My Story and Solutions for Postpartum Hair Loss

I've been dreading talking about postpartum hair loss. I know a lot of women go through it, and it's sometimes hard for me to understand why I make such a big deal about it. But I think it's because my hair is part of my identity. I've thought my hair was something I was proud of, and when it all started falling out, it really made me upset.

My Story

I noticed my hair loss shortly after my son was born. My hair didn't change much during my pregnancy, but it really did afterwards. Clumps of my hair was falling out, and in the most obvious and noticeable spots around my face.

I still don't even like looking at this picture taken of me and Ryan a few months after he was born. I had no idea it had gotten that bad until I saw this photo and realized I had to make a change.

So, I did some research and took some additional steps to take care of my hair and nurture it back to health.

Know your hair, wash it less if you can 

The first thing I did was not washing it as much. I know that sound ridiculous, and most women already do this anyway. But I have naturally very oily skin, which translates to oily hair and build up. To avoid build up, I have been washing my hair every day for years. Another important part of the routine is to brush my hair out while it's dry before I wash it. Trying to untangle the mess with wet hair ended up pulling more hair out accidentally. Plus, brushing it out beforehand helps to break down any product I've put on my hair since previously washing it. If I go without washing, you can tell. You can see the oil in my hair and I can't stand how it feels weighted down. To help with this I've been using Not Your Mother's Dry Shampoo.

Invest in better hair products

I hate to admit it, but when it came to the shampoo and conditioner aisle at the store, I never had a hard time figuring out what to buy...because I always bought what was cheap, and my hair paid the price. Since trying to make the effort to pay more attention to how I treat my hair, I have been using OGX Biotin and Collagen Shampoo and Conditioner. It took some getting used to, but since I've been using this, I've seen a huge difference in my hair. The texture feels better, it looks fuller and I feel better using this instead of the garbage I had before. I also added It's a 10 Leave-In Product. I've used this in the past, and it really helps. After I wash my hair and towel dry, I'll add some of this leave in conditioner to help maintain frizz, detangle and add some shine.

Turn down the heat

Besides the things I add to my hair, I now am trying to add less heat to my hair. I used to blow my hair dry every day on high until it was bone dry, then straighten it with a flat iron that has no heat setting (yes, it's just on or off). So now, a few days a week, I'll embrace the crazy, uncontrollable naturally wavy hair by letting my hair air dry all day.

Take care from the inside out

Every day I've been taking some over-the-counter supplements for hair, skin and nails. Nature's Bounty Vitamin Gummies is made by a trusted brand and has great reviews. I've seen a big difference with my nails not breaking as much and my hair feels like it's improved.

Let it down