Don’t worry—it won’t last forever

Ah, remember the pregnancy days when your hair was shining and your skin was glowing? Although we know you’re super happy your beloved bundle of joy is here, it’s not so cute that your hair is paying the consequences. You’ve done all the hard work and brought a new wondrous life into the world, so WHY does this have to happen? Besides hair loss, you should be given a good old high-five, and perhaps a push present to the Bahamas. But hey, we’re here!

 

Dreadful, right? We know it doesn’t seem fair, seeing that the dad gets away without the hormonal effects—but that’s the true essence of being a woman (what joy). Did you know, according to the American Pregnancy Association, 40-50% of women experience the dread of postpartum hair loss? Now, that’s really not fair. 

 

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. The best bit is—if you notice you’re starting to suffer with postpartum hair loss, you can treat it. There’s a real chance your hair will grow back to its vibrant, TV-advert self, and we all know, it’s worth giving it a shot. We’re going to take a look at everything you need to know about this anti-push-present, and how to deal with it like the boss mama you are.

 

First things first, why am I losing hair?

You can’t deny that during pregnancy, your hair was living its best life, thanks to those soaring estrogen levels. It’s probably one of the only instances in life where you can thank your hormones, boy wasn’t it great! Your strands stayed in the growth phase longer, giving you that luscious, jLo mane. But after giving birth, your estrogen drops, and suddenly, all that extra hair decides it’s time to peace out.

 

But wait, let’s dig a little deeper. Here’s the science—normally, about 85-90% of your hair is in the growing phase, while the rest is resting or shedding. During pregnancy, the surge in hormones keeps more hair in the growing phase, meaning less shedding and more swishing. Once you’ve had your baby, those hormone levels plummet, and all that hair you didn’t shed during pregnancy, you guessed it, falls OUT (cry). 

 

How long does postpartum hair loss last?

Chill, girlie—this isn’t forever. Postpartum hair loss usually peaks around the 3–4-month mark and typically wraps up within a year, hallelujah. After the 12 months, when sleep starts to get really good and your baby is starting to wean, you’ll then start to see that growth return. 

 

Why does it take so long? Well, hair growth cycles are slow in general. Ever cut your hair into a bob in high school and had to wait years to grow it back? Here’s your answer! After the initial shedding phase, your hair follicles need some rest and recovery time to reset and start growing new hairs. This process can take several months, but by your baby’s first birthday, your hair should be back to its usual self—and all that drama can stop. 

 

How to handle postpartum hair loss 

We can’t say much that will make your experience a breeze with this stuff, because hey, it’s only natural to feel a little down about it. Here are a few top tips to keep your cool and your hair fabulous during this tricky phase. 

1. Healthy eats: Feed your hair from the inside out with a diet packed with postpartum hair loss vitamins. Choose from vitamin A, C, D, and E, plus zinc, iron, and omega-3s. Think leafy greens, nuts, and fish. A healthy diet not only benefits your overall well-being but also provides the necessary nutrients for hair growth.
2. Gentle touch: Treat your hair with love. Ditch the tight ponytails and harsh treatments. Use a wide-tooth comb to avoid breakage. Being gentle with your hair can help prevent unnecessary shedding and breakage.
3. Hydrate: Water isn’t just for glowing skin. Staying hydrated keeps your hair healthy too. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your scalp and hair hydrated. H2O is the secret weapon for both skin and hair, don’t forget that. 
4. Scalp TLC: Give yourself regular scalp massages to boost blood flow to those follicles. Your hair will thank you. Massaging your scalp with essential oils like rosemary or lavender can stimulate hair growth and keep your scalp healthy and uncongested. Remember, the more congested your scalp (i.e., dandruff, dry skin or psoriasis) the harder environment your hair is residing in. 
5. Speak to a professional: If the shedding seems excessive or you’re just worried, don’t hesitate to chat with your doctor. Sometimes, postpartum hair loss can be linked to other health issues like thyroid problems or anemia, so it’s always good to get a professional opinion—but don’t stress about these other issues, leave it to Google to do the scaring. 

 

Hair care routine for postpartum moms

We all love a skincare routine, makeup routine, or anything else that can be added to our TLC Sunday nights—so make sure not to cut out your hair care plan. The better you treat your locks, the more your hair will thank you by growing. Here’s everything you should be doing to help your hair during this phase.

1. Shampoo and conditioner: Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and a hydrating conditioner. For added strength and to combat hair fall, we recommend looking for products that contain biotin, keratin, and other strengthening ingredients. These can help keep your hair strong and reduce breakage—which is the best thing you can do to hold on to what’s already there. 
2. Hair masks: Intertwine a weekly hair mask into your routine—it’s a must! Masks with ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter can deeply nourish and strengthen your hair, plus it makes you feel like a self-care queen in the process. Choose your favorite movie, pour yourself a glass of vino, and you’ve got yourself the ideal night in. Perfect. 
3. Heat styling: Sorry girlies, but heat is not your friend, it’s your foe. Please, please, please minimize the use of heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. If you must use them during this hair loss phase (which we do advise against), then always apply a heat protectant spray first to minimize the damage. Trust us, heat protectants are your BFF. 
4. Natural styles: Like we said, keep the heated appliances for when your hair is growing its best. Give some natural hairstyles that don’t require a lot of effort or heat. Loose braids, buns, and ponytails are great options and the perfect excuse for any first-time mom. Hello? The mom bun is a thing! Always avoid tight styles that put stress on your hair and scalp, that’s a killer on your scalp, and the reason why many hairlines start to recede. Leave the slick back buns for Sofia Richie. 

 

Let’s talk about emotions

Let’s be real, babes—losing your hair can be an emotional rollercoaster. It’s totally normal to feel upset or frustrated, and we don’t blame you. Your hair is a big part of your identity, and seeing hair thinning postpartum can be tough on us all. If you feel down, you should never be embarrassed to speak out and tell people how you feel. You never know that the next person may be feeling exactly the same way that you are. It’s the art of being human, after all. 

1. Talk about it: Please don’t bottle up your feelings. Talk to your partner, friends, or a therapist about what you’re going through. Sharing your experience can help you feel less alone, and may even open doors to new friendships. 
2. Self-care: Make time for self-care activities that make you feel good. Whether it’s a relaxing bath, a good book, or a hobby you love, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your hair. It’s part and parcel of being a mom, and you’ve got to look after yourself. 
3. Embrace the change: Try to embrace the change and remember that this is just a phase. Your hair will always grow back. In the meantime, you can experiment with different hairstyles, wigs, or hair accessories to change up your look. Nothing lasts forever, luckily—so give this phase a chance at a new look. Who knows? You may have found your signature new do.
4. Switch up your style: Just like embracing the change, you can also switch up your look to make it far less noticeable. Do your face-framing layers seem to be breaking? Then it’s the perfect opp to get your Sabrina Carpenter bangs that we’re all lusting after. 

 

Products to help with postpartum hair loss 

Are natural remedies not cutting it? Want something extra strong? Then there’s always an array of products that can fight postpartum hair loss head on. Here are some products that can help you manage the loss and get your hair back to full health. 

1. Biotin supplements: Biotin is a B vitamin that’s the superhero for hair growth. Taking a daily supplement can help support your hair’s health, and improve your skin and nails too. Many hair growth supplements include this ingredient, but buying a potent strength Biotin tab may just be the push you need in the right direction. 
2. Hair growth serums: The market is saturated with hair growth serums that promise the world. Some are a fad, but some really do work. Look for serums that contain ingredients like minoxidil, which can help stimulate hair growth. Minoxidil is a hair product that is used by many people, female or male, who suffer from pattern baldness. It works like magic and works by thickening the strands that are already there—and making them fighting fit.  
3. Volumizing products: Not looking for something that’s medically given? That’s okay too. Why not try thickening up what’s already there by opting for volumizing shampoos, conditioners, and styling products? These can help give the appearance of fuller hair, without the possibility of any nasty side effects. 
4. Scalp treatments: When doing your hair mask, you can try adding in a few drops of scalp treatments to level up the mask altogether. Scalp treatments with ingredients like tea tree oil or salicylic acid really do keep your scalp healthy and promote hair growth. This is the end goal for us all, but also super easy to add into a routine. 

 

When to speak to a postpartum hair loss professional 

While postpartum hair loss is usually nothing to worry about, there are times when it’s best to seek help from a professional. If you’re experiencing significant hair loss beyond the one-year mark, or if you notice other symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or unusual hair shedding, it’s time to see a pro. Sadly, there could be an underlying issue like thyroid problems or anemia that needs to be addressed—but please, don’t be scared. Give it to that year mark, and fight through the stress. 

 

Be patient and focus on enjoying time with your bundle of joy  

Postpartum hair loss is a normal part of the motherhood journey. It can be stressful and emotional, but remember that it’s only temporary. With a little patience, self-care, and the right hair care routine, you’ll get through this phase with your fabulousness intact. Your hair *should* grow back after postpartum hair loss once the follicles enter back into the anagen phase. This is when it’s done resting—just like what you need! For now, focus on the most amazing job in the world, make special memories and hand in there, mama. Hair growth will be back to normal in no time.