Postpartum hair loss - what is it and how to treat

Monday, February 12, 2024

Many new mums notice their hair seems to be falling out in the months after giving birth; much more than what is normal. While there’s no specific postpartum hair loss treatment, you can take steps to prevent hair loss or improve the overall health of your hair.

This common symptom women experience postpartum is called postpartum telogen effluvium or postpartum hair loss. It happens due to the fast changes in hormones like oestrogen levels through the pregnancy period and levels returning to pre-pregnancy stages after delivery.

Seeing excess hair loss can add more stress during the already emotional postpartum period. The excellent news is postpartum hair loss usually lasts a few months and starts regrowing to normal fullness around 6 to 12 months postpartum. While waiting for your hair to rebalance and strengthen, there are proactive steps you can take to care for your strands.

Read on to learn why this natural phase of hair loss in women happens post-delivery, what to expect through the process, and tips to support healthy hair cycles.

Key Findings:

Postpartum hair loss is a common condition affecting new mothers, usually peaking around 3-5 months after childbirth.
While the condition is mostly temporary, it can significantly impact a mother’s emotional and mental well-being.
Various treatments, ranging from dietary adjustments to over-the-counter products, can help manage and mitigate hair loss effectively.

What causes postpartum hair loss?

During pregnancy, high levels of hormones like oestrogen keep hair in the growing phase longer than normal. Many women even see thicker, fuller hair during pregnancy.

After giving birth, hormone levels quickly drop back to pre-pregnancy levels. This sudden change makes more hair enter a resting phase, where it doesn’t grow and eventually falls out. This increased hair loss can happen for up to 6 months after giving birth.

On average, a person normally sheds 50-100 hairs per day. In postpartum hair loss, it’s common to temporarily lose up to 300-400 hairs a day - but new hair is still growing behind it.

Over several months, the hair growth cycle regulates back to normal timing and fullness. Most women find their hair rebalanced by the first birthday of their baby. However, this experience is deeply personal and can vary based on individual factors. Each woman’s journey is unique, and it’s okay if yours doesn’t follow a textbook timeline.

Treatment for postpartum hair loss

Dietary adjustments

Nutrition is key for supporting healthy hair cycles and regrowth. Focus on eating a balanced diet with plenty of:

Protein - Found in eggs, meat, fish, nuts, seeds, and beans. Protein is essential for building strong keratin in your hair strands. Lack of protein leads to increased shedding.
Iron - Spinach, lentils, red meat, squash, and fortified cereal are good sources. Iron carries oxygen to support hair follicle growth. Low iron levels are a top cause of women’s hair loss.
Zinc - Oysters, chickpeas, spinach, flax seeds, and beef contain zinc, which speeds up hair regeneration.
Vitamin D - Fatty fish, eggs, vitamin D-fortified milk and juice give you this sunshine vitamin. It works with hormones that cycle hair growth.
Omega-3s - Chia seeds, walnuts, and salmon have anti-inflammatory omega-3s to nurture hair health.
Biotin - Liver, egg yolks, whole grains, legumes, cauliflower and strawberries supply hair-boosting biotin.

Consider a balanced prenatal supplement to fill any gaps if diet alone doesn’t meet daily needs for hair-nourishing nutrients.

Topical treatments

In addition to a hair-healthy diet, topical products can improve hair growth and thickness during postpartum shedding:

Scalp Massage Oils - Pure oils like rosemary, peppermint, lavender, cedarwood, thyme, coconut, almond, and castor oil can naturally stimulate blood circulation when gently massaged into the scalp and hair. This nourishes follicles for optimal growth. Oiling hair overnight 1-2 times a week and washing it out in the morning is easy.
Hair Regrowth Shampoos - Look for volumising, strengthening shampoos with key ingredients like niacin (vitamin B3), biotin, keratin proteins, saw palmetto berries, and caffeine, such as our Alpecin C1 Caffeine Shampoo. These help clean and stimulate follicles and prevent thinning.
A moisturising shampoo for your hair type is also important for maintaining healthy hair.
Hair Thickening Serums - Hair serums with peptides, collagen, and biotin thicken and strengthen each strand. This gives the appearance of fuller hair. These topical hair fibres and foams are safe for new mums and can disguise thin spots as you transition postpartum.
Minoxidil - This over-the-counter foam/solution, available as Regaine for Women, is the first-line medication to regrow hair. Minoxidil helps hair follicles to recover and keeps hair growing for a longer time. You might notice more hair falling out at first, but this is typically followed by new hair growth. Check with your doctor about the safety if you’re breastfeeding. Follow usage directions.

Whichever path you choose, it’s important to be patient and kind to yourself. Remember, seeing results takes time and consistency, and your journey is about more than just your hair—it’s about caring for your whole self.

How can I disguise postpartum hair loss?

While waiting for hair regrowth, use some simple techniques to disguise thinning areas:

Style hair with loose waves or braids rather than severe slicked styles, which can reveal the scalp
Use temporary volumising powders or hair-thickening sprays made for thinning hair; these wash out
Ask your stylist for face-framing layers around the face, which can hide hair loss at the part line
Invest in hair-building fibres - tiny keratin fibres you spray on to add instant thickness
Use headbands, scarves, and hats to draw attention away from hair loss
Consider highlights or lowlights to blend the scalp contrast against thinner areas
Topical concealing makeup powders can mask visible scalp spots, too

The key is not to panic - remember, postpartum hair loss is common and temporary. Simple disguising tricks help in the meantime before density returns. Talk to your healthcare provider if shedding persists.

Preventive care and long-term tips

Hair care techniques

How you care for your strands impacts hair health and growth cycles during the postpartum period:

Use a soft-bristled brush and wide-toothed comb. Gently detangle hair in sections starting from the bottom up to minimise breakage after washing. Avoid rubbing hair up in a towel.
When possible, allow hair to air dry naturally instead of rubbing with a towel. Heat damage from blow dryers and hot styling tools harms follicles. If using heated tools, always apply a protectant spray first.
Wear hair down loose in waves or braids instead of tight ponytails. Tight hairstyles strain the scalp skin, which can limit blood flow to follicles and cause shedding. Massage the scalp gently, too.
Most people will tell you to wash your hair 2-3 times a week max. However, it depends on your hair type, oil, sweat and other factors. Overwashing leeches moisture, while a nourishing shampoo strengthens strands. Rinse with cooler water instead of very hot.
Consider temporary volumising sprays, root powders or hair fibres to camouflage thin areas as your hair transitions post-pregnancy. These wash out easily.

Seeking Professional Care

It’s advisable to make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist if:

Hair loss lasts longer than 6 to 12 months after having a baby.
You notice round bald patches or areas of complete hair loss.
More hair falls out along with symptoms like fatigue, rapid weight gain or weight loss, irritability, and heart palpitations.
You have other concerning symptoms related to hair loss, like rashes, nail changes, or hair breakage.

At the visit, your doctor will likely ask detailed questions about your hair loss timeline, postpartum experience, diet, medications, family history and any recent stressors. Be prepared to describe areas of excessive hair loss, hair falling out in clumps versus all-over shedding, loss of hair density, and hair texture changes. Bring a list of all supplements and prescriptions, too.

Using this information, your doctor might suggest blood tests to measure levels of iron, vitamin D, zinc, thyroid hormones, and other markers that can show if your body has the right nutrients for healthy hair growth. If an underlying condition like anaemia, thyroid dysfunction or autoimmune issue seems likely, treatment will focus on resolving that root cause.

Most post-baby hair loss is part of the natural journey your body goes through after childbirth, a change in hormones that typically finds its balance with time. However, seeking an expert opinion offers reassurance and personalised advice.

Impact on mental and emotional health

Dealing with extreme hair loss on top of sleep deprivation, mood swings, and other postpartum changes can be stressful. Many new mums struggle to adjust to their appearance. Others may worry if it’s normal or if they have an underlying health issue causing hair loss.

It’s understandable to feel anxious or down about extreme hair shedding. But know that postpartum hair loss is very common and temporary for most women. Staying calm through the process and using targeted treatments can help support healthy hair cycles.

Seeking emotional support is important, too. Talk to other mums, your partner, friends, or a doctor if you are feeling overwhelmed. Know that what you experience is normal and that you have support. In most cases, hair rebounds within 6 to 12 months post delivery.

Start your journey with Oxford Online Pharmacy

Dealing with postpartum hair loss can be discouraging, but support and treatment options are available. Oxford Online Pharmacy provides personalised care and expert advice to new mums coping with hair changes after giving birth.

Recommendations may include over-the-counter topical medications like foam minoxidil or oral supplements if appropriate. Or we may suggest trying another targeted approach first based on your profile.

Our convenient online platform and discreet delivery ensure your postpartum hair loss plan fits easily into your self-care routine as a new mum.

Let us guide your hair recovery journey to restore thickness and shine. Reach out today to start a consultation.

Common questions

How long does postpartum hair loss usually last?

For most women, excessive shedding peaks around 3-4 months postpartum. More hair shifts into the resting phase soon after giving birth due to changing hormones. Over 6 to 12 months, hair cycles rebalance and thinning improve. However, the duration varies between individuals.

Stay patient through the process and speak to your doctor if hair loss persists longer.

Do prenatal vitamins help with postpartum hair loss?

Prenatal vitamins support healthy hair growth because they contain higher levels of nutrients like iron, zinc, biotin and vitamin D than standard multivitamins. Your body needs these to produce strong hair strands and stimulate new growth. Ask your doctor if staying on a prenatal or specialised hair supplement for 6-12 months postpartum might benefit your hair cycles.

Does every mum deal with postpartum hair loss?

Many women experience excessive shedding in the first few months after childbirth, but not every new mum deals with significant hair loss. Hair loss varies based on genetics, age, postpartum recovery and other factors.