Having a baby comes with a lot of changes, from sleepless nights to changes in your skin and hair. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy often lead to increased sebum production, giving the skin a radiant glow and a faster hair growth rate. Postpartum, these changes can persist or even intensify, leading to stretch marks, puffy eyes, dark circles and significant hair loss. While some women may retain that coveted pregnancy glow, others find themselves dealing with unexpected skin and hair challenges. One thing is certain, the body never remains the same after childbirth, and the skin and hair are not exempt.
I spoke to Eunice, a lawyer and mother of a six-year-old who was happy to share her experiences with postpartum hair and skin changes.
“I still have some excess tummy fat. However, I learned to appreciate my body, embracing the changes like stretch marks and loose skin that come with motherhood.”
Underrepresentation of Nigerian women in postpartum issues discussions
Postpartum skin and hair changes are widely experienced, yet discussions often overlook the unique challenges faced by African women. Acknowledging and addressing these specific needs is essential for providing effective postpartum care solutions.
What causes hair loss?
Telogen effluvium, a condition causing temporary hair loss, can be particularly distressing for new mothers. This condition is triggered by factors that come with childbirth. Normally, individuals shed about 80-100 hairs a day, but with telogen effluvium, this number can triple. One mother who preferred to be anonymous shared, “I lost a lot of hair from stress. I adjusted by cutting it off, growing it back and eventually locking it within two years.” For Eunice, it was different. “As for my hair, she said, “pregnancy made it grow a lot, but it started breaking once I began braiding.”
How the skin changes
One mother mentioned, “My skin almost stopped glowing because my baby took everything!” Another said that her “skin was glowing during the first trimester, after that, it went downhill.”
The skin undergoes significant changes postpartum due to the sharp decline in oestrogen and progesterone levels after childbirth. These hormones, which once enhanced the skin’s glow and elasticity, suddenly decrease, leading to dryness, increased sensitivity and changes in texture. Some women experience a reduction in the glow they had during pregnancy, while others may develop pigmentation, stretch marks, or even puffy eyes and dark circles.
Hair and skin changes are psychological
The physical changes that accompany childbirth can have a profound effect on a new mother’s mental health. Hair loss, skin changes and the general stress of adjusting to a new routine can lead to feelings of frustration, and even depression. Support and self-care are important during this time.
Healthy habits can change the game
Adopting healthy habits can play a significant role in managing postpartum skin and hair changes. Several mothers emphasised the importance of rest, stress reduction and proper hydration. Talking about rest, Eunice said “There is a lot of sleeping, because you will lose a lot of sleep the moment you start caring for your child.
The child’s sleeping routine is different from your own because they’re on a different timetable. So you have to change your sleeping habits.” One mother shared, “Sleeping more helps. Ideally, I should be on a low-carb diet, but it’s hard to get back to that.” Another noted, “Drinking more water, especially with lemon or cucumber, helps my skin.” Eggs and other foods rich in protein are also a helpful dietary addition.
Changing routines and products
Choosing the right skincare and hair care products can make a significant difference in postpartum recovery. One mother recommended moisturising the skin with baby oil and applying castor oil on the stomach and coconut oil on the hair and nails. Eunice said something similar, “I leaned heavily into using natural products postpartum. “I used a lot of coconut oil and shea butter for my skin, which was mild and didn’t cause irritation. Black soap, particularly the red local variety, was another staple in my skincare routine.”
“As for my hair, I focused on protective styles and used leave-in conditioners and hair mayonnaise to retain moisture and prevent breakage. Scalp massages were a huge help, especially since my scalp became even more sensitive after giving birth. I used a massaging brush to relieve the discomfort, and this made a significant difference. Additionally, taking supplements was important, especially since appetite can decrease postpartum, making it harder to get the necessary nutrients from food alone.”
Breastfeeding mothers need these nutrients not only for their skin and hair health but for their children, ensuring they are passing on nutrients in the right amount for healthy growth.
Minimising heat styling and opting for low manipulation styles can help manage hair loss, while gentle cleansers, moisturisers, and sunscreen were common recommendations for maintaining skin health.
Even with an underrepresentation of Nigerian women in Postpartum care and research, these mothers have found ways to improve their overall appearance. Because hair and skin health also have psychological effects on the mothers welfare, shared experiences like this not only help build knowledge but also creates a sense of community. Now mothers everywhere know that they’re not alone.
