Postpartum Hair Loss: Here’s What You Can Do

Hormonal Shifts Beyond Pregnancy

Hormonal fluctuations don't end with pregnancy. In fact, the postpartum period brings its own set of intense hormonal shifts, especially in the days following childbirth. These changes can significantly impact a new mom's mood, hair, and skin.

While time often helps alleviate these symptoms, some cases may require professional support if:

- Emotional changes persist or deepen

- Physical symptoms prolong beyond a reasonable timeframe

Postpartum Hair fall and Hair thinning: Causes and Symptoms

Postpartum hair fall is one such side effect of childbirth. It is a common condition that affects new moms.

The symptoms are:

• Excessive shedding of hair especially around the hairline and crown

• Slow growth of hair

• Hair loss in patches

While the hair loss is usually around three to four months after delivery, it can last up to six months and beyond.

The causes that lead to rapid hair thinning in postpartum moms are:

• Hormonal rollercoaster - Pregnancy is a rollercoaster ride of hormones when your hair enters into growth phase. The hair growth that you see in the pregnancy period is because of the surge in progesterone levels. On the contrary, postpartum period is when these pregnancy hormones drop. In other words, Postpartum hair fall is triggered when the postpartum body after pregnancy undergoes severe hormonal shifts.

• Stress: Childbirth and caring for a newborn can be stressful, contributing to hair thinning.

Treating Postpartum Hair Fall: How to Cope?

• Monitor your diet – A healthy diet rich in all food groups is must in the postpartum period. Focus on nutrient-rich foods, especially those high in iron and vitamin D. When you are eating your postpartum confinement foods, make sure your foods have adequate proportion of the foods groups to make it a balanced diet.

• Take your supplements – Make sure you are eating all your postpartum supplements and vitamins. Along with diet, sleep and managing your stress, your supplements make sure that you are filling the nutrition gaps or meeting your nutritional needs.

• Refill your cup – Manage your stress by delegating some part of your work load to other family members. Make sure you are surrounded with positive minded people and keep your emotions in check. Overthinking during postpartum affects the emotional balance of new moms. Excessive stress impacts your health and reflects poorly by manifesting in hair loss, weight gain and other lifestyle conditions.

• Avoid chemicals in your hair - Choose sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to minimize hair damage. Do not overdo any hair treatment at the time of your postpartum. Choose natural and safe products that are gentle on your postpartum hair.

• Rest to restore - Sleep is very crucial and one of the key components in keeping your body and mind fit in the postpartum period. That said, sleep is aspirational in new mom’s life. Take care of your sleep by sleeping when the baby sleeps. Create a routine for the baby so that you don’t miss out on sleep. Ask for help and delegate some part of your house tasks to other family members. Aim for 6-8 hours of sleep per night to help regulate hormones and reduce stress.

Does Bone Health Go Hand in Hand with Your Hair Health?

Yes. Experts say that if your bone health is good, your hair health will remain growth even after postpartum period. If your bone density is deteriorated because of the difficult pregnancy, then it is best to strengthen your bones for 6 to 8 months after delivery. Catch up on strength training to regain strength and flexibility in bones. Foods rich in vitamin A D E K can get your bone strength back.

Hear from our community

“Moringa is rich in iron and helpful postpartum overall. But if it constipates, you can discontinue. Also focus on overall diet. Once your hormones are regulated, your hair fall will reduce in time.” – Divya Kapoor, Momly expert and Momly mom.

“Hair fall will settle. Just have protein rich food and keep healthy diet with lots of fluids.” -Isha, Momly mom

Talk to an Expert

Seek help of a professional or a hair expert to know the root cause of your hair thinning. Abnormal hair loss can be because of some underlying condition. Understand the triggers and practice a good lifestyle to improve the symptoms of postpartum hair fall.

Join Momly to speak to a postpartum wellness expert. Book a call with our mental wellness expert to elevate your mental wellbeing during postpartum.