How To Stop Postpartum Hair Loss
Postpartum symptoms can range from mildly irritating to concerning. It could be moodiness, night sweats, or intense hunger. For some women, postpartum hair loss can feel unexpected and demoralizing.
You might have questions. Why is this happening? Does it affect everyone? When does it stop? Let's explain how to stop postpartum hair loss and when to call a specialist.
What is Postpartum Hair Loss?
Postpartum hair loss, also called telogen effluvium, is excessive hair shedding in the first several months after giving birth.
Why Does Postpartum Hair Loss Happen?
Generally, postpartum hair loss happens because of hormonal changes. The declining estrogen levels after you give birth trigger your hair to prematurely enter the shedding (telogen) phase. Hair loss is a natural process and happens in a cycle of three stages:
- Anagen (Growth Phase): This is when hair actively grows, lasting 2-6 years. Most of your hair (85% to 90%) is in this phase at any given time.
- Catagen (Transitional Phase): This brief phase lasts a few weeks when hair stops growing and prepares to shed.
- Telogen (Shedding Phase): During this phase, hair sheds naturally, allowing new hair to grow. During phases of life outside of pregnancy and postpartum, you may lose up to 100 hairs per day.
Postpartum hair loss is very common; in a recent study, 90% of women said they experienced it!
Symptoms of Postpartum Hair Loss
You’ll start to notice more hair than usual on your brush, pillow, clothing, or shower floor. You may also see thinning patches on your scalp. Many women notice shorter “baby” hairs around their face or neck, which indicate new growth.
How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?
It can last anywhere between 3-6 months, wth many women rebounding after about a year. The duration of postpartum hair loss depends on several factors, including genetics, your natural hair growth cycle and postpartum nutrition.
|
Timeframe |
Hair Loss |
Explanation |
|
Immediate Postpartum |
Minimal to No Hair Loss |
Hormonal changes have just started, so many women experience little or no shedding during the first few weeks. |
|
1-3 Months Postpartum |
Initial Increase in Hair Shedding |
Hair enters the telogen (shedding) phase due to the decline in estrogen levels. |
|
3-6 Months Postpartum |
Peak Shedding Period |
The shedding typically peaks around 3-4 months postpartum as more hair follicles shift into the telogen phase. This is the most common period for noticeable shedding. |
|
6-12 Months Postpartum |
Regrowth and Stabilization |
Shedding decreases, and hair begins to regrow naturally. |
|
12+ Months Postpartum |
Full Recovery |
Most women experience full hair regrowth within a year following birth, though this can vary. |
How Common is Postpartum Hair Loss?
While it can be both alarming and distressing, postpartum hair loss is one of the most common postpartum symptoms. Most mothers experience it to some degree.
Causes of Postpartum Hair Loss
Postpartum hair loss is primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations that occur after pregnancy. Secondary factors, like stress, nutritional deficiencies, and even genetics, can play a role, too.
- Estrogen drop: After childbirth, estrogen levels decline. This triggers hair to enter the shedding phase.
- Nutritional depletion: Postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and dietary gaps can lead to deficiencies in iron, zinc, and biotin, which are essential for hair health.
- Stress and sleep deprivation: High stress levels and poor sleep can disrupt the hair growth cycle.
- Thyroid changes: Some women experience postpartum thyroid imbalances (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) that can exacerbate hair loss.
Many hairs in the growing phase (anagen) suddenly enter the resting phase (telogen). So a few months into postpartum, you lose that hair.
Diagnosing Postpartum Hair Loss
There is no clinical diagnosis for postpartum hair loss. If your hair loss seems excessive (e.g., you notice spots of baldness) or you're still experiencing hair loss beyond 6-12 months postpartum, reach out to your healthcare practitioner, as there may be an underlying cause. You may have a nutrient deficiency or other health conditions causing hair loss.
When is Hair Loss Considered Normal?
You might be wondering if your postpartum hair loss is normal. Though it can be uncomfortable, most postpartum hair loss is normal! If you experience extra shedding from the first 8 weeks to six months postpartum, that's considered normal.
Of course, normal is on a spectrum. If you already have thinner hair or were already dealing with hair loss for other reasons, postpartum shedding can feel much more stressful and alarming.
When to See a Doctor About Hair Loss
You should seek medical advice if hair loss continues for six months or longer. They can help you eliminate other issues or underlying causes, like a nutrient deficiency or thyroid disorder. If you have other persistent symptoms like excessive fatigue, dizziness or depression, you may be experiencing more than common postpartum hair loss.
Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist or a trichologist, a doctor specializing in hair and scalp issues.
How to Prevent Postpartum Hair Loss
You cannot completely prevent postpartum hair loss because it's a regular part of the postpartum experience and indicates that your hormones are settling. The good news is that you can support your body so your hair can grow back quickly. You can minimize the impact, but you can't skip it altogether.
To prevent postpartum hair loss, consider:
- Eat a healthy, nutrient-rich diet. Enjoy healthy whole foods, like organic fruits, veggies, grains, and pasture-raised or wild-caught meat and fish.
- Take prenatal and postnatal vitamins to support your body’s increased nutritional needs.
- Focus on a gentle hair care routine. Avoid harsh ingredients like silicones and parabens, and try to avoid heat-styling whenever possible.
- Avoid tight hairstyles that can put strain on your strands.
- Consider scalp massage with nourishing oils (we like rosemary oil!) to promote circulation and growth.
- Reduce your stress and prioritize rest. That's easier said than done with a baby, but if you can, work in self-care like regular naps or even acupuncture or massage.
Nutrients & Supplements for Hair Health
Again, there’s no 100% sure way to prevent postpartum shedding or hair loss. However, you can support your body with nutrients that help your overall postpartum health, including giving your follicles a much-needed helping hand the best chance to bounce back. Consider increasing your intake of vitamin D, collagen, zinc, B vitamins and iron.
A comprehensive prenatal vitamin, like Needed’s Prenatal Multi, should have most of the nutrients you need for your postpartum recovery, including hair health. Consider adding a specific omega-3 vitamin to support cell health and function.
Will My Hair Grow Back After Postpartum Hair Loss?
Yes, your hair will grow back after postpartum hair loss. Do you notice any short hairs around the perimeter or thinning spots? That’s proof that after losing so much, your body, and hair follicles, will bounce back!
The timeline for hair regrowth after postpartum shedding differs for everyone, but you should start seeing some strands come back within the first year after birth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Hair Loss
Can Postpartum Hair Loss Affect My Baby?
No! Your hair loss will not affect your baby. You may want to keep an eye out for something called a hair tourniquet, which is when a loose strand of hair gets tightly twisted around the baby's toe or finger. The tangled strand can cut off blood circulation. Always check the baby's toes and fingers after breastfeeding, playing or a diaper change. Also, consider wearing your hair up and away during baby time.
Will My Hair Regrow Thinner or Different?
Chances are, your hair will look very similar or identical to before pregnancy and childbirth. Some women find that their hair texture has changed, or they must use new products. But for many women, things will go back to normal.
Does Breastfeeding Make Postpartum Hair Loss Worse?
No, breastfeeding does not affect postpartum hair loss. Breastfeeding mothers do have higher nutritional needs. All the more reason to watch your diet and stick with your supplements if you’re breastfeeding!
Can Postpartum Hair Loss Lead to Permanent Thinning?
Generally, postpartum hair loss is temporary and doesn’t lead to permanent hair thinning. Check with your doctor or midwife if you’re concerned about persistent postpartum shedding.
Are There Any Medical Treatments for Postpartum Hair Loss?
Postpartum hair loss is normal and not considered a medical condition, so there aren't any prescribed treatments. You can find some highly recommended home remedies or "natural treatments" such as taking a biotin supplement or coconut oil. However, for the most part, the best thing to do is eat a healthy diet with lots of protein and prioritize rest as much as you can.
