Can I wash my hair during the postpartum confinement period?
Disease description:
My wife is currently in the postpartum recovery period (confinement), and she really wants to wash her hair, but we are unsure whether washing her hair will have any impact on her recovery. May we ask the doctor, is it permissible to wash one's hair during the postpartum confinement period?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
It is permissible to wash your hair during the postpartum confinement period (坐月子).
The confinement period typically refers to the first month after childbirth. During this time, due to physical changes and hormonal adjustments following delivery, new mothers often sweat heavily. This can lead to an itchy scalp and discomfort. Therefore, washing the hair can help relieve these symptoms, making the mother feel more comfortable and promoting postpartum recovery.
The water temperature for washing the hair should be around 40°C, avoiding water that is too cold or too hot, which could irritate the scalp. A suitable water temperature ensures scalp comfort and prevents catching a chill. It is generally recommended to wash the hair about one week after childbirth, when the body has recovered more adequately. At this point, the mother's body has gradually adapted to the postpartum changes, and washing the hair will not place excessive strain on her system. Additionally, it is best to wash the hair around midday when sunlight is abundant, as this facilitates quicker hair drying.
After washing, the hair should be quickly dried with a clean towel to prevent heat loss from evaporation, which could cause sudden constriction of scalp blood vessels and lead to headaches or other discomfort. If possible, a hair dryer on a low-heat setting may be used to dry the hair, but it should be held at a suitable distance to avoid burning the scalp.
