Postpartum Hair Loss: Why it Happens and How to Combat It

If you’re a pregnant woman in your 20s or 30s, chances are you’ve already heard stories about the postpartum hair loss many women experience after giving birth. You may wonder what causes it and why — even if the first pregnancy passed without any major problems — this time it might be different. 

It can feel overwhelming to think about all of the changes you’ll have to adjust to after welcoming a baby into your life, but postpartum hair loss doesn’t have to be one of them. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at why postpartum hair loss happens and some tips on how to combat it so that you can relax and get ready for motherhood knowing your hair is safe!

What is Postpartum Hair Loss (PPHL)

Welcoming a little one into the world is an incredible journey filled with milestones, love, and learning. As new mothers adjust to life with a newborn, they may notice some physical changes, including Postpartum Hair Loss (PPHL). 

According to the American Pregnancy Association, about 40-50% of women will experience postpartum hair loss during their pregnancy journey. If you are one of these women, try not to feel alone as this is a normal condition that affects many women after giving birth. 

PPHL is caused through various hormonal fluctuations, impacting their health and ability to adjust to the dramatic changes life brings with having a baby. A common but seldom talked about issue of new motherhood, PPHL affects moods and energy levels for up to six weeks after delivery, leaving moms feeling sluggish and struggling to stick to her normal everyday tasks. 

Learning how to cope healthily can help relieve some of the added stress new parents are already experiencing during this pivotal transition into parenthood. While it may be challenging to cope with, it is vital to stay positive and manage your stress levels to prevent further hair loss and health issues. 

A Look at Postpartum Hair Loss

Postpartum hair loss can be a distressing condition for new mothers who are already coping with the demands of a newborn. While the cause of postpartum hair loss is not fully understood, it is believed that hormonal changes during pregnancy and after childbirth are responsible for hair loss. 

During pregnancy, a surge in estrogen can produce thick, plush strands of hair where normally the same individual would suffer from hair loss. With increased levels of hormones playing an accommodating role, a thicker and healthier mane can result. This overexposure to a certain hormone naturally prevents the normal fallout one may experience throughout the course of time. 

On the bright side, when other effects from excess estrogen are not alarming and desired gains made with full runway locks, all these benefits blend together as an effective package deal enjoyed both internally and externally by many individuals during that lovely nine month phase!

How to Prevent PPHL

Learning how to prevent hair loss in general is a valuable investment in maintaining healthy and vibrant hair for the long term. While there is no surefire way to prevent postpartum hair loss, there are several ways to combat it.

• Nourishing diets packed with essential vitamins and minerals can be powerful weapons in the war against hair loss. Eating right is key to keeping your head of hair in tip-top shape! 
• Stress relief brings us another step closer to etching “healthy hair” into our lives. Aim to set aside chunks of time every day dedicated to checking in with your emotional and mental wellbeing; this can give tense, overworked hearts the break they need. 
• Lastly, developing a gentle hair care routine specifically catered for you might seem like an arduous task, but it pays immense dividends in the long run. Try experimenting with homemade treatments like coconut oil masks and other conditioning methods — or consulting your hairdresser for more professional advice —but rest assured that even making simple switches here and there, like substituting blow dryers for air drying and ditching artificial shampoos, can already make a world of difference.

So, if you’re a new mother worried about postpartum hair loss, take comfort in knowing that there are options available to help your hair bounce back to its former glory.

The Physical Effects of PPHL

PPHL, or scarring alopecia, can present itself in a range of manifestations. Some sufferers only notice mild thinning while more extreme cases can endure drastic hair loss, which can remain for months at a time — some even longer than an entire year. 

Despite whatever nuances appear on the surface, PPHL is disruptive to the lives of all persons affected by this disorder. It can be distressing for new moms, but it’s essential to remember that PPHL is a natural process that most women go through after childbirth.  

But fear not, in most cases, the hair will grow back eventually. As mentioned earlier, it is very important to manage stress levels to prevent further hair loss and health issues. As hormones have been disrupted during your pregnancy journey, it is your job to try to get it back to normal levels afterwards. 

Nonetheless, if you’re concerned about PPHL’s physical effects, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider, who can guide and reassure you about the longevity of the condition.

The Science Behind Postpartum Hair Loss

During pregnancy, the body experiences an increase in hormones that prevent hair from falling out. However, after childbirth, the body begins the process of returning to its pre-pregnancy hormonal balance. As a result, instead of shedding hair gradually during pregnancy, large amounts are shed at one time. The increase in shedding is due to the regular physiological processes that usually happen without a noticeable change becoming more visible and occurring all at once. 

It is important to note that when an individual has undergone major changes like pregnancy, returning to equilibrium in many aspects can take some time. In fact, this includes areas such as postpartum hormones and hair loss patterns too. This can be alarming for new mothers, but it is important to remember that postpartum hair loss is normal and temporary. 

Lifestyle Changes that Can Help

While it may not be possible to prevent postpartum hair loss entirely, there are lifestyle changes that can help minimize its effects. 

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables provides the necessary vitamins and minerals for hair growth. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water also contributes to healthier hair. Avoiding tight hairstyles, such as ponytails or braids, can prevent hair breakage and damage. Lastly, taking time to relax and destress can reduce the effects of stress on the body and ultimately benefit hair growth. 

By making these lifestyle changes, new mothers can feel confident and promote healthier hair growth after experiencing postpartum hair loss. Remember, this is just a phase, and with a few simple changes, you can support your hair health and be on the path to fuller tresses in no time.

The Importance of a Healthy Diet During Postpartum

The postpartum period is such a challenging time for moms in many ways and it’s unfortunate that PPHL has to be one of them. While it may be tempting to write it off as a temporary inconvenience, it’s important for new mothers to recognize that hair loss can actually be a sign that their body is not getting the proper nutrition it needs. 

That’s why maintaining a healthy diet during the postpartum period is crucial. Taking steps to ensure you’re getting enough nutrients like protein, iron and vitamins is integral for hair growth and a speedy postpartum recovery. Additionally, these essential nutrients can help support your overall well being in the postpartum period. 

Consuming a nutrient rich diet, such as fresh fruit and vegetables or calcium fortified foods, will play a vital role in promoting skin, hair and nail health. Lean proteins are also important to maintain good muscle strength aiding in the recovery of new mothers post birth and helping them stay active during this special stage of their lives. 

Ensuring you’re getting these elements consistently will ultimately help benefit your hair growth whilst progressing postpartum healthier living. It may not be easy to turn down those tempting mid-night snacks, but your body (and your hair) will thank you in the long run.

Treatment Options

Fortunately, there are options available for treatment. You may have heard that biotin supplements and volumizing shampoos are helpful in improving hair growth and volume. If you’re looking for a simple way to improve both, then over-the-counter products can provide some help. 

Biotin supplements (this is the one I use and recommend) are designed to strengthen the hair follicles and improve overall hair health. Volumizing shampoos incorporate lightweight ingredients that add body while gentle cleansing agents remove excess build up. These are my top recommendations for hair loss shampoo and what helped me when I was going through my hair loss journey. Together, these items could give your tresses a needed boost in lift and thickness. However, in more severe cases, prescription medications may be necessary. 

Minoxidil, a topical medication, has been shown to improve hair growth and density in those experiencing hair loss. I recommend one that is made for your gender as they are made with different potency levels for various reasons. The one I use is made for females and it worked really well on me. But remember,  it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine which treatment option is best for you. While postpartum hair loss can be stressful, know that there are effective treatment options available to help restore your hair’s natural beauty.

Natural Supplements That May Help

Fortunately, there are natural supplements that may help prevent and treat postpartum hair loss. While a balanced diet and lifestyle changes are the cornerstones of maintaining our hair’s shine, supplements can give us an extra boost by supplying enhanced levels of nutrients. 

When it comes to larger doses than usually found in food like biotin, iron, and zinc: these essential vitamins and minerals may help reverse excessive shedding that can happen from time to time. After my hair loss journey, I started taking these vitamins and I noticed a dramatic change! Just be sure to do your own research or seek out reputable sources for advice on dosage if you’re considering adding any supplementation into your daily routine. Because promoting overall body health starts at the surface level!

Additionally, collagen supplements may also be helpful as they can help strengthen the hair’s structure. According to research, part of the reason might be due to collagen. Collagen is a type of protein naturally present in our bodies and in several foods. When supplemented directly or consumed via food, the added collagen helps fortify the follicles resulting in less breakage and inconvenience. Thus, taking collagen supplements may offer unparalleled protection against problems such as split ends and weak strands. 

By incorporating these supplements into a healthy diet, new mothers can take proactive steps to mitigate postpartum hair loss and maintain strong, healthy locks. 

When to See a Doctor for Help With PPHL

Knowing when to see a doctor can be difficult, but there are some triggers and warning signs to look out for. If you experience sudden and excessive hair loss that lasts beyond six months postpartum, it may be time to visit your physician. 

Other warning signs to look out for include unusual amounts of hair on your pillow or in the shower drain, a change in your hair texture or color, or a receding hairline. Be sure to consult your doctor if you have any concerns about your postpartum hair loss, as they can provide solutions or recommend further testing if necessary. Remember, seeking help early is key in preventing and treating postpartum hair loss.

Postpartum hair loss can be a difficult, but very real part of the postpartum experience. Without proper knowledge, nutrition, and lifestyle considerations, mothers may find themselves struggling to cope with the disruptive effects of hair thinning and shedding. 

To best equip oneself for this type of journey into motherhood, arming oneself with the facts and resources necessary to combat postpartum hair loss is essential. By revisiting or altering basic nutrients found in everyday foods, nursing mothers can initiate a hormonal balance that can bring relief to some of the more unfortunate postpartum side-effects. 

Understanding hormone balances and their correlation to vitamins such as Biotin may enable new mothers to take a proactive stance towards controlling their postpartum hair loss as well. Mindfulness of natural supplements geared toward promoting scalp health, along with proper hydration practices, can also aid in lessening the impact of severe shedding associated with post-pregnancy life. 

What are some tips you have for mothers going through postpartum hair loss? Share them in the comments below!