Hi everyone! I have to say thank you for your patience in my absence. I had no idea how long I intended to be away but I sincerely appreciate all of you for hanging around! Being a mom is amazing and a LOT of hard work! So many new things to learn and I am finally starting to feel confident in my abilities. I love my baby boy and it is true what they say, EVERYTHING changes once you have a kid. Finally, welcome to all the new folks who have joined the site! I never dreamed when I started that anyone besides my mom would care to read what I had to say, let alone 1000+ followers, and I am humbled and flattered. Thank you all!
Speaking of changes, I am still adjusting to my new schedule, my new body, and my new hairline. Of all the things pregnancy and childbirth did to my physical appearance, hair loss was not one I seriously anticipated. I think we've all heard of post-partum hair shedding but I had no idea I would see clumps of hair literally fall out in my hands! Every time I wash I lose a significant amount of hair and it kinda freaks me out! I have always had so much hair, did not notice any real change during pregnancy, and didn't really expect to lose much after. Around month 3 post-partum, I noticed that things began to change.
I was taking down a set of mini twists that I'd had in for a few weeks. As I got to the ones framing my face, I noticed I was losing clumps of hair. I ran out of the bathroom with my hair in my hands, showing my husband in disbelief. "I'm BALD!", I screamed. Ok, well not really but I do have very short patches where my temples are. It's like a thin layer of peach fuzz is beginning to emerge but still quite see through!
My bday was last Friday and we went out on Saturday with the family to celebrate. Truthfully I had all but forgotten about the hair loss until I saw these pics:
(Pic 1- I got a cookbook! Is that a hint or something???
Pic 2- Blowing out the candle on my cupcake. I still have some pp weight to lose so portion control is my friend, lol)
I don't know if you can see but clearly I am missing some strands. I am not extremely bothered but I do plan on taking special care of these areas so I can increase growth. My plan includes eating healthy and continuing my prenatal vitamin (both are givens due to b'feeding), gentle styling, and massaging castor oil weekly into my scalp.
I perused YouTube to find some inspiration with the castor oil:
Seems like folks are getting good results. Hopefully after a few weeks these patchy parts will fill in! Out are tightly pulled back buns and puffs.
Have any of you ever experienced hair loss due to pregnancy or other causes? If so, what have you done to remedy it?
I used castor oil consistently for a couple weeks and got great results. I've since stopped and my temples are beginning to thin again. My constant headband wear is definitely not helping. I need to start back on that challenge.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Leslie with becoming a mommy! What a blessing.
ReplyDeleteI have suffered from hair loss on my temples for years now. I stopped counting. ...I think I'm so afraid of putting hope in a remedy & it failing that I have yet to stick to one. I just told myself today that I will try to stick to the castor oil regimen. (By the way, my hair loss is due to too tight braids as a young girl.) ...My hair on my temples has come & gone over the years. I think my hair needs professional care, so it is my hope to see a dermatologist (when I can afford to--she doesn't accept my insurance) who was recommended to me while in high school, who specializes in the hair & skin of women of color. ...I hope there is hope for hair growth. (I have always envisioned myself wearing an updo for my (God willing) wedding one day. My hair loss is my biggest physical insecurity, but I have become more confident about exposing my flaw. [I've been pretty good at camouflaging the hair loss over the years.]) It is also my hope that, if my hair never grows back, I can feel beautiful & see myself to be(physically) beautiful--flaws & all. I mean, I shouldn't consider myself less attractive because of a few inches of hair loss. I'm a whole lotta woman! *smile*
I've seen many ladies who've had hair loss due to health issues & their hair grow back. Many blessings on your hair growth! It's bound to grow back.
You are glowing! Don't worry, you hair will grow back :-)
ReplyDeleteI have just had my second boy 7 mos ago (2 yrs in a row of being pregnant), and I am having some major shedding take place. I don't really know what to do besides bunning. My temples are noticeably thinner but I don't know how long they've been that way. Last year with my first baby was when I transitioned. I need to take my vitamins and do the castor oil thing.
ReplyDeleteCongrats and glad to see you back!
welcome back to the blogging world! can't wait to read more posts and congratulations on the birth of your child!
ReplyDeleteAlso look in to rosewater Leslie. Doing wonders for my hair at the mo. Had serious breakage due to tight braids and stress over the years but healthy eating leaving it alone and no direct heat has made it grow back from Naomi Campbell baldness. Always moisturized that area the same as the rest of my hair but recently have got into rosewater. Took a double take the other week as it has helped my breakage area to pick up even more. Heard good things about castor oil as well-as rosewater-pure is a bit pricey.
ReplyDeleteIt will grow back though and you look fab...all glowing...
Lovely to have you back! I think your hair looks fine. You just have to wait it out since your hormones play with your hair cycle. It will be back to normal pretty soon :)
ReplyDeleteI went through the same thing shortly after the birth of my youngest baby.....talk about freaking out but what I did was lay up on my edges by doing hair styles that don't cause so much tension and my edges or slowly growing back:> nice blog
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your baby, he is so gorgeous. When I had my daughter, my hair did thin and I used hair supplements and castor oil and it was back thick as ever. Also I cassia obovata similar properties to henna, without the dying propert. Put on your hair for 40-60 minutes, and moisturise and that should bring your hair back. Castor oil is the best.
ReplyDeleteTo help stop shredding, make a very strong black tea, about 5-10 teabags steep in a cup of hot water, wait until the tea is cooled and put over your hair, massage in your scalp. Use any black tea, lipton black tea or Assam black tea.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see you back!
ReplyDelete