Postpartum hair loss is the excessive shedding of hair after you’ve given birth. It’s typically related to hormonal fluctuations, though other factors could exacerbate shedding.
But like many changes during pregnancy, this too shall pass. Keep reading to find out how pregnancy affects the hair growth cycle, the best postpartum hair loss treatments, and other tips to support hair growth.
What Is Postpartum Hair Loss?
Postpartum hair loss is a temporary condition caused by hormonal changes that occur during and after pregnancy, although nutritional deficiencies and stress can make matters worse.
It is considered to be a normal part of pregnancy, occurring in about one-third to one-half of women who have recently had a baby.
What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?
There are many contributing factors to postpartum hair loss, starting with your hormones.
Add the stress of sleepless nights and nutritional deficiencies to the mix, and your hair growth cycle is compromised even more. We’ll dig a little deeper into why this happens and what you can do about it.
Hormonal Fluctuations & Postpartum Alopecia
Many women in the postpartum phase notice their hair falling out at alarming rates, but those same women likely noticed their hair was thicker and fuller during their pregnancy. What’s going on?
During pregnancy, higher hormone levels alter the hair growth cycle, by keeping more hairs in the anagen (growing) phase. This translates to thicker and fuller locks. After delivery, those hormone levels drop, causing many hairs to enter the telogen (resting) phase at the same time. A few months later, you start to lose your hair.
This condition is called postpartum alopecia and it typically happens around two to four months after giving birth, with many women noticing increased shedding around the three-month mark.
Hair loss after childbirth can affect the entire scalp, but studies show it tends to be more noticeable in the anterior region, or along the front hairline. This may lead you to see your scalp through your hair or you might find more hair than usual on your clothes, pillows, or drain.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Many women experience nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy because pregnancy increases the body's demand for nutrients. These deficiencies may persist during the postpartum period, especially while breastfeeding. This is why it’s so important to take a prenatal vitamin.
Like the rest of your body, your hair also relies on a steady supply of nutrients to grow and remain healthy. Specifically, nutritional deficiencies in iron, folic acid, and zinc may contribute to hair loss.
Stress
Poor sleep, bodily changes, and an onslaught of new responsibilities can take a toll on a new parent’s mental health, leading to higher stress levels — another contributing factor to hair loss.
Stress can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, causing more hairs than usual to enter the resting phase before shedding a few months later.
Practicing stress management techniques is just as essential as following a healthy diet when it comes to supporting your mental health and your hair health during this new stage of your life.
How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?
Postpartum hair shedding is temporary. Most new moms notice their hair gradually returning to its normal fullness by their baby's first birthday, and many see regrowth even sooner.
If your hair hasn't grown back after one year, it's a good idea to see a dermatologist to rule out another underlying cause.
Tips for Managing Postpartum Hair Loss
There are several steps you can take to recover from postpartum hair loss:
Follow a Nutrient-Rich Diet
Aim to eat a balanced diet to get your fill of important nutrients, including iron, folic acid, and zinc. Some foods you should add to your diet include:
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Eggs
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Lean meats
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Leafy greens
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Nuts
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Milk and yogurt
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Carrots
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Legumes, especially broad beans and lentils
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Seafood, including salmon, mackerel, and oysters
Consider Taking Supplements
We already mentioned how important a prenatal vitamin is during pregnancy, but some supplements that can help in the postpartum phase include those containing:
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Vitamin D
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Biotin
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Zinc
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Folic acid
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Vitamin C
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Vitamin E
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Iron
Foundation Skincare’s UnTangled Hair Supplement contains all of the above vitamins in addition to many other nutrients proven to support hair growth and minimize hair loss. These include:
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Marine collagen: Provides the building blocks needed for hair growth
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Horsetail extract: Stimulates hair growth
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Vitamin A: Prevents cell damage
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Selenium: Produces thyroid hormones to regulate hair growth
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Saw palmetto: May help block DHT, a hormone involved in androgenetic alopecia
Please note: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important that you consult your doctor before taking UnTangled Hair Supplement or any other supplements.
For the best results, pair UnTangled Hair Supplement with Foundation Skincare’s Hair Serum, a topical treatment that stimulates new hair growth from the root of the follicle to visibly improve fullness, thickness, and overall hair health. The dermatologist-formulated product also contains DHT-fighting saw palmetto alongside other ingredients like Stimucap to prevent further loss and niacin to oxygenate follicles, which stimulate dormant hair follicles.
If you order UnTangled Hair Supplement with the Hair Serum in our UnTangled Essentials Kit (which includes two bottles of the serum), you’ll receive a discount and even more savings if you sign up for a subscription.
Practice Gentle Hair Care
During the postpartum period, it’s especially important to be gentle with your hair to minimize breakage and further damage. You can do this by avoiding tight hairstyles, excessive heat styling, and harsh chemicals. Also be sure to opt for a mild shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type.
Manage Your Stress
Practicing stress management techniques is important for your mental health whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or you don’t even plan on having kids. But finding ways to reduce stress can also help mitigate postpartum hair loss.
Some relaxation techniques to consider include:
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Deep breathing exercises
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Meditation
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Yoga
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Gentle exercise
You may even want to consider talking to a therapist if you need more support. The postpartum period is a time of great transition and it’s not uncommon to experience changes in your mental health, but if you are feeling increasingly overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious, it’s important you talk to your doctor right away. It’s also helpful to reach out to your family and friends and take breaks when needed to prioritize self-care.
Seek Professional Advice
If you are not seeing the results you wanted or you think your hair loss may be related to another cause, you may want to consult a board-certified dermatologist for other potential treatment plans for your hair loss.
If you use UnTangled Hair Supplement and the Hair Serum you should start to see new hair growth (which may appear as fuzz-like hair or dark specks) within 30 days. Within 90 days, you may find your new hair is softer, fuller, and visibly shinier. With consistent use, the products will strengthen your hair and make it grow faster. Over time, you can gradually decrease your dosage for maintenance, though it may slow down the growth stage.
Learn more about how these products work together and find more tips on maintaining healthy hair and skin in the FS Journal.
