Hair vitamins after pregnancy: Restore health
Part 1: Hormonal storm and its consequences for hair
After childbirth, the female body undergoes significant hormonal changes, which can significantly affect the condition of the hair. During pregnancy, an increased level of estrogen helps to increase the hair growth phase (anagen), which leads to a thicker and more shiny hair. However, after childbirth, the estrogen level drops sharply, and the hair that was in the growth phase quickly move into the rest phase (bodyogen), and then fall out. This phenomenon, known as postpartum hair loss (Telogen Effluvium) is temporary, but can be quite intense and cause concern in young mothers.
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Estrogen and his role: Estrogen is a key female hormone that affects many processes in the body, including hair growth. During pregnancy, its level increases significantly, which stimulates hair growth and increases the duration of the anagen phase. This leads to the fact that the hair looks more thick and healthy.
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Postpartum fall of estrogen: After childbirth, the estrogen level decreases sharply, which leads to a change in the hair growth cycle. The hair, which were in the anagen phase, passes massively to the heterogene phase and falls out. This process usually begins 1-4 months after childbirth and can last up to a year.
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Other hormones: In addition to estrogen, other hormones, such as progesterone, prolactin and thyroid hormones, can affect the condition of hair after pregnancy. The imbalance of these hormones can also contribute to hair loss.
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Individual differences: The intensity and duration of postpartum hair loss vary from woman to woman. Some women may practically not notice changes, while others are faced with a significant hair loss. It depends on many factors, including genetics, health and lifestyle.
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Diagnostics: It is important to distinguish postpartum hair loss from other causes of hair loss, such as iron deficiency, thyroid disease or stress. If hair loss lasts more than a year or is accompanied by other symptoms, you must consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
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Nutrition and hair: Healthy nutrition plays a key role in restoring hair health after pregnancy. The lack of nutrients can aggravate hair loss. It is important to use a sufficient amount of protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins and other necessary trace elements.
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Stress and hair: The postpartum period is often associated with an increased level of stress, lack of sleep and fatigue. Stress can negatively affect hair growth and aggravate loss. It is important to find ways to relax and reduce stress, such as yoga, meditation or walking in the fresh air.
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Medication: In some cases, the doctor may prescribe drug treatment to stimulate hair growth. However, most drugs are not recommended to be used during breastfeeding.
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Cosmetics: There are various cosmetics that can help strengthen hair and reduce loss. It is important to choose shampoos, air conditioners and masks containing nutrients and vitamins.
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Patience and care: Hair posting is a temporary phenomenon, and over time the hair is usually restored. It is important to gain patience, properly care for your hair and monitor your health.
Part 2: Key vitamins and minerals for hair restoration
The postpartum period requires special attention to nutrition in order to fill the reserves of nutrients depleted during pregnancy and childbirth. Certain vitamins and minerals play a key role in restoring hair health and stimulating their growth.
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Iron (FE): Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of hair loss, especially after pregnancy. Iron is necessary for transporting oxygen to hair follicles, and its disadvantage can lead to weakening and hair loss.
- Iron sources: Red meat, liver, legumes, spinach, buckwheat.
- Recommendations: It is recommended to take a blood test for iron (ferritin) and, if necessary, take iron drugs as prescribed by a doctor.
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Zinc (ZN): Zinc plays an important role in the growth and restoration of fabrics, including hair. It is also necessary to maintain the health of the scalp.
- Sources of zinc: Seafood (especially oysters), red meat, nuts, seeds, whole grain products.
- Recommendations: Zinc deficiency can manifest itself not only with hair loss, but also with other symptoms, such as skin rashes and impairment of immunity.
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Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays an important role in hair growth and maintaining the health of the scalp. Vitamin D deficiency can be associated with hair loss.
- Sources of vitamin D: Sunlight, fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), egg yolks, enriched products (milk, juice).
- Recommendations: It is recommended to take a blood test to the level of vitamin D and, if necessary, take vitamin D in the form of additives as prescribed by a doctor. Especially relevant for women living in regions with insufficient sunlight.
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B vitamins B: Group B vitamins, especially biotin (B7), niacin (B3), pantotenic acid (B5) and vitamin B12, play an important role in hair health.
- Biotin (B7): Biotin is necessary for proteins metabolism, which are a building material for hair. Biotin deficiency can lead to thinning and hair loss.
- Sources of biotin: Eggs, nuts, seeds, salmon, avocados.
- Niacin (B3): Niacin improves blood circulation in the scalp, which promotes hair growth.
- Sources of Niacin: Meat, fish, poultry, nuts, whole grain products.
- Pantotenic acid (B5): Pantotenic acid is involved in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates necessary for the health of the hair.
- Sources of pantothenic acid: Meat, eggs, mushrooms, avocados, broccoli.
- Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, which deliver oxygen to hair follicles.
- Sources of vitamin B12: Meat, fish, poultry, dairy products.
- Biotin (B7): Biotin is necessary for proteins metabolism, which are a building material for hair. Biotin deficiency can lead to thinning and hair loss.
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Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the hair follicles from damage to free radicals. It is also necessary for collagen synthesis, which is an important hair component.
- Sources of vitamin C: Citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, pepper, broccoli.
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Vitamin E: Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that protects the hair follicles from damage. It improves blood circulation in the scalp and promotes hair growth.
- Sources of vitamin E: Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, avocados, spinach.
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Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for the health of the scalp and hair. They help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation.
- Sources of omega-3 fatty acids: Fat fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), linen seed, walnuts, chia.
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Protein: Hair consists mainly of protein (keratin), so sufficient protein consumption is necessary for their growth and recovery.
- Springs of protein: Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts, seeds.
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Silicon: Silicon strengthens the hair and promotes its growth.
- Silicon sources: Oats, rice, bananas, green vegetables.
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Copper: Copper is involved in the formation of melanin, pigment responsible for hair color.
- Sources of copper: Seafood, nuts, seeds, legumes.
Part 3: how to take vitamins and supplements correctly
Reception of vitamins and additives can be useful for restoring hair health after pregnancy, but it is important to do it right in order to avoid negative consequences.
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Consultation with a doctor: Before you start taking any vitamins or additives, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor will be able to determine your individual needs and prescribe the necessary drugs in the correct dosage. It is especially important to consult a doctor if you breastfeed.
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Blood tests: Before taking vitamins, it is recommended to take blood tests to determine the level of basic vitamins and minerals in the body. This will identify deficits and prescribe the necessary additives.
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Dosage: It is important to observe the recommended dosage of vitamins and additives. Exceeding the dosage can lead to undesirable side effects.
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Output form: Vitamins and additives are available in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, chewing tablets, powders and liquids. Choose a form that is most convenient for you.
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Reception time: Some vitamins and additives are better absorbed if you take them during meals. Others are better absorbed on an empty stomach. Follow the instructions on the packaging or recommendations of the doctor.
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Compatibility: Some vitamins and additives can interact with drugs. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medicines that you take to avoid undesirable interactions.
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Quality: Choose vitamins and additives from reliable manufacturers that guarantee the quality and safety of your products. Pay attention to the availability of quality certificates.
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Duration of admission: The duration of taking vitamins and additives depends on your individual needs and the doctor’s recommendations. It is not recommended to take vitamins and additives without a break for a long time.
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Side effects: Some vitamins and additives can cause side effects, such as stomach disorder, nausea or headache. If you notice any side effects, stop taking and consult a doctor.
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Food additives: Vitamins and additives should not replace good nutrition. It is important to adhere to a healthy and balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
Part 4: Diet for healthy hair after childbirth
A balanced and nutrient diet plays a key role in restoring hair health after pregnancy. Include in your diet products rich in vitamins, minerals and protein necessary for the growth and strengthening of hair.
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Protein products: Protein is a building material for hair, so it is important to use a sufficient amount of protein every day. Good sources of protein include:
- Meat (beef, chicken, turkey)
- Fish (salmon, tuna, sardines)
- Eggs
- Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
- Legumes (beans, lentils, peas)
- Nuts and seeds
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Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are necessary for hair health. Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet, especially:
- Dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, cabbage)
- Bright fruits and vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, pepper, berries)
- Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons)
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Whole grain products: All -grain products are rich in vitamins of group B, iron and zinc, which are important for hair health. Include in your diet:
- Oatmeal
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Whole wheat bread
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Healthy fats: Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, are necessary for the health of the scalp and hair. Good sources of healthy fats include:
- Fat fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel)
- Avocado
- Nuts and seeds
- Vegetable oils (olive, linseed)
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Hydration: Maintaining the water balance is necessary for the health of the whole organism, including hair. Drink enough water during the day.
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Ground products: Use products rich in iron to prevent or treat iron deficiency, which can contribute to hair loss.
- Red meat
- Liver
- Legumes
- Spinach
- Iron enriched products
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Limit the use of processed products, sugar and caffeine: These products can negatively affect hair health.
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Approximate power plan: Here is a approximate nutrition plan for healthy hair after childbirth:
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with berries and nuts, eggs with avocado, yogurt with fruits.
- Dinner: Salad with chicken or fish, vegetable soup and legumes, whole grain bread.
- Dinner: Salmon with vegetables, baked chicken with Kinoa, lentils with vegetables.
- Snacks: Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, yogurt.
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Individual needs: Remember that your individual nutrient needs may vary depending on your health, lifestyle and level of physical activity. Consult a doctor or nutritionist to develop an individual nutrition plan.
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Breast-feeding: If you breastfeed, you need to consume even more nutrients to ensure the healthy development of your child. Discuss your needs with a doctor or nutritionist.
Part 5: Proper hair care after childbirth
In addition to nutrition and vitamins, proper hair care plays an important role in their restoration after childbirth.
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Soft shampoo: Use soft shampoo that does not contain sulfates and parabens. These ingredients can be aggressive and dry the hair.
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Air conditioner: Use air conditioning after each shampoo washing to moisturize and smooth your hair.
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Rare washing: Do not wash your hair too often. Excessive washing can deprive the hair of natural oils and make it dry and brittle. It is enough to wash your hair 2-3 times a week.
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Avoid hot water: Wash your hair with warm and not hot water. Hot water can damage the hair and make it more brittle.
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Neat combing: Comb the hair carefully, starting from the tips and gradually rising up. Use a comb with wide teeth to avoid hair damage.
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Avoid tight hairstyles: Avoid tight hairstyles, such as tails and braids that can pull the hair and lead to its loss.
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Limit the use of a hair dryer, iron and curling iron: High temperatures can damage the hair and make it more brittle. If you use these tools, apply a heat protection spray.
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Hair masks: Regularly make hair masks to moisturize, nourish and strengthen them. You can use ready -made masks or cook them yourself from natural ingredients, such as honey, egg, avocado and olive oil.
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Scalp massage: Regularly do scalp massage to improve blood circulation and stimulate hair growth.
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Cut the ends of the hair: Cut the ends of the hair regularly to get rid of split ends and prevent their further splitting.
Part 6: Natural hair strengthening
There are many natural products that can help strengthen hair and reduce loss after childbirth.
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Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera has soothing and moisturizing properties. It can help reduce the scalp inflammation and stimulate hair growth. Apply the aloe vera gel to the scalp and hair, leave for 30 minutes, and then rinse.
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Coconut oil: Coconut oil has moisturizing and nutritional properties. It can help strengthen hair and reduce its fragility. Apply coconut oil to the scalp and hair, leave it overnight and then rinse.
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Olive oil: Olive oil has moisturizing and antioxidant properties. It can help improve the health of the scalp and strengthen hair. Apply olive oil to the scalp and hair, leave for 30 minutes, and then rinse.
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Egg: The egg is rich in protein and biotin, which are necessary for hair health. Mix the egg with olive oil and honey, apply to the scalp and hair, leave for 30 minutes, and then rinse.
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Honey: Honey has moisturizing and antibacterial properties. It can help improve the health of the scalp and strengthen hair. Mix honey with olive oil and lemon juice, apply your head and hair, leave for 30 minutes, and then rinse.
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Onion: The onion contains sulfur, which can help stimulate hair growth. Grind the onion and squeeze the juice out of it. Apply juice to the scalp, leave for 30 minutes, and then rinse.
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Garlic: Garlic also contains sulfur, which can help stimulate hair growth. Grind the garlic and mix it with olive oil. Apply the mixture to the scalp, leave for 30 minutes, and then rinse.
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Rosemary: Rosemary has antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties. It can help improve blood circulation in the scalp and stimulate hair growth. Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to your shampoo or air conditioning.
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Nettle: Nettle is rich in vitamins and minerals that are necessary for hair health. Brew nettle and use a broth to rinse hair after washing.
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Green tea: Green tea contains antioxidants that can help protect hair follicles from damage. Brew green tea and use it to rinse hair after washing.
Part 7: When to see a doctor
In most cases, postpartum hair loss is temporary and passes on its own throughout the year. However, in some cases it is necessary to consult a doctor.
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Excessive hair loss: If you lose a large amount of hair every day, consult a doctor to exclude other causes of hair loss.
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Hair loss lasts more than a year: If hair loss lasts more than a year after childbirth, you must consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
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Related symptoms: If hair loss is accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, skin rashes or changes in weight, you must consult a doctor.
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Thyroid diseases: Thyroid diseases can cause hair loss. If you have a suspicion of thyroid disease, consult a doctor.
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Iron deficiency: Iron deficiency can cause hair loss. If you have a suspicion of iron deficiency, take a blood test for iron level and consult a doctor.
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Stress: Strong stress can cause hair loss. If you experience severe stress, consult a doctor or psychologist.
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Medicines: Some drugs can cause hair loss. If you take any drugs and noticed hair loss, consult a doctor.
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Genetic factors: In some cases, hair loss may be associated with genetic factors. If you have a family story of hair loss, consult a doctor.
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Postpartum depression: Postpartum depression can cause stress and, as a result, hair loss. If you experience the symptoms of postpartum depression, consult a doctor.
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Doubts and anxiety: If you are worried about the condition of your hair, consult a doctor for consultation and Reassuraance.
Part 8: myths and reality about hair vitamins
There are many myths and misconceptions about hair vitamins. It is important to know the truth so as not to spend money on useless products and not to expose your health risk.
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Myth: Vitamins can stop hair loss in one night.
- Reality: Vitamins do not act instantly. In order to see the results, it is necessary to take vitamins regularly for several months.
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Myth: The more vitamins, the better.
- Reality: Exceeding the recommended dosage of vitamins can lead to side effects. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and consult a doctor.
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Myth: All hair vitamins are equally effective.
- Reality: The effectiveness of vitamins depends on the individual needs and causes of hair loss. It is important to determine the cause of hair loss and choose vitamins that correspond to your needs.
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Myth: Vitamins can solve all hair problems.
- Reality: Vitamins can help improve hair health, but they are not a panacea. It is also important to properly care for your hair, eat in a balanced food and avoid stress.
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Myth: Dear vitamins are always better cheap.
- Reality: The price is not always an indicator of quality. It is important to choose vitamins from reliable manufacturers and pay attention to the composition.
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Myth: Vitamins can restore damaged hair.
- Reality: Vitamins can strengthen the hair and prevent its further damage, but they cannot restore already damaged hair.
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Myth: Vitamins can change the hair structure.
- Reality: Vitamins cannot change the hair structure. The structure of the hair is determined by genetic factors.
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Myth: Vitamins can accelerate hair growth to unrealistic speeds.
- Reality: Vitamins can stimulate hair growth, but they cannot significantly accelerate it. Hair grows on average by 1-1.5 cm per month.
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Myth: Vitamins are safe for everyone.
- Reality: Some vitamins can be contraindicated in certain diseases or conditions. It is important to consult a doctor before taking vitamins.
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Myth: If you do not have a deficiency of vitamins, they will not benefit your hair.
- Reality: Even if you do not have a clear deficiency of vitamins, the intake of vitamins can help improve the general condition of the hair and make them healthier and brilliant.
Part 9: Other factors affecting hair health after childbirth
In addition to hormonal changes, nutrition and hair care, other factors can affect the health of hair after childbirth.
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Genetics: Genetic predisposition plays an important role in hair health. If your parents or other relatives had problems with hair, you can also be at risk.
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Chronic diseases: Some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases and thyroid diseases, can affect hair health.
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Medicines: Some drugs, such as antidepressants, contraceptive tablets and drugs for treating acne, can cause hair loss.
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Stress: Chronic stress can negatively affect hair health. It is important to find ways to relax and reduce stress, such as yoga, meditation or walking in the fresh air.
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Lack of sleep: The lack of sleep can negatively affect the health of the whole organism, including hair. Try to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
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Smoking: Smoking negatively affects blood circulation and can worsen hair health.
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Alcohol abuse: Alcohol abuse can lead to a deficiency of nutrients and worsen hair health.
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Environmental factors: Environmental pollution, ultraviolet radiation and other environmental factors can negatively affect hair health.
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Incorrect hair care: Excessive use of a hair dryer, ironing, curling iron, coloring and chemical curls can damage the hair and make it more brittle.
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Hormonal disorders not related to pregnancy: Other hormonal disorders that are not associated with pregnancy, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) can affect hair health.
Part 10: Prevention of hair loss after childbirth
Although postpartum hair loss is a natural phenomenon, there are measures that can be taken to prevent or reduce intensity.
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Healthy diet during pregnancy: Proper nutrition during pregnancy will help create reserves of nutrients that are necessary for the health of hair after childbirth.
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Continuation of vitamins for pregnant women after childbirth: Continue to take vitamins for pregnant women after childbirth, especially if you breastfeed.
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Reducing stress: Try to reduce stress after childbirth. Find methods of relaxation and restoration of forces.
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Sufficient sleep: Try to get enough sleep, despite worries about the newborn.
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Correct hair care: Follow the recommendations for the correct care of the hair described above.
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Avoid tight hairstyles: Avoid tight hairstyles that can stretch the hair and lead to its loss.
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Scalp massage: Regularly do scalp massage to improve blood circulation and stimulate hair growth.
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Limit the use of a hair dryer, iron and curling iron: High temperatures can damage the hair and make it more brittle.
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Cut the ends of the hair: Cut the ends of the hair regularly to get rid of split ends and prevent their further splitting.
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Be patient: Remember that postpartum hair loss is a temporary phenomenon, and over time the hair is usually restored. Be patient and continue to take care of your hair.