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Postpartum hair loss: causes, treatments and prevention

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If you suddenly notice that more hair accumulates on your brush each time you comb your hair, on your pillow, or all over the floor after giving birth, you are experiencing postpartum hair loss. In fact, postpartum hair loss is a natural process and quite common. According to the American Pregnancy Association, hair loss after pregnancy affects 40 to 50 percent of women.

Hair loss is an unpleasant experience. It can reduce a person’s self-confidence, especially since hair is an important part of personal image and how others perceive you. Moreover, the recovery time and the cost of treatment can also be significant.

This article will provide all you need to know about postpartum hair loss: how long it lasts, its causes, whether hair shedding can be treated, and how to prevent it.

When does postpartum hair loss start and end?

Signs of postpartum hair loss do not start immediately after you give birth. Instead, they begin when most other postpartum issues have subsided – about 3 to 4 months after delivery¹. This hair loss, also known as telogen effluvium, happens due to hormonal changes in the body during and after pregnancy.

Fortunately, postpartum hair loss doesn’t last forever². It will take some time for your hair to recover, but you can be reassured that your hair will soon return to its thick and smooth state like before you had your baby. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), most cases of postpartum hair loss significantly improve by the time the baby is 12 months old³. However, this timeline can differ from person to person.

What causes postpartum hair loss?

Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes are the main cause of losing hair at postpartum period

Typically, hair progresses through four main stages of development: firstly, the growth phase (anagen); Secondly, the regression phase (catagen); Thirdly, the resting phase (telogen) — a stage where hair growth pauses, and finally, the shedding phase (exogen).

Normally, hair goes through four main stages of growth: the growing phase (anagen), the regression phase (catagen), the resting phase (telogen) – during which the hair stops growing, and finally the shedding phase (exogen) – shedding an average of 100 strands a day⁴.

During pregnancy, a woman’s body produces a large amount of hormones, specifically estrogen. “There are lots of hormonal shifts happening, and one thing that those hormonal shifts do is promote hair growth,” Dr. Shah explains. The increase in estrogen helps keep hair in the growing phase (anagen) longer than usual. This explains why most mothers feel their hair is thicker and smoother, especially in the last three months of pregnancy. In fact, it’s not that there is more hair growing; rather, the hair is just not shedding.

At postpartum, estrogen levels in your body start to drop significantly. This rapid decline causes the previously thick and beautiful hair to enter the resting phase (telogen), and then the shedding phase (catagen). As a result, a large amount of hair begins to shed at once, usually about 3 to 4 months later. So, instead of shedding an average of 100 strands a day, you might shed 300 strands a day. You may notice the most obvious signs of hair loss when brushing or washing your hair. This phenomenon is called telogen effluvium.

Health issue

“Thyroid problems, anemia, stress and hormonal imbalances can also cause hair loss and may need additional evaluation and treatment,” says Dr. Roskin.

Thyroid problems: Postpartum thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) or hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone), can lead to hair loss. The thyroid gland regulates many physiological processes in the body, including hair growth rate. When the thyroid does not function normally, hair loss occurs more rapidly.

Postpartum rage and stress: This psychological issue forces many hair follicles into the telogen phase where hair growth stops and new hair is not produced. Then, after a few months, these hairs begin to shed.

Anemia or iron deficiency: Iron is a mineral needed for blood clotting and to make red blood cells that transport oxygen around the body, including the hair roots. When the body lacks iron, the oxygen supply to hair follicles decreases, weakening the hair from the root and making it prone to breakage. During and after pregnancy, women are at high risk of iron deficiency anemia because the demand for iron increases to nourish the fetus and prepare for blood loss during delivery. If iron is not adequately supplemented, anemia can occur and lead to more hair loss than usual

Are there any treatments for postpartum hair loss?

Unluckily, there is no certain treatment for postpartum shedding. However, there are some tips you can consider as treatments to minimize hair shedding as follow:

Use gentle shampoos and conditioners: Heavy hair care products may contain strong chemicals that irritate the scalp, build up on it, and clog hair follicles. This makes hair heavier and when brushing or styling is done, they are more likely to break.
Change your hairstyle: One of the suggestions is that you can try to change their hairstyle or choose for short hair as a solution for postpartum hair loss. Short hairstyles reduce pressure on hair follicles, thus preventing hair loss from getting worse. You can also ask a hairstylist to choose styles that cover thinning areas. Be free to try new styles, but stay away from styles that put more pressure on the scalp.
Use volumizing products: These products contain ingredients like proteins that coat the hair. Therefore, they can temporarily improve the appearance of your hair, making it look thicker and fuller. Note that always opt for products that do not contain sulfate or paraben and ensure that you only use the products on the head region to block hair follicles.
Taking hair accessories: A headband, scarf, bandana, or even a wig are all practical and fashionable options for concealing hair loss after childbirth. They are particularly useful to new parents who cannot spend too much time on their hair.

How to prevent postpartum hair loss?

Although postpartum hair loss is a natural process and unavoidable, there are several things you can do to reduce hair loss and promote hair growth. These include changes in your lifestyle and using natural remedies.

Change in lifestyle

Balanced diet plus nutrient supplementation: Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is important to help your hair stay healthy. A healthy diet here means eating plenty of proteins, vitamins, fibers, and minerals found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and meats. You can also use supplements like biotin, iron, zinc, and vitamins B, C, and D to support hair recovery.
Be gentle with your hair: Opt for loose hairstyles or gentle ties. Avoid tight hairstyles like ponytails or braids, brushing your hair too harshly, or dying hair. Also, limit the use of heat styling tools such as hair dryers or curling irons.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Ensuring adequate and quality sleep, and minimizing stress are not only good for overall health but also beneficial for hair health.

Natural remedies

Many women use natural remedies on their scalp or hair to maintain healthy hair.

Natural Oils: Including coconut, olive, avocado, almond, tea tree, sesame, rose hip, and watercress oils.

Ginger Root: Smash, boil, and apply once cool to help stimulate hair growth.
Roman Nettle Leaf: Smash and mix with olive oil for application.

Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera can reduce dandruff and unclog hair follicles blocked by excess oil.
Fish Oil: Rich in omega fatty acids that can strengthen hair.
Tea Leaves: Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which can promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.

Chamomile or Hibiscus Flowers: Boil in water and apply once cool to soothe the scalp.
Mustard: Mix with honey for use on the scalp.

Conclusion

Postpartum hair loss is caused by the natural hormonal changes and is very common, so there is no need to worry much. This condition is usually temporary, and your hair will quickly return to its pre-pregnancy state. Although there are no specific treatments or preventative measures, you can minimize hair loss using the tips and natural methods mentioned. If hair loss continues for more than a year, consult a doctor to rule out other health issues that may be causing the hair loss, and to find an appropriate treatment plan.

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