Hair loss after pregnancy: how to prevent postpartum hair loss

By Prof. Dr. Soner Tatlidede 2022-07-04

Hair loss after pregnancy, or postpartum hair loss, is a common phenomenon among women, who notice extreme hair loss after pregnancy that is more abundant than usual; many females become concerned when they see how more hair appears on the pillow, when combing their hair, after showering... Some even associate abnormal hair loss with breastfeeding: but, is this really true? What are the causes of hair loss after pregnancy?

If you have just gone through a pregnancy and you notice that your hair is falling out excessively, don't worry: you don't need a hair transplant in Istanbul, but it is very likely a natural process that many women go through after childbirth. But, if you want to know why this phenomenon occurs, or how to prevent hair loss after pregnancy, in this post we are going to tell you several tips and recommendations to avoid losing your hair... Are you really going to miss it?

Hair loss in new moms: is it normal? 

Many moms see a noticeable hair loss just a few months after having a baby. This is something normal, and not a true hair loss due to male pattern baldness or any disease. But, how common is hair loss after childbirth? This condition manifests itself around 2-3 months after the woman gives birth, but not in all women it appears with the same intensity; in fact, some females do not even experience it, while others suffer from it only in some of their pregnancies, not in all. 

In addition, the duration of hair loss after childbirth can vary between a few weeks, or even last for several months. In any case, it is important to understand that - unless there are other symptoms or there is the case that hair loss lasts too long - we are facing a perfectly natural and normal phenomenon, that is part of the changes that female body goes through before and after giving birth. 

What causes hair loss after pregnancy? 

OK now, but why hair loss post-partum occurs? Keep in mind that, during pregnancy, woman's body goes through many changes due to hormones; during this period, hormonal changes and increased estrogen production normally cause the growth (anagen) phase to accelerate, which is why women during pregnancy usually have more hair volume. 

Once pregnancy ends, the opposite effect occurs: the levels of female sex hormones return to normal, so many of the hairs that had entered the growth phase during pregnancy, after childbirth enter the resting (telogen) phase, and end up falling off; It is not something immediate, hence postpartum hair loss is experienced several weeks after giving birth. 

Although there is a general belief that this hair loss in women after childbirth is related to breastfeeding, we must make clear that there is no scientific evidence showing that breastfeeding accelerates hair loss, but rather - as we have already explained - it is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy and after giving birth. As a proof of this, let’s consider that women who do not breastfeed also suffer postpartum hair loss. 

Can you go bald from postpartum hair loss? 

Postpartum alopecia in women occurs, as we said, about 2-3 months after giving birth, although sometimes hair loss occurs 4 months after childbirth: when it happens, if normally about 150 hairs fall out a day, this number is multiplied several times. But don´t worry: you are not going bald, but you are just getting back to normal after hormonal changes suffered during pregnancy. The question is: how long does post-partum hair loss last? When does post-partum hair loss stop? 

The amount of hair that is lost after childbirth, is equivalent to that extra which grows during the pregnancy phase, since it is the same hair that grew by entering the anagen phase, which then falls out later when entering the telogen phase: therefore, a woman who has had abundant hair during pregnancy, will lose after childbirth more hair than one who had barely noticed changes in her hair. 

The time that this phase of excessive hair loss lasts also varies in each woman; normally, it should not last more than 3-4 months, and after 6 months - when the hormonal balance has already been restored - the normal levels of growth and hair loss should be restored. So, does post-partum hair loss grow back? The answer is: in most cases yes, it does. 

In some women, however, the phase of abnormal hair loss can last longer, even up to 10 or 12 months, something that still can be considered within relatively normal patterns. But, if after a year has passed since your pregnancy, you continue losing too much hair (or if areas with low density or even bald spots appear), it is highly recommended to consult a specialist. 

How can I stop my hair from falling out after pregnancy? 

Now you know that hair loss after pregnancy normally does not last forever. But, do you know how to prevent post-partum hair loss? Although we have already explained that hair loss after having a baby is normal and does not have to be a cause for concern, many women are interested in treatments or remedies to stop hair loss after giving birth. So, we are going to give you some tips to avoid hair loss and recommendations about what to take for post-partum hair loss: 

Change your hairstyle: 

This is probably one of the simplest home remedies for hair loss after childbirth. Many women choose to change their hairstyle or even cut their hair to hide the lower hair density; furthermore, short hair is easier for women to care for, at a period in their lives when precisely they hardly have time to worry about their hair. 

Take food to prevent hair loss after pregnancy: 

The best treatment for hair loss portpartum is prevention, and here the essential role of following a diet with enough nutritional factors for hair. Increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and foods rich in Omega 3 and trace elements; complement a good diet with regular exercise. 

Use supplements for hair loss after pregnancy: 

It is important to take post-partum hair loss vitamins in order to strengthen hair and stimulate its growth; the most recommended vitamins for hair are A, C, E, and those from group B, including vitamin B7 or biotin. 

Take care of your hair: 

We know that being a mother is not easy, and that usually there is not time left for many, many things; but if you want to prevent hair loss, you should take care of your hair, for example using a mild shampoo and a quality conditioner, brushing your hair softly, applying revitalizing lotions, etc. Also, avoid aggressive hairstyles and hair products. 

Reduce your stress levels: 

One of the main causes of non-permanent hair loss is undoubtedly stress, which causes hormonal imbalances that affect to hair development and accelerate hair loss. Think about how to reduce stress levels, reducing your activity or using relaxation techniques. 

Be patient: 

If you see that your hair falls out after the birth of your baby, patience will not help you to prevent it from falling out; but it will help you understand that it is a natural process that you must assume as normal: with time it will pass, and your hair will grow back. Don't despair! 

Ask for help from a specialist: 

Although hair loss after pregnancy or postpartum hair loss is something natural, it is important to follow its evolution in case the shedding lasts too long; in addition, we can consult a specialist for advice on how to reduce hair loss. Do you need help with your hair? Clinicana is the best hair transplant clinic in Turkey, and we are specialists in all kinds of hair treatments. Just request a free consultation, and ask for a free, no obligation estimate for your treatment. We can help you!