when you are pregnant, you will get to a point where it will be full and fast growing again.
It may be worth considering cutting it a bit shorter as that would make it easier to make look fuller and also lessen the weight.
Much sympathy, this is a horrible part of the post pregnancy period, but like not sleeping at night it too shall pass Xmas Grin

breatheslowly · 30/12/2012 00:13

You could get checked for postpartum thyroiditis as that would result in hair loss too (though it could just be the normal hair loss).

Original poster
Clumsasaurus · 30/12/2012 09:22

Thank you all so much. I am breast feeding but it doesn't seem to be helping me hang onto my hair Sad

Moomie, where do you get organic coconut oil? I may just try that. I'm also going to go get some vitamins today too. Anything to feel like I am doing something positive!

I really don't want to get it cut, I've spent so long growing it

OP posts:
teacher123 · 30/12/2012 09:27

Oh god I had this, it was horrible. DS is 8 months now and it's slowed down now to a normal rate of hair falling out. My hair has definitely thinned out at the sides above my ears, and I have random wispy fuzzy bits at the side of my face and all along my hair line. I had to change the way I wore my hair in a ponytail to make it less noticeable, but other than that I just put up with it I'm afraid so no good advice from me, just sympathy!

babySophieRose · 30/12/2012 10:05

It will stop, but until then you could cut it a bit shorter and do the coconut oil, from Tesco ( where olive oil is placed) comes in a jar, could use it on baby skin too instead of Olive oil. Also a very good hair mask is one egg yolk and olive oil mixed together and leave on hair for 30 min before washing.

Piemistress · 30/12/2012 10:10

I am in the same boat :( went to hairdresser yesterday who restyled the front to try and disguise all the horribly thin wispy bits at the front. I remember with DS it didn't stop falling out until I stopped breastfeeding. Will try taking vits as recommended!

MoomieAndFreddie · 30/12/2012 11:06

OP you can buy it from holland and barratt

it has to be the pure version though (its even edible!)

its two for one at the moment, think its 14 quid for a big tub

babooshkadoll · 30/12/2012 15:04

Try spatone it is an easy to take iron supplement.
Also maybe some kelp.
Horrible when you are going through it......I have horrible hair on all my DCs baby photos!

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