Combing through the causes of postpartum hair loss
Shedding light on this surprising, yet completely normal, side effect of childbirth, from minimising fall out to treatments for growth.
During pregnancy, women experience many unexpected physical changes. Some are confusing, some are wonderful, but one of the most confronting changes is the increase in hair shedding that occurs a few months after giving birth. Although postpartum hair loss is entirely normal, it can be alarming, especially for those who see a significant loss of hair during their daily hair care routines. While postpartum shedding is a natural part of the postpartum process, there are steps you can take to minimise its impact. Here, we speak with two experts to get their recommendations.
What causes postpartum hair loss?
Postpartum hair loss is a form of telogen effluvium — also known as stress-induced hair loss — that occurs when the body experiences significant stress, like childbirth, as well as the sudden drop of estrogen after birth. Dermatologist Dr. Neera Nathan, MD, MSHS, tells The Australian that this causes the hair follicles to shift from the growing phase to the resting phase all at once. “Because the resting phase takes three months to complete, the hair starts to shed three to four months after childbirth,” she says.
On average, it’s normal to shed roughly 50 to 100 hairs a day without even noticing. However, with postpartum hair loss, it’s possible to lose up to fifty percent of your hair. But before you panic, it’s important to note that postpartum hair loss almost never causes complete baldness.
When do most women experience postpartum hair loss?
According to trichologist Chelcey Salinger, approximately 50% of women will experience postpartum hair loss, which typically begins three months after giving birth and lasts for about three months. The delay between childbirth and hair loss is due to the hair growth cycle. “Interestingly, during pregnancy, the hairs generally stay in the anagen phase (the growing phase), and very few hairs enter the telogen stage, where they will be shed and lost. This is why many women feel that their hair is thick and luscious during pregnancy.”
Hair loss, especially after giving birth, can be distressing for new mothers. Suddenly seeing a lot of hair collecting in the shower drain can be very stressful. However, it’s essential to remember that the lost hair will grow back. “I always try to reassure my patients and explain that the hair loss is temporary and all of the hairs are being replaced,” says Salinger.
If you are still experiencing hair shedding when your baby is six months or older, it could be due to another underlying cause. “True postpartum hair loss should stop when the baby is around six months old,” explains Sallinger. “If it continues for much longer than that, another hair loss problem is occurring, and that requires investigation by a Trichologist.”
Is postpartum hair loss preventable?
While it’s not possible to completely avoid postpartum hair loss, you can minimise its effects by preventing nutritional deficiencies and supporting hair health during pregnancy.
“The hair loss will appear more severe if someone was also experiencing chronic telogen effluvium from a nutritional deficiency,” explains Salinger. “Nutrients of particular focus should be iron, vitamin D and B12.”
When it comes to supplements targeted for women after giving birth, Salinger recommends getting a blood test to check for key nutrients related to hair health. If there is a deficiency, it’s best to target that specific nutrient. According to Salinger, the problem with hair loss supplements is that they can contain nutrients that reduce the absorption of others, and the levels of those nutrients may not be enough to correct a deficiency.
What are the best treatments for postpartum hair loss?
The health of our hair begins with the scalp, so taking care of it is crucial, whether you are pregnant or not. “Whilst we cannot prevent postpartum hair loss, we can always incorporate a hair and scalp care routine that ensures we are providing the utmost care and protection when styling,” Salinger says.
“You don’t need a million steps to have great hair and scalp health. The best thing for people to do is wash their hair frequently with a good shampoo, eat a nutritionally adequate diet rich in antioxidants and fibre, and protect your hair and scalp from UV radiation.” The Kérastase Genesis Fortifying Shampoo for Thin Hair is formulated to work against hair fall to strengthen and repair compromised locks.
“Of course, only use styling tools that have intelligent heat control to avoid excessive heat damage and promote hair and scalp health,” says Salinger. “And always keep in mind, the hair loss itself will self-resolve.” She suggests using heat-controlled hair styling tools like the Dyson Supersonic Nural™ Hair Dryer, which has been engineered with a special Scalp Protect Mode to protect the scalp barrier from extreme heat — which can combat scalp inflammation and sensitivity.
According to Nathan, incorporating a hair serum, like Vegamour’s Gro Hair Serum, can improve hair density and reduce shedding. “Hair serums that contain topical caffeine are particularly suited for stress-related shedding,” she says. Another option is The Inkey List Caffeine Stimulating Scalp Treatment, which uses a combination of caffeine powder and Redensyl to reduce hair loss.
If all else fails, Nathan reassures us that this form of hair loss is temporary. “Most new mothers regrow their hair by their child’s first birthday.
