Every woman who takes pride in her appearance has a point of greater concern, and usually, it is their hair. Often, hours are spent caring for their locks—coloring, hydrating, straightening, or curling—until it’s just the way they want. But when motherhood arrives, some of these routines considered so normal in a woman’s life must be left aside, as certain products can pose a risk to fetal development, and the drama begins! When the day of the baby’s birth arrives, and a woman thinks she’ll soon be able to return to her usual care routines, another situation may appear: postpartum hair loss.

It’s very common to hear women complain about postpartum hair loss, especially those who had a cesarean. But is there really a correlation with the procedure? Could hair loss be triggered by anesthesia? We’re here to bust this myth and say NO. The idea that after receiving anesthesia in a cesarean section, your hair starts to fall out is completely false, since hair loss during this period is entirely related to female hormone levels.

We can see the connection between hormones and hair even during pregnancy, when it’s common to hear about the clear changes that occur in one’s locks during this time. Normal hair shedding decreases, and hair usually becomes shinier, thicker, and stronger. After the baby’s birth, in the first three months as hormone levels begin to normalize, postpartum hair loss starts and women may feel as though they’re going bald, as all the hair that didn’t fall out during pregnancy seems to shed all at once in this period.

Hair loss is quite common throughout our lives, and normally we lose around 100 to 120 strands a day. In postpartum hair loss, up to 500 strands may fall daily. That’s a lot, right? But it’s still not enough for you to go bald, so you can relax! You might be shocked by how much hair comes out during washing, brushing, or especially when blow-drying, but it’s just a matter of time before everything goes back to normal, or you can take some precautions.

How to Manage Postpartum Hair Loss

Unfortunately, there’s no formula to end postpartum hair loss, but there are some strategies you can use to control the shedding or at least not be alarmed by the amount and intensity of hair that comes out. One of the first tips, which makes a big difference not just for the look of your hair but also for your overall health, including helping with breastfeeding, is a proper diet. Eating balanced, nutrient-rich foods high in vitamins and minerals helps maintain healthy hair, making it stronger and firmer.

Another good tip is to avoid washing your hair every day, especially with very hot water, as this increases hair loss. You can also use shampoos and conditioners designed for hair loss, but check recommendations if you are breastfeeding. Do not use hair dyes, relaxers, or chemical products during this period, since your hair is already sensitive and any such product can worsen postpartum hair loss. You may notice and be bothered by some short hairs that tend to stick up at the crown or at the front—these are new hairs starting to grow, so all you can do is hydrate and wait for them to grow enough for everything to return to normal. Some repairing oils can help manage volume and tame those stubborn hairs.

Some women are used to brushing their hair several times a day, and this is one of the most distressing moments when dealing with hair loss since many strands are left in the hairbrush. So, reduce the number of times you brush and avoid touching your scalp as much as possible; do it minimally and as seldom as possible. The last tip, which your doctor may prescribe, is the use of dietary supplements, such as Pantogar, which helps many women during this period of postpartum hair loss.

Overall, the key is to have patience and adjust to new habits, including using combs with wider teeth, and just wait for things to normalize. Usually, hair loss stops occurring after 6 months postpartum, as hormone levels also stabilize. Meanwhile, make the most of juices and smoothies to help maintain balanced hair health, like orange and carrot juice, or a banana with Brazil nut smoothie, which can give a boost to your look.

See also: Postpartum Care After Maternity

Photo: Marcelo Paes