An Expert Guide to Postpartum Hair Loss

Postpartum hair loss is a condition that impacts many new mothers. It appears as abnormal shedding and noticeable hair loss. Thinning is a normal occurrence following childbirth and is temporary in extent, but it can be upsetting to new mothers.

Knowledge of the impact and cause of postpartum hair loss can help women cope with the transition process and employ preventive procedures to prevent postpartum hair loss. Postpartum telogen effluvium (temporary shedding) pushes hair to the resting phase too soon, but it can be treated through good hair care and diet.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes and effects of postpartum hair loss, how becoming a mother can influence your hair, and how to treat the condition. We’ll also reveal how Hairy Hair can help you with hair loss.

What Impact Does Giving Birth Have on Your Hair?

Giving birth can take a serious toll on your hair. The sudden drop in estrogen levels after pregnancy can cause noticeable thinning and shedding, particularly in the first few months after childbirth. Hair will enter the shedding phase prematurely, leading to hair loss.

Did you notice your hair was glowing during pregnancy? It’s not just a myth. Hormonal changes during pregnancy help provide extra nutrients for the mother and growing baby, which means that hair stays in the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle for longer. 

Research from the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found that women’s anagen rate during pregnancy was much higher than normal. At the same time, the telogen (resting) phase increased after birth.

What are the Effects of Postpartum Hair Loss?

The postpartum period following childbirth can be challenging for new mothers. Hair loss is just one of the many physical trials they face. The extent of the shedding can vary between people, but for some, it’s particularly intense. 

The International Journal of Women’s Dermatology found that over 90% of women surveyed from a selection of responses experienced postpartum hair loss. This research also gave some insight into the likelihood of hair loss in pregnant women. 

Women with hair loss noted having a premature delivery, low birth weight, and a longer-term breastfeeding period.

How Do You Manage Postpartum Hair Loss?

Keeping on top of postpartum hair loss means having a good combination of healthy hair care, nutrition and lifestyle. 

Here’s some of our top tips:

• Make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
• Manage your stress levels with scalp massages to promote hair growth.
• Avoid tight hairstyles like high ponytails to reduce shedding.
• Avoid heat styling tools that can damage hair strands.
• Use intensive conditioners and hair masks to treat your vulnerable locks.
• Avoid harsh treatments like bleaching or using products with harmful chemicals.
• If you’re brushing your hair, use a wide-tooth comb or soft-bristle brush to reduce breakage.

What Should You Include in Your Diet?

A healthy diet is also essential in a bid to curb thinning during the period when your hair is prone to shedding following childbirth. Make sure to consume a range of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, that may be beneficial for good hair growth.

Omega-3 fatty foods such as walnuts and salmon may feed and hydrate hair. Hair-restoring vitamins such as biotin, when taken in the form of supplements, may cover up the nutritional gap that most women experience after delivery.

You must take supplements only under the guidance of a doctor. Taking vitamins and minerals in the daily recommended dose will prevent them from accumulating to toxic levels. Vitamins A and E, for example, in amounts exceeding what is suggested, can cause severe illness and even accelerate balding.

If you are worried about your nutrient levels, consult your doctor. They will decide whether you need to take a blood test and check that none of your vitamin or mineral levels are out of balance.

When Should You See a Professional?

If you’re worried about how long your postpartum hair loss is lasting, then it might be time to seek professional help. Johns Hopkins Medicine estimates that postpartum hair loss should stop after about 6-12 months following birth. Most women observe a return to normal hair growth levels by the time their new baby turns one.

Surprisingly, adoptive mothers may also experience an increase in shedding during the initial months of a child’s life if they’ve experienced similar hormonal changes. This can also include those who have undergone fertility treatments. Other causes of postpartum alopecia include those who have undergone severe hormonal fluctuations, like those with miscarriage or stillbirth.

If it takes more than 12 months to notice growth, it may be a sign that there is another reason for your hair loss. Your hair loss will only get worse because of your postpartum condition if this is the case. You can see a dermatologist or health care professional to help diagnose postpartum hair loss and provide personal suggestions.

How Can Hairy Hair Help with My Hair Loss?

Postpartum hair loss is not usually permanent. And although there is not much that you can do to prevent it from happening, there are a few things that you can do to reduce the shedding as you create a healthy atmosphere for new hair to grow.

Adjusting to a new baby can be a stressful process, and postpartum hair loss on top of that can only lead to more stress and anxiety. Postpartum hair loss is natural, however, and many women find it to be extremely common.

Contact Hairy Hair today if you’re worried about an underlying condition causing your hair loss. Our targeted treatment comprehensively tackles a range of hair loss concerns simultaneously. It is a vasodilator that helps ensure that your follicles are well-supplied, and it also aims to lower the DHT levels, which is the hormone causing shrinking of hair follicles and eventually hair loss.

To start your treatment journey, all you have to do is fill in a quick online questionnaire. Once we know a bit more about you and your hair loss, our expert hair loss doctors will devise a personal treatment plan based on your condition. They’ll then call you to discuss the details and address any questions you might have. Your supplements will be sent out to you directly, so you can manage your treatment from anywhere.