Postpartum hair loss can come as a surprise – and you might be alarmed by the amount of hair you’re shedding.
Try not to worry. Losing your hair after giving birth is both normal and temporary. Over 90% of women experience postpartum hair loss, according to a recent study. And your hair will eventually return to normal.
But hair loss can knock your confidence – no matter how common, or what the cause is.
So, in this article, we explain what can help with postpartum hair loss. We also give you four tips to help you hide hair loss – and the awkward regrowth phase.
What Helps Postpartum Hair Loss?
Postpartum hair loss will usually resolve on its own without treatment. You can usually expect hair to start growing back after three to six months. It should return to pre-pregnancy fullness in about one year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
But you still need to take steps to look after your hair, just like at any other time. This will help your hair grow back as fast and healthy as possible and help minimise the amount of hair you lose.
Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet
Eat a nourishing and balanced diet to make sure you get all the necessary nutrients and vitamins. Good nutrition fuels hair growth, as well as helping to keep you fit and healthy post-birth.
Iron, zinc, vitamin C and vitamin D are a few specific nutrients linked to healthy hair. If your diet is deficient in these, you might notice hair thinning or loss. Other vitamins like B vitamins and minerals like selenium are commonly found in hair loss medications that promote hair growth.
Some supplements are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. So talk to a doctor or dietitian if you’re not sure whether you’re getting enough vitamins through your diet. They can help you choose the right ones for you.
Avoid Heat Styling
Heat styling tools, which reach up to 200 degrees celsius, can (quite literally) fry your hair. When you apply heat to your hair, the outermost protective layer – which contains overlapping layers of cells – loses its integrity.
So, we’d recommend scaling back on hairdryers, straighteners and curling tongs. This will help your hair remain as healthy as possible and reduce breakages.
But it’s not always realistic to give up heat styling tools completely, especially if there’s a special event coming up like a wedding or naming ceremony for your new baby. So, if you do need to use them, make sure to use a heat protective spray.
Be Gentle With Your Hair
To minimise the amount of hair you lose, try and be as gentle as you can with your hair.
Use soft hair ties, like fabric scrunchies, instead of hair bands with a metal fastening. And try not to pull your hair too tight in a ponytail, which can tug and cause hair to break.
Hair also becomes much more vulnerable when it’s wet. So only brush your hair when it’s dry. It’s also a good idea to turn down the temperature on your shower, because water that’s too hot can damage hair in a similar way to heat styling tools.
Be Gentle With Yourself
Experiencing hair loss can take a toll on your mental health and cause stress – which can lead to more hair loss. So try and prioritise self-care and remember to go easy on yourself.
Here are a few tips from the NHS for dealing with stress:
- Discuss your feelings with loved ones or healthcare professionals such as your district nurse. You could also contact Samaritans – call: 116 123.
- Use calming techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, journalling or adult colouring books.
- Plan ahead for stressful days or events. Being as prepared as possible can help to relieve anxiety because you are less uncertain about how things will go.
- Consider peer support groups, where other people who have dealt – or are currently dealing with – stress use their experiences to help each other.
Hair Loss Treatments
If your hair loss lasts longer than usual, you can also look at hair loss treatment options.
The best option for women experiencing hair loss is Regaine for Women. It uses minoxidil, which is thought to work by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. It won’t affect your hormone levels.
How To Hide Postpartum Hair Loss: 4 Tips
- Get a New Haircut. Postpartum hair loss could give you the perfect excuse to change up your usual hairstyle. Together, you and your hairdresser can decide on the best new hairdo to suit you. Popular styles include bangs, pixie cuts and the lob (that’s a long bob).
- Try a New Style. If you don’t want to get a whole new haircut, try out new styles at home. You could try braiding your hair, if you normally opt for a ponytail. Or you could get creative with some hair clips. Sometimes, changing your parting can be enough to change your look – and hide hair loss and awkward regrowth.
- Accessorise. Hair accessories are another great way of hiding hair loss. You could try hair bands, bandanas and scarves. They’re also a quick and easy (and chic) way of pushing hair out of your face when you’re rushed off your feet with your newborn.
- Try a Wig. Wigs are a practical way of covering hair loss. You can choose one that looks like your usual hairstyle – or you could get creative and opt for a completely new style. If a full wig isn’t needed, hair extensions could conceal thin areas.
Key Takeaways
- Postpartum hair loss is normal and temporary. Over 90% of women experience postpartum hair loss, which typically resolves within 3-6 months.
- Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins like iron, zinc, vitamin C, D and B, as well as selenium, can help hair grow back as strong and healthy as possible.
- Reduce the use of heat styling tools or apply heat protectants to avoid further damage and hair loss.
- Use soft ties, avoid brushing wet hair and handle your hair gently to prevent breakage.
- A new haircut, accessories, new styles and wigs can help hide hair loss.
References
Hirose, A., Masakazu Terauchi, Tamami Odai, Fudono, A., Kotoi Tsurane, Sekiguchi, M., Iwata, M., Anzai, T., Takahashi, K. and Naoyuki Miyasaka (2023). Investigation of exacerbating factors for postpartum hair loss: a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, [online] 9(2), pp.e084–e084. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/jw9.0000000000000084.
Eldridge, D. (2024). How do heat protectants for hair work? A chemistry expert explains. [online] The Conversation. Available at: https://theconversation.com/how-do-heat-protectants-for-hair-work-a-chemistry-expert-explains-233206 [Accessed 25 Oct. 2024].
NHS (2021). Stress – Every Mind Matters. [online] nhs.uk. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/stress/.
www.aad.org. (n.d.). Hair loss in new moms. [online] Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/new-moms.
