9 Effortless Hair Care Solutions for New Moms
Hello dear New Momma! How is all going? Congrats on your tiny treasure. You did an awesome job already, from pregnancy to giving birth and now motherhood. I know the times are flying and you get a poor time for self-care. It could be struggling to breathe between feeding and changing diapers for the little ones.
During the roller coaster ride of pregnancy, many changes happen to your body, thick hair can be one of them; lovely change, right? But all of a sudden, your little angel comes and it starts to fall, become dull and it seems the volumized, shiny hair is planning to say you goodbye!
Being a new mom it is difficult to make time for hair care or go to a salon. What if I tell you some inexpensive ways to care for your hair while maintaining your little bundle of joy? So let’s jump in.
Why Does My Hair Shed After Having a Baby?
Ever wonder why your hair might be shedding a bit more after having a baby? It’s totally normal. Here’s the scoop:
Hormonal Harmony
During pregnancy, your hair is in a happy growth phase thanks to high estrogen levels. But after birth, these levels drop, causing some of your hair to enter the shedding phase. Dermatologist Dr. Francesca Fusco said it is common and caused by hormonal shifts of estrogen and progesterone.
Delayed Shedding
Remember all that extra hair growth during pregnancy? It didn’t fall out then because of those high hormone levels. Now, it’s catching up and shedding — it’s like a delayed party for your hair!
Nutrient Lack
Hair loss can occur when your body lacks proper nutrients like iron, biotin, vitamin D, or omega-3 fatty acids.
Stress Fall
Parenting comes with a lot of new dilemmas and emotional stress can trigger cortisol, a hormone linked to hair loss.
Lack of Sleep
It is not easy to have a proper sound sleep after you have a little angle. And this can also be a reason for Hair fall.
But the great news is,
this regularly begins around 3–4 months postpartum and can last up to a year. So, take a deep breath, mama. It’s temporary!
Shower Love for Your Hair (Free and Easy!)
Hugging your little bundle of joy and seeing the toothless smile is amazing but those long showers could be a thing of the past for you. So, some inexpensive tips help you to spend a lot of time with your baby while also maintaining the hair.
- Gentle Brushing: Be careful when brushing your hair, especially when wet, to avoid breakage.
- Lukewarm Love: Skip the hot water! It can strip your hair of its natural oils. Opt for lukewarm water to keep it happy and healthy.
- Towel Trick: Ditch the rough rubbing! Pat your hair dry gently with a microfiber towel instead. Do not rub your wet hair much.
- Avoid Tight Styles: Avoid tight ponytails or braids that can pull on your hair.
Silk or Satin Pillowcases is Your Hair’s New Best Friend
Ever woken up with a tangled mess of hair after a night’s sleep? Yeah, us too! Here’s where silk or satin pillowcases come in as a lifesaver for new moms.
Regular cotton pillowcases can be pretty rough on your hair. They snag and tug at your strands, causing friction and breakage. This is especially true for new moms who might already be experiencing some postpartum hair loss.
But here’s the good news! Silk and satin pillowcases are like superheroes for your hair. Here’s why they’re perfect for new moms:
Smoother Sleep, Smoother Hair
Silk and satin are super smooth materials, which means less friction on your hair as you toss and turn throughout the night. This translates to fewer tangles, frizz, and breakage — hello, smooth and manageable hair in the morning!
Moisture Magic
Cotton tends to absorb moisture from your hair, leaving it feeling dry and brittle. Silk and satin, on the other hand, are much gentler. They help your hair retain its natural moisture, making it feel softer and healthier.
Bye-Bye Bed Head
We all know the struggle of that crazy bedhead in the morning. Silk and satin pillowcases can help minimize that by reducing friction. You might just wake up with hair that looks (almost) ready to go!
So, ditch the cotton and treat your hair (and yourself!) to a silk or satin pillowcase. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your hair health, especially during those busy first few months with your new baby.
Scalp Massages for the Win!
Again a cost-free tip! Do you know massaging your scalp can boost your hair growth? Massage your scalp in a circular shape using your fingertips, you can add jojoba or coconut oil and do this for a few minutes every day. This massage helps in three ways:
- Boosts Blood Flow: Imagine tiny rivers bringing nutrients to your hair follicles. A scalp massage helps your blood circulation and delivers hair-healthy nutrients.
- Reduces Stress: Feeling overwhelmed? Scalp massages can help lower stress hormones. Less stress means less hair loss.
- Wakes Up Hair Follicles: Dermatologist Dr.Carolyn Goh says regular scalp massages activate inactive follicles, leading to thicker, bouncier hair.
Nourish Your Locks From Shampoo to Hair Masks
Dry, brittle hair is more prone to breakage. To keep your hair strong and healthy, give it some extra love! You should use gentle shampoos and conditioners free from harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates — that are harmful to you and your baby.
Here are some hair care heroes:
- Gentle Shampoo & Deep Conditioner: They can act like a cozy blanket for your hair, keeping it soft and manageable.
- Wide-Tooth Comb: This gentle giant helps detangle your hair without pulling or tugging which can cause breakage.
- Hair Mask (Optional): Treat your hair to a spa day! Use a store-bought mask or a DIY one with natural ingredients like avocado, olive oil, or honey. Apply it to your hair, focusing on the ends, leave it on for 20–30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Hydration is the Key to Happy Hair
We all know how important water is for feeling good, and guess what? Your hair loves it too! Drinking plenty of water (try to drink eight glasses a day) helps keep your scalp hydrated. Think of it like giving your hair a little drink from the inside out! But here’s the cool part: good hydration can also help with hair loss!
Here’s why: your hair is made up of about 25% water [Source: American Academy of Dermatology]. When you’re dehydrated, your body prioritizes sending water to vital organs, leaving your hair a little parched. This can lead to dryness, breakage, and even hair loss.
Give Your Hair a Break with Less Styling
Being a new mom is a whirlwind, and your hair might be feeling it too. Here’s how to give your hair a break and still look amazing:
Minimize Heat Styling
Put down the straightener and curling iron for a while. If you must use them, keep the heat setting low and apply a heat protectant spray beforehand.
Skip Tight Hairstyles
Ditch those tight braids and ponytails that can pull on your hair. Opt for looser styles instead.
Embrace Protective Styles
Rock those braids, twists, or buns! Here’s the bonus: these styles are not only trendy but also:
- Minimize Manipulation: Less combing and styling means less breakage.
- Keep Your Hair Looking Neat: Protective styles can last for a few days, saving you precious time in the morning
Combing Tip
While you want to minimize manipulation, gently combing your hair once or twice a day can help distribute natural oils and prevent tangles.
Fuel Your Hair From the Inside Out!
Just like a car needs the right fuel to run smoothly, your hair needs the right nutrients to grow strong and healthy. The good news is, you can get these nutrients from yummy foods! Here are some superstar ingredients to keep your hair happy:
Iron
Strong hair needs iron! It helps deliver oxygen to your scalp, keeping your hair follicles healthy. Find iron in yummy foods like
- Lean Meat
- Lentils
- Dark Leafy Greens.
Biotin
This B vitamin is like a tiny hair superhero! It helps hair grow strong and can even add a little shine. Biotin is found in
- Fggs
- Nuts
- Avocados
Vitamin D
Sunshine for your hair! Vitamin D helps hair follicles grow and stay healthy. You can get it from
Sunlight (with sunscreen!)
Fatty Fish
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Mackerel
- Trout
Fortified Food
- Bread
- Pasta
- Rice
- Orange Juice
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
These healthy fats are superstars not just for your heart, but also for your hair! They help keep your scalp hydrated and your hair shiny. Find them in
- Fatty Fish like Salmon, Tuna, and Trout
- Flaxseeds
- Walnuts
Simplified Hair Care Routine for New Mom’s Busy Days
Being a new mom is a superhero job, but that doesn’t mean your hair care routine needs to be complicated! Here’s a simple, achievable routine you can fit into amidst the chaos:
Morning Magic (5 minutes)
- Lukewarm Shower: Take a shower with lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo.
- Leave-in Conditioner: Apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair. This detangles easily, adds moisture, and saves you precious drying time.
Midday Marvel (2 minutes)
- Dry Shampoo: A quick spritz of dry shampoo absorbs excess oil and refreshes your hair.
Nighttime Ninja (3 minutes)
- Scalp Massage: Before bed, gently massage your scalp with your fingertips. It feels good, improves blood circulation, and promotes healthy hair growth.
- Braided Bliss: Loosely braid your hair to prevent tangles while you sleep. This saves you time detangling in the morning and can even add some nice waves!
These simple hacks won’t take away from your supermom duties, but they’ll keep your hair looking and feeling its best! Ta-da, it’s 10 minutes only!
Losing some hair after having a baby is normal, but it can still be annoying. These steps can help you to grow back healthy and strong hair for sure. So you can stress less about your hair fall and enjoy more time happily with your little joy. They are easy to follow and time-savvy so despite being a busy new mom you can find some self-care time to self-love. Do not underestimate yourself; always remember you are beautiful just the way you are.
Unboxing The New Mom Series: Part 1
As a New Mom, I am also writing after a huge break. Your feedback will give me a boost. Feel free to comment below and let me know what hair care you are following as a new mom.
