Postpartum Hair Loss: Causes and Treatment

Postpartum hair loss after pregnancy is more common than you may think.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, an average of 40-50% of women experience postpartum hair loss.

When postpartum hair loss happens after childbirth varies from woman to woman, and different women experience different amounts of hair shedding, but if postpartum hair loss is happening to you, don’t worry.

We’ll tell you what causes hair loss, how long it usually lasts, and what to do about it.

What causes hair loss after pregnancy

It can be scary to see your hair falling out and feel like you are losing clumps of so much hair, feel like you’re possibly going bald, or even experience postpartum alopecia during the postpartum period.

During pregnancy, your pregnancy hair was probably thicker and fuller, with a lustrous shine, and then suddenly, after the baby arrives, it’s all falling out and there is more hair in your shower drain and bathroom floor each day.

This is due to your hormones rebalancing themselves. In essence, your body is going back to normal.

If you didn’t notice, you experienced decreased hair loss during pregnancy (losing fewer hairs), which is perfectly normal and experienced by many women.

This is thanks to pregnancy hormones and hormone levels, especially high estrogen and progesterone levels in your body during pregnancy.

However, after giving birth, your hormone levels, especially progesterone and estrogen will drop back to normal, pre-pregnancy levels as quickly as within 24 hours of delivery.

So all of that hair that your body was hanging onto for nine months will suddenly begin falling out.

For some, it’s all at once, in a short period, and for others, it may last several months.

Every woman is different, and even every pregnancy is different. What happened with your first child might not happen with your second or third.

How much hair is normal to lose?

On average, non-pregnant women lose around 80 hairs throughout the day, every day.

Although you might see a lot of that in the drain when you shower, you likely won’t even notice much hair shedding daily.

That’s definitely enough to get your attention.

So, how much hair do you lose a day?

It varies from person to person and is largely based on your body’s hormone levels.

If you notice that you’re shedding large clumps or even developing bald spots, don’t panic.

Even this is normal, and it’ll start growing back eventually.

How long does postpartum hair loss last?

The most common time range of postpartum hair loss starts around 3-6 months after having your baby.

Some women do experience it sooner, and some don’t experience it until even a year after childbirth, but most fall within that average range.

The American Pregnancy Association says that hair loss after pregnancy tends to peak around 3-4 months postpartum, but even for women who experience it longer, it should completely normalize within 6-12 months.

As your body returns to its normal, pre-baby state, your hair follicles also go through a rejuvenation process.

During the hair shedding phase, you could lose up to 60% of hair that had been in the growth state during your pregnancy, but have no fear – the hair shedding will stop, and your normal hair growth will begin again.

How to prevent hair loss

Although you can’t fully stop postpartum hair loss, there are some things you can do to reduce postpartum hair loss and even stimulate your hair back into the growth phase of the hair growth cycle.

Eat healthy

As with everything, it all starts with nutrition. In particular, eat fruits and vegetables that are high in Vitamins B, C, and E, as well as iron, for a healthy hair follicle.

Protein also aids in hair strength and growth, and healthy oils and minerals like omega-3s, beta-carotene, and magnesium increase hair health.

Food examples include:

• dark green, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale (iron and Vitamin C)
• fresh-caught salmon, eggs, and walnuts (omega-3s and protein)
• carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes (beta carotene)
• Bone broths. They nourish your body with a variety of minerals in the most absorbable form. These also boost your collagen (thick hair, nails, and skin) and are also key to helping any kind of wound healing.

Supplement with vitamins

Although not a substitute for good nutrition, if you aren’t able to eat a healthy diet every day, it’s a good idea to take a daily multivitamin and supplements like B Complex, omega 3s, magnesium, zinc, and Vitamin D, to optimize hair regrowth and new hair growth.

It’s often suggested that you continue taking your prenatal vitamins after childbirth if you’re breastfeeding, so ask your doctor what he or she recommends for you.

Use special shampoos and conditioners for hair growth and postpartum hair loss treatment

If your hair falls or looks limp and thin from pregnancy postpartum hair loss, you can give it a bit of perk with volumizing shampoo and conditioning shampoos, as well as other hair care products.

Look for shampoos with biotin and silica, too, to stimulate hair growth and give your hair extra volume and shine.

Make sure to use intensive conditioners, but switch to lightweight conditioners if your hair feels too greasy.

You can also try hair-growth-stimulating remedies like rice water for hair.

It’s easy to make with simple ingredients at home, and it’s full of vitamins and antioxidants that feed your scalp and fine hair to make your hair healthy, shiny, and strong.

You could also try a new haircut to create the appearance of fuller hair, while also allowing the regrowth hairs to blend in better. Babies love to grab long hair so a new cut could work in a few ways!

Go easy on the styling

When you’re experiencing hair loss after pregnancy, the best way to stop excessive shedding is to just leave your hair alone during the growing phase.

When possible, let your hair air dry instead of using blow dryers, which dry your hair out and weaken it further.

Heat-styling implements like a curling iron and flat irons also make your already-fragile hair brittle and dry, and they can make the appearance of thinned-out hair more obvious.

Also, avoid anything that pulls or puts tension on your hair.

This includes hairstyles like braids, weaves, cornrows, and hair accessories like rubber bands or barrettes.

Minimize hair brushing to just once a day, and use a wide-toothed comb when possible.

Headscarves and bandanas are a great way to cover bald patches or uneven hair while still looking stylish.

Conclusion

Hair loss after pregnancy is normal, and although there’s no way to completely stop hair shedding, you don’t have to feel like a victim of it either.

By following these tips and staying in communication with your doctor, you can navigate this postpartum stage while still enjoying life as a mother to your new baby.

FAQ

In this section, you’ll find targeted information addressing common concerns about postpartum hair loss, including effective remedies, nutritional support, and typical timelines.

What remedies can mitigate hair shedding after childbirth?

To minimize postpartum hair shedding, focus on maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and being gentle with your hair. Consider using volumizing shampoos and avoiding tight hairstyles that can pull on the roots of your hair.

Which vitamins are beneficial for recovering from hair loss due to pregnancy?

Vitamins that are key to hair health include Biotin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Iron, and Zinc. Ensuring you get a sufficient amount of these vitamins can support hair regrowth after pregnancy.

Is it common to experience hair loss even after the first year of giving birth?

Most women see hair loss diminish within six to 12 months after childbirth. However, if you’re experiencing hair loss beyond the first year, it may be influenced by other factors, and a consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended.

Can continuing prenatal vitamins post-delivery help in reducing hair fall?

Prenatal vitamins can supplement your nutrition post-delivery and may help reduce hair fall. They often contain essential nutrients that support hair health but should be taken as per a healthcare provider’s advice.

What signs indicate the start of hair thinning associated with postpartum changes?

Signs include more hair than usual in your brush, shower drain, or pillow. You might also notice thinning patches or an overall decrease in volume.

Are there effective treatments for hair loss that occurs due to breastfeeding?

While breastfeeding, hormonal changes may contribute to hair loss. Effective treatments often involve a holistic approach, including a balanced diet and proper hair care. Discussing any treatment with a healthcare provider is critical, especially when breastfeeding.