Postpartum hair-loss, there is no magic pill

Childbirth is a magical moment; yes, my brain is slowly erasing the faint memory of sleep deprivation you have already started to forget and thoughts as to why people actually want to have these tiny dictators who crash into your life at high speed and literally f*ck up your very existence.

Jokes, I love my daughter. Now.

But seriously, we know the basics, eat, sleep, poo, repeat. I knew about hair loss when breastfeeding, but you don’t get it until it’s affected by your once-thick (average density) hairline. I only breastfed for 3 months, and oversupply and mastitis put an abrupt end to that dream; I’m still so dirty that I didn’t do it longer to become skinnier (isn’t that the old wives tale). I decided it was time to stop, and that’s when the hair loss started. I still had milk production, but my hair came out in chunks. The trauma is real and I honestly didn’t even realise how much hair I actually lost until now (my daughter is 9 months) and I have 2 inches of awkward hair growth.

Why am I posting? After many googling nights, I discovered that patience, a good diet, and a healthy hair routine are all you can do if you fall victim to the postpartum hair thief. Sure, you can fall victim to the many companies claiming to help regrow faster, thicker, and fuller, and yeah, sure, they may aid in the condition of your hair, but I am sorry to say that is about it.

In addition to the above common sense, a nonchemical keratin treatment did help. Yes, nonchemical. You would have heard of or even tried the Brazilian Blowout or another one of its similar formaldehyde treatments. But there are some new kids on the block, some safe for even pregnancy (but don’t last very long) and others with new innovative ingredients that last 3-5 months! Be sure to do your research as it can be expensive, and depending on the brand, they last between 6 weeks and 6 months (with proper application and care). It’s the only saving grace for my unruly, spiky hair until it gains a few more inches to weigh it down and rejoin its fellow counterparts. Hello, mum haircut!

The story’s moral is that there is no magic pill to help regrow hair. Try some new hairstyles and get a good cut to help keep the rest of your locks healthy. Take some vitamins and eat a healthy diet to help aid hair growth, but don’t expect anything more than healthier hair to grow.

Madeline recommends:

• JSHealth: Hair + Energy tablets (need to be taken for at least three months to see a result)
• Chihtsai Instant Treatment – I stumbled across this as a sample, and WOW, I was impressed; you shampoo, no conditioner and then put a small 10c in your wet hair and then style as usual. It smooths and tames course and dry hair without weighing it down. BIG FAN! (and I rate it over Olaplex and K18)
• Biotin – I get mine from iHerb, but whatever your preference, make sure you take at least 2-5 milligrams (2,000-5,000 mcg) of biotin in supplement form daily.
• Hair stick – I have the Sportsgirl one but there are heaps around, Mcobeauty have a Hair & Brow Magic Wand (and always on sale at Woolies).