It all began on morning walk to our local coffee shop. I weaved my fingers through my hair, gently pulling my curly strands into a loose ponytail. My hands emerged with an unprecedented clump of hair. I gasped. Thankfully, I quickly learned there are plenty of postpartum hair loss tips (and more importantly, that this type of hair loss is commonplace!). Particularly universal, roughly 40-50% of new moms experience postpartum hair loss. Among the many changes that happen after giving birth, hair loss is at the top of the list. If you’re currently dealing with this temporary phenomenon, read on—there are a variety of postpartum hair loss treatments to try.
Hair Growth During Pregnancy
Before we talk about postpartum hair, let’s take a moment to honor those luscious pregnancy (or pre-pregnancy) locks. Miss them? Me too. Rest assured, the cyclical nature of hair growth and loss is normal. Throughout our lives, our hair transitions across three phases:
- Anagen phase (growing phase): This can last from two to eight years. This phase generally refers to about 85 to 90 percent of the hair on your head.
- Catagen phase (transition phase): This qualifies the time that hair follicles shrink. It takes about two to three weeks.
- Telogen phase (resting phase): This takes about two to four months. At the end of this phase, the hair falls out.
During pregnancy, increased numbers of hair follicles remain in the anagen phase for longer periods. This is due to hormonal changes. Specifically, higher levels of estrogen prolong the growth phase. This results in less shedding. Some women also notice other changes: Their hair becomes shinier or changes texture.
What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?
After giving birth, estrogen falls. This is typically when women enter the telogen phase. This, in turn, can cause noticeable hair loss. Luckily, dermatologists don’t consider this true hair loss. Instead, it’s a temporary condition caused by falling estrogen levels. Although excessive hair shedding (otherwise known as postpartum telogen effluvium) may seem permanent, it’s temporary. Most women see their hair return to its normal fullness by the time their baby turns 15 months. Others regain normal fullness even earlier. That said, if you’re currently in the thick of postpartum hair loss woes, take a deep breath. There are a variety of postpartum hair loss treatments to try.
When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Start?
This varies from woman to woman. However, postpartum hair loss can start any day after your baby arrives, peaking around the 4-month mark. If your baby is a few weeks old and you’re losing clumps of hair, no need to panic. You’re in the telogen phase. Before you know it, you’ll return to the anagen phase, regaining your normal hair growth. Patience is key. Postpartum hair loss can be devastating—of course—but most women notice a gratifying return of their hair within 12 months of shedding. If you notice consistent shedding after 15 months postpartum, you may want to seek professional advice from a board-certified dermatologist. Your doctor can suggest postpartum hair loss treatments as well.
Does Breastfeeding Affect Postpartum hair loss?
You may be wondering if there’s a correlation between breastfeeding and hair loss. Data shows that essentially, there is none. During pregnancy and one year after birth, researchers monitored changes in women’s hair cycles. They found that at four months postpartum, breastfeeding women had higher amounts of hair in the growth phase than women who were not breastfeeding. However, this difference was short-lived. The average number of growth phase hairs vs. resting phase hairs showed no significant difference between the breastfeeding vs. non-breastfeeding groups.
Can Postpartum Hair Loss Be Prevented?
Because postpartum hair loss is a normal result of hormonal changes, it’s not something you can immediately stop. However, there are habits you can instill to minimize the effects of postpartum hair loss. In turn, hopefully promoting healthy hair growth.
In the weeks and months following delivery, ensure you are getting gentle-to-moderate exercise (once cleared from your doctor), incorporate lifestyle-centric stress support strategies (therapy or meditation), consume a healthy postpartum diet, rich in nutrients to support healthy hair, and be consistent with postpartum vitamins (use code: EDIE20 at checkout!). Furthermore, take gentle care of your hair. While your follicles are in the telogen phase, they are in their most fragile state. To avoid additional shedding, be gentle while brushing, washing, and drying. When possible, avoid tight hairstyles, as they place too much traction on follicles. To make things even easier, get a haircut before your baby arrives. Prevention tips are equally as important as postpartum hair treatments.
10 Postpartum Hair LOSS Treatments To Try
While you wait for your hair to return to its normal growth cycle, here are 10 postpartum hair treatments to try.
ADD A Multivitamin supplement to your routine
This full-spectrum multivitamin is a win-win. Every ingredient in Llama Naturals’ adult multivitamin is backed by research and targeted to your exact needs. It is safe to take as a breastfeeding mom. Many reviews indicate it can help with hair health! Use code EDIE20 at checkout for 20%-off, indefinitely.
As with any supplement, consult your doctor before use if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition or are taking any medications.
Opt for a silk pillowcase
Another way to be kind to your hair, swap your cotton pillowcase for silk. It can help make sure your hair isn’t pulled in your sleep. Plus, sleeping with a silk pillowcase is beneficial for your skin, too.
MASSAGE YOUR SCALP
Coconut, almond, castor, or olive oil are all wonderful postpartum hair treatments. Use lukewarm oil to massage the scalp at least one to two times a week. Follow it up by wrapping a wet hot towel on your head for five minutes. Shampoo your hair, thereafter.
Oribe’s Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo is worth a shot
Although more expensive than traditional shampoos, the quality is unparalleled. This sulfate-free shampoo is one of the best out there, particularly when it comes to postpartum hair loss. In fact, it was created with specific hair growth compounds to tackle the problem of thinning, weakened hair. The shampoo improves the microcirculation scalp, boosts its oxygen consumption, and stimulates the hair follicles to grow. It is perfectly safe for new mothers as it does not contain parabens, alcohols, hormones, or harsh chemicals. With regular use, this shampoo can reduce postpartum and age-related hair loss.
InnersenseHydrating Cream Hairbath FOR HYDRATION
This product works to boost hydration and nourish hair from the inside out. Essential oils, like sage and tamanu, help balance oil for a healthy scalp while nourishing elements soften and smooth the cuticle. Deeply hydrating yet lightweight, this silicone-free formula leaves hair bouncy and healthy.
For a night of self-care, Ouai’s Thick Hair mask
Great for postpartum mamas, this mask restores hydration, repairs damage, and adds shine to thick hair. Made with almond, macadamia, and olive oils, as well as shea butter and hydrolyzed keratin, use this mask once per week to nourish your postpartum scalp.
the Tangle Teezer needs a permanent spot in your shower
A cult classic loved by everyone, this detangling wet (or dry) hair brush glides through the hair with no pulling. It leaves hair super smooth and tangle-free—super helpful when experiencing postpartum hair loss.
If you’re going to take a hair growth supplement, avoid these:
Just as effective supplements can help create thicker, more nourished strands, an effective supplement is a waste of money. Not only are these a financial burden, but they are harmful to your hair, your body, and the planet. When it comes to beauty and skincare, organic (when possible!) is the way to go. Non-toxic is a major plus.
You can find a full list of ingredients to avoid here, but these are a few harmful offenders: sulfates (cost-effective cleansing agents), parabens (preservatives), denatured alcohols (drying to the scalp), synthetic fragrances (an array of potential irritants hidden in artificially-fragranced formulas), and Formaldehyde (currently under investigation for potential safety concerns). Luckily, there are clean supplements that help restore hair strength and luminosity.
Images courtesy of Unsplash.
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This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider.
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