Postpartum Snatching Those Edges?

Lorna Phillip Author

Posted On Aug 03, 2023 |

Girls girls girls! Go get your favourite drink, we need to talk EDGES. Yes, those fast-disappearing edges you’re so desperately trying to cling on to!

Girls girls girls! Go get your favourite drink, we need to talk about those edges. Yes, those fast-disappearing edges you’re so desperately trying to cling on to!

So, you will have heard of this thing they call postpartum hair loss, it doesn’t affect everyone but for everyone who has dealt with the dreaded extra shedding or is currently going through it please know you are not alone, far from it. As if we haven’t been through enough!

But it happens and so we have to deal with it. For some it is in the form of shedding, so extra hair coming out when you come/wash your hair, could give your hair a shorter or thinner appearance. For others it targets certain areas and for many of us it is them edges. All of a sudden, your hair line has crept all the way back to the middle of your head and you are left thinking when did this happen? And will it make a comeback?

The good news is that usually the answer is yes, it will make a comeback. The time it takes to make this comeback however varies and you could be celebrating your baby’s first birthday still waiting for those edges to reappear or for the hair loss to slow down. Your hair WILL grow back but you really will just have to be a little patient and leave your hair alone!

Remember, when your hair is shedding it is shedding all the hair it would have normally shed during your pregnancy. But due to the lovely pregnancy hormones the hair wasn’t shedding so much and so your mane was probably looking better than ever. But all good things must come to an end at some point, right? This lovely post-partum hair loss does not usually take place until around 3 months after you have had your baby. You may just suddenly notice it one day or it may be a gradual thing, you suddenly realise that cute high bun is not looking so cute anymore with a distinct lack of edges and a hair bobble that can now wrap around 10 times as there is not much hair in that bun.

So what can we do to help this situation?

If the hair is due to shed then the hair is going to shed but we can certainly do what we can to ensure this hair loss is at a minimum and that the new hair is in its best form.

Here are some suggestions to help retain the hair:

Hydration - this is through both drinking water and spraying your hair with water regularly. Hydration is key to keeping the blood flowing to those follicles and ensuring the hair is not dry. As you all know dry hair equals breakage and we do not want that. Aim to drink at least 2litres of water a day.

Leave in Conditioner look for a good leave in conditioner to protect your hair as you go about your day, once you have added the hydration you need something moisturising that will be absorbed into your hair strengthening the strands

Oils – natural oils can work wonders for the hair. Most of us have heard of that good old Jamaican castor oil (smells like cigarettes or burning). I have lost count the amount of times I have seen this one recommended for those edges. Other oils include Jojoba oil, Avocado oil, Coconut oil, Rosemary oil you may need to play around and see what really works with your hair. What works for one person may not work for another.

Wrap that hair at night – or you can use a satin pillow case. Our hair can snag on the pillow cases and this causes little breakages causing you to lose that length.

Pregnancy vitamins – sometimes the healing comes from the inside. Be sure to keep up with your pregnancy and post-partum vitamins they will help to replenish vitamins lost during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

Another great recommendation and maybe one of the most important ones which I previously mentioned, is to LEAVE YOUR HAIR ALONE!! Combing it every day is just going to increase shedding. You do not need to comb your hair every day. Find a lovely protective low maintenance style such as twists, braids (not too tight and don’t leave them in for too long), wear a wig or a wrap -although watch those edges and rock that look as often as possible. Trust me your hair will thank you for it.

Remember shedding is a very normal part of the postnatal journey. Whilst it is not something we need right now, it is important to remember this stage will not last and your hair will grow back!

Just another reminder that us women can get through absolutely anything and being a part of a Black Mamas Village is a great way to help you navigate this journey.

If you’re Black and pregnant, come and join our Village!

PS. If you're at all worried about your postpartum hair loss, do seek medical advice!