Postpartum Hair Loss? Best Haircare Tips for Pregnancy and Beyond

Bringing a new life into the world is a remarkable experience, but it can also bring physical changes, including postpartum hair loss. So, if you’re noticing increased hair shedding in the months after giving birth, you’re not alone. Postpartum hair loss can be scary, so we dug into what the science says about your best haircare tips during pregnancy and postpartum. 

 

Losing so much hair can be a distressing experience for new mothers, but the good news¹ is that, with balanced haircare and nutrition, postpartum hair loss is usually temporary. Taking care of your hair pre- and post-pregnancy can mean less shedding and healthier hair in about six months postpartum, with a return to normal within a year. Here’s everything you need to know:

What Is Postpartum Hair Loss?

Postpartum hair thinning or hair loss (also known as postpartum alopecia) is a common condition that occurs when your hormone levels return to their regular levels after you give birth. 

Here’s how your hormones affect your hair during pregnancy and postpartum:

• • During pregnancy: elevated estrogen levels extend your hair's anagen (growth) phase, resulting in thicker, fuller hair. 

  • Postpartum: estrogen levels drop off suddenly, causing much of your hair to prematurely enter the telogen (shedding) phase. 

The sudden dropoff in estrogen levels after you give birth takes about 5 months to show up in your hair. You may start to see more lost hairs in the shower tray and in your hairbrush. You may also notice thinning areas on your temples and along your part. Don’t panic – you’re not going bald – postpartum hair loss is a totally normal result of the hormonal changes your body is going through. 

Remember, you're not alone — postpartum hair loss is temporary, and your hair should bounce back with time and the right haircare.² 

Here’s what you can do to support your hair health pre, during, and post pregnancy:

Your Best Haircare During Pregnancy: 

For many women, hormonal changes during pregnancy can mean more good hair days. You may notice fuller, thicker, shinier hair and faster hair growth. You may also be feeling the hair health benefits of your prenatal vitamins. 

 

 

Haircare experts agree that although some amount of postpartum hair loss is unavoidable, it is usually temporary, and you can help keep your hair healthy through pregnancy and after by switching to clean, balanced haircare. 

 

 

Clean, balanced haircare means haircare that is free from harsh ingredients, hormone-disrupting preservatives, and artificial fragrances. At Arey, we follow the Credo clean standards, because we believe that clean haircare is the best and safest choice for all your life stages. Related: the three worst ingredients to avoid in your shampoo.

 

Caring for Your Hair Postpartum:

Postpartum hair loss usually starts around 2-6 months after you give birth. This unwelcome change can be hard to deal with, especially when you’re going through so many other postpartum changes to your body and your sleep patterns. Postpartum is definitely a time to be gentle with yourself and with your hair.  

 

Here are some haircare habits to avoid during the delicate postpartum stage:

❌ Avoid tight hairstyles that tug on your hair roots and could increase shedding.

❌ Avoid breaking your fragile hair by over brushing or brushing when wet. 

❌ Don’t stress out about your hair, as stress can trigger more shedding.

 

The good news is that postpartum shedding is not a sign that your hair has stopped growing. In fact, your hair follicles are still intact, and normal hair growth usually resumes as your hormone levels stabilize. With the right care, your hair density will begin to improve in about 6 months, with most women returning to their pre-pregnancy fullness in a year.

 

Stress can play a big part in increased hair shedding, and that means taking extra care of yourself and your hair during this time. 

Here are some postpartum haircare tips that may help prevent further hair loss:

✅ Eat a balanced diet with essential nutrients that can help support hair health.

✅ Use balanced, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners like Wash and Smooth that contain ingredients that hydrate, nourish hair growth and support pigment production.

✅ Add gentle scalp massages to boost blood flow to your hair roots. Read more here about boosting hair growth with scalp massage.

And don’t forget, you can boost the positive effects of a scalp massage by adding in a scalp serum like To The Root that helps nourish and soothe your scalp and hair.

 

Boosting Hair Growth After Breastfeeding:

While there’s no one-and-done solution to postpartum hair loss, there is a lot you can do to help your hair back to its former health.  Patience, proper nutrition, and good haircare habits can help most women regain their hair’s volume and shine, making postpartum hair loss just a small part of your motherhood journey.³

Once you stop breast-feeding, you may want to support your hair recovery even more by taking a specialized hair health supplement like Not Today, Grey. Not Today, Grey is a clinically-validated blend of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals designed to support hair growth, thickness, and prevent grey hair growth. 

 

 

You should always check with a medical professional before beginning any supplement, and we recommend only adding Not Today, Grey to your haircare routine after you have stopped breast-feeding. 

If your hair loss is extreme or patchy, or your shedding doesn’t stop within a year, make sure to consult a dermatologist or haircare professional. They will be able to check for any underlying medical issues, such as thyroid imbalances or autoimmune conditions. Addressing these factors quickly can help promote healthier hair recovery.

Arey – Effective, Clean Haircare for All Your Life Stages

Your scalp and hair health is important to us at every stage of your life. That's why we offer up to 25% off on all subscription orders to help keep you on track with your hair health goals. Because we believe that science + consistency = results.

We are Arey.

Have questions? Check out our FAQ page or email us at hey@areygrey.com.

 

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REFERENCES:

1. what-to-do-if-you-have-postpartum-hair-loss 
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29913823/ 
3. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/