Losing any amount of hair for any reason can be unsettling, but after you have a baby the number of hair follicles your body sheds is often surprising. While the effects of postpartum hair loss are not permanent, they can still be embarrassing. Finding ways to remedy this issue is not as difficult as you think. However, many of today’s over-the-counter or prescription-strength solutions are rather costly. In order to find inexpensive ways to overcome this problem, it is important to consider what mother nature gives you.

Postpartum hair loss is a temporary problem, so spending a lot of time and money on managing it is a fool’s errand. At the same time, you don’t have to simply ignore it or pretend it isn’t happening. There are numerous methods that can help to increase the volume of your hair and prevent further hair loss. The key is to discover those techniques and put them to good use before your thinning hair drives you crazy.

What causes postpartum hair loss?

Put as simply as possible, your changing hormones are the root cause of postpartum hair loss. As your body changes from being not pregnant, then pregnant, and back to not pregnant again within less than a year, your hormone levels change drastically. This often results in excessive hair loss as the bodily systems try to rebalance themselves.

More specifically, pregnancy causes the estrogen levels in your body to increase significantly in order to support the growing baby. This hormonal increase basically puts your hair follicle into hibernation. Any hair that would have typically fallen out does not, and thus that is why pregnant women enjoy a thicker, fuller mane during gestation. As the estrogen levels begin to regulate themselves postpartum, those loose hairs begin to fall out as usual, resulting in thinner hair.

Why does it look like I’m going bald?

Luckily, there are lots of inexpensive solutions, because the issue at hand is more or less an illusion – and a fixable one at that. Postpartum hair loss is a natural phenomenon known as “telogen effluvium.” It happens to about half of all women who give birth, making it so common that numerous low-cost remedies have been developed over the years.

You are not alone in thinking that you are going bald and having appropriate emotions about it. The fact of the matter is this, though: you are not losing your hair for good. This too shall pass, and you only appear to be going bald because, most of the time, the hair that falls out is around your hairline. That makes your hair look very thin in the front, but just keep in mind that it is not permanent, your hair will eventually grow back to its former glory, and you can do something about it.

Top 5 inexpensive ways to combat postpartum hair loss

Since postpartum hair loss will not be a continual problem, it is possible to fight it without spending a lot of money. Here are some of the most popular and effective ways to combat postpartum hair loss for cheap:

1. Get a new haircut

Most of the time, you can get a new haircut for less than $20. Doing so can make a tremendous difference in your appearance, which in turn can make you feel more confident about your new mom body. A haircut is one of the most inexpensive ways to combat postpartum hair loss, and it is one of the most rejuvenating. Start here, and while you’re at it, try to choose a cut that adds a little texture to your mane for the illusion of fullness.

2. Color your locks

Changing the color of your hair is a great way to create the appearance of more, especially when you opt for highlight and low-light blends. Ask your stylist to advise you on which colors to choose, and then go for it. You don’t have anything to lose except some old makeup and a tired hair color.

*TIP: Highlight the front for better camouflage and get an all-over conditioning and/or glass treatment to boost the appearance of your hair.

3. Switch up the part

The way you style your hair plays a huge role in whether or not people can see your thin spots. Since postpartum hair loss typically occurs around the hairline, switch up the way you part your locks can make a huge difference. If you are losing hair on one side more than the other, change the way your hair lays to cover it up and give your hair instant natural volume.

4. Wear accessories in your hair

What better method is there to attract attention away from your thinning hair than to wear beautiful accessories? At the same time, certain hair ornaments can actually cover your “bald spots.” Slide on a nice headband or tie on a scarf and hit the streets without anyone knowing your secret.

5. Keep hair moisturized

Dry hair can look brittle and thinner than it really is – not exactly something you want to deal with right now. By keeping your hair conditioned properly, you create the appearance of a healthy mane and promote better growth. For added help now and in the future, use volumizing and moisturizing hair products each day as a part of your haircare routine.

Be proactive about hair loss remedies

It is important for you to take an active role in the health of your hair. Regardless of whether you just had a baby or not, the condition of your locks say a lot about you. Thankfully, all of the inexpensive ways to combat postpartum hair loss can be done within 24 hours, meaning: you can be looking and feeling better about yourself by this time tomorrow.

We would love to hear from you. Do you have a remedy or idea for people battling with telogen effluvium? We encourage you to share your advice and any story you have related to postpartum hair loss or inexpensive solutions.