Postpartum Hair Loss: What to Expect, and What you can do About it

It's a few months postpartum, and you're finally getting into a groove with your baby. You're sleeping a bit more, you've developed a loose schedule with feeds, naps, and outings, and things are generally feeling a bit easier. And then it hits: the dreaded postpartum hair loss.

Maybe it's because I've had alopecia areata for so long, but I hated the postpartum hair loss that I experienced. It hit me around 3 months pp, which is pretty common. I battled a bunch of hair thinning along with a flare up of my alopecia, and I'm still recovering from all of that hair loss nearly 10 months postpartum!

The good news is, for most people, pp hair loss is very temporary. And there are a few things you can do to encourage new growth, but know that it is temporary and it will more than likely balance out over time.

Photo by Zach Lucero on unsplash.com

Understanding Postpartum Hair Loss

Postpartum hair loss typically occurs between 3 to 6 months after giving birth, though it can begin as early as 1 month postpartum. The peak of hair loss is typcially around month 4 or 5. During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle (called the anagen phase), resulting in thicker, fuller hair. This means that you lose less hair during pregnancy than you would if you weren't pregnant.

Once hormone levels drop after childbirth, many women experience a shedding phase (called the telogen phase) as the hair returns to its normal cycle. So, you're basically shedding hair that you would have normally shed if you hadn't been pregnant, which makes it seem much more substantial. Along with this shedding phase, stress, sleep deprivation, potential inflammation from healing, medications etc. perhaps cause additional hair fall.

While it can be alarming to see clumps of hair in the shower or on your hairbrush, rest assured that postpartum hair loss is usually temporary. It is a self-correcting mechanism designed by your body, to correct the excessive hair growth that you experienced during pregnancy. It usually resolves within 6-12 months, but some women experience hair shedding for as long as they breastfeed. Personally, I noticed improvement around 7 months postpartum.

What to Expect

The extent of postpartum hair loss varies from person to person. Some women may notice only mild thinning, while others experience more noticeable shedding. Some common areas for hair loss are around the temples and all around the hair line. It's essential to remember that this process is a natural part of the postpartum journey and does not indicate any underlying health concerns.

However, if you have concerns about the amount of hair loss or if it persists beyond a year postpartum, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional.

Coping Strategies

While postpartum hair loss is unavoidable for many new mothers, there are several strategies you can take to manage it and promote healthy regrowth:

1. Gentle Hair Care

Opt for gentle hair care products and avoid excessive brushing or styling, which can further stress fragile hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle hair gently and minimize pulling. Opt for natural products, always condition gently to avoid tangles, and consider cutting out any heat styling tools like straighteners, curling irons, etc. Use silk scrunchies to gently and loosely tie your hair back.

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet

The number one nutrient for hair health is PROTEIN. Your body simply cannot grow new hair without adequate protein. This is because hair is a low priority tissue.

And a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial for overall health, including hair health. Focus on incorporating nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals. These will encourage healthy hair, but also help with balancing your hormones postpartum. Specific nutrients that are beneficial for hair growth include:

• Iron: Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, especially in women. Include iron-rich foods such as red meat, spinach, and lentils in your diet.

• Vitamin C: This antioxidant-rich vitamin helps the body absorb iron and is essential for collagen production, which is vital for hair strength. Citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers are excellent sources of vitamin C.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon, as well as flaxseeds and walnuts, omega-3 fatty acids help nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.

Notice that I didn't include biotin on this list? Check out my blog article about biotin and hair growth (hint: it doesn't do much, unless you have a biotin deficiency...which you probably don't).

3. Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy hair and scalp. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and hair adequately hydrated. You'll need tons of water if you're breastfeeding anyways. Ideally, you are drinking filtered, mineralized water for optimal hydration. This is a great water filter if you need a recommendation.

4. Manage Stress

Stress can exacerbate hair loss, so finding healthy ways to manage stress is crucial. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to promote overall well-being. Nothing will work quite as well as sleep, though - so nap when you can and get some help overnight. Consider hiring a postpartum doula to help you get some rest!

5. Consider Supplements

If you're struggling to meet your nutrient needs through diet alone, consider taking supplements specifically formulated to support hair health. The nutrients mentioned above are a great place to start (iron, vitamin C and omega 3s), but making sure you are staying on a quality prenatal or good multivitamin complex to fill in the gaps not met by your diet would be wise. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you're breastfeeding.

6. Be Patient

Above all, be patient with yourself and your body as it adjusts to the postpartum period. Remember that postpartum hair loss is temporary, and your hair will likely return to its pre-pregnancy state in time. You could always ask for bloodwork to check things like iron if you are worried about the amount of hair you're losing - but simply search the hashtag "postpartum hair loss" on instagram and you'll see many, many posts and reels of postpartum mothers making jokes about this unfortunate postpartum symptom! It helps to have a laugh with friends over your "postpartum bangs" as the hair starts to regrow.

Conclusion

Postpartum hair loss is a common occurrence for many new mothers, but remember that it's temporary and usually resolves on its own. By understanding the causes of postpartum hair loss and implementing strategies to promote healthy regrowth, you can navigate this phase with confidence. Remember to prioritize self-care, maintain a balanced diet, and be patient with yourself as you adjust to the joys and challenges of motherhood. As your postpartum doula, I'm here to provide support and guidance every step of the way.

#hairloss #postpartum #postpartumhairloss #postpartumsymptoms #fourthtrimester #pregnancy #hair #telogeneffluvium #hairhealth #hairgrowth