Shedding light on postpartum hair loss: Top tips for support

Welcoming a new life into the world can be a magical experience, but the changes your body goes through afterward can sometimes be surprising. One common occurrence, often not discussed as openly as it should be, is postpartum hair loss. Leading general practitioner Dr Alisha Esmail explores further in this informative article.

What should I be expecting?

Between six to 12 weeks after giving birth, many women experience a noticeable increase in shedding hair. This may cause the hair to feel thinner, particularly around the crown and near the hairline. Moreover, the sudden change in hormones can also affect the texture, making it feel drier, more brittle, or lacking in its usual lustre. In some cases, the hairline might appear to temporarily recede because of the shedding of hair around the frontal area.

Whilst understandably alarming for some, these changes are typically temporary and usually resolve in six to 12 months.

Why does postpartum hair loss happen?

Hormonal shifts following childbirth can affect the hair growth cycle. Soaring oestrogen levels during pregnancy continue to keep hairs growing, resulting in fuller, thicker hair. However, after childbirth, hormone levels normalize, and the hair follicles that were kept in the growth phase (anagen) start to enter the resting or shedding phase (telogen) all at once. It's not necessarily an increase in hair loss but rather the catching up of the natural shedding process, and so it can seem scary at first.

Apart from hormonal changes, physical and emotional stress, nutritional deficiencies, your genetics and your general lifestyle also contribute to postpartum hair loss. To summarise, it’s often multi-factorial!

Tips for coping and support

Wondering by about the best methods to optimise your hair's health? Let’s take an in-depth look:

Nutrition matters: Re-vitalise your hair health by adding zinc-rich foods like oysters and pumpkin seeds, iron sources such as spinach and red meat, vitamin D from sunlight or fish, and vitamin B3 and B12, which is found in chicken, mushrooms and dairy, as well as fortified cereals. Incorporating protein such as in fish, along with healthy fats found naturally in avocados and olive oil will also support your hair follicles. This diverse range of nutrients supports overall hair vitality and growth.

Consider supplements: Multi-vitamin supplements containing the above can complement your diet if you are lacking, and can help support your body during this time.

Manage your stress: Be kind to yourself and prioritise stress reduction and adequate sleep. Stress is a well-known cause of hair loss. Don’t be afraid to ask for support, because motherhood isn’t easy! These small, but effective, changes can positively impact overall wellbeing, including hair health.

Hair care: Opt for volumizing shampoos or products. Whilst they won’t stop shedding, they’re designed to add volume and thickness to your hair, giving it a fuller appearance. Try to avoid oilier or conditioning shampoos as these can flatten your volume! When brushing and washing, be gentle on the scalp, and avoid tight hairstyles. These can add extra strain to the scalp. Sometimes, trying out a new haircut might give you the lift you need. It might even help the new regrowth blend in more (plus the added benefit of less yanking from baby!).

When should I seek help?

Remember, postpartum hair loss typically resolves by itself within a year. However, if you notice excessive hair loss beyond this timeframe, or you’re concerned about your scalp health - or you just want some advice before then, seeking help from a healthcare professional can provide that reassurance and guidance.

Be on the lookout for loose strands of hair that accidentally wrap around your baby’s fingers or toes. They can be quite constricting! Thankfully it’s very rare, but it’s always safer to remove any loose hairs around your little one. During this phase of postpartum changes, it’s important to embrace patients and self-care.

Where can I seek further support?

At London Gynaecology, you can consult with an experienced GP who can explore your concerns holistically, examine your scalp for any treatable skin conditions, and together you can create a treatment plan. Additionally, our specialised nutritionist can offer personalised dietary advice to support your hair health.

It's important to embrace patience and self-care during this phase of postpartum changes. We need to acknowledge and talk more about the physical changes that many women experience, and whilst hair loss can be concerning, it's often a temporary phase in the tumultuous journey of motherhood. However, remember; you are never alone, and there will always be support if you look for it!

Arrange a consultation with Dr Esmail via her Top Doctors profile.