By the time a mother is in the postpartum stage, she has already gone through, well … A LOT. You’ve experienced the physical and emotional changes and challenges that come with pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Then, you set about learning the unique needs and characteristics of your baby all while you try to recover. It’s a beautiful process (you are a goddess!), but it definitely is not an easy one. And so, it seems pretty unfair when you think you’re feeling like yourself again, BAM, your hair is falling out. Not cool. Here’s your guide to treating postpartum hair loss.
The Best News
Yes, there is a bright side here! Postpartum hair loss is rarely permanent. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “Hair shedding usually peaks about four months after giving birth. By their child’s first birthday, most women regain their normal hair growth.”
Phew. You can breathe a sigh of relief.
Still, hair loss can be a huge drain on confidence—the last thing you need when you’re adjusting to a changed, healing body and role as mom (or mom of two, three—you get it). So, can we prevent some of this loss and accelerate hair regrowth? To answer that question and explore ways of treating postpartum hair loss, let’s touch on the science behind it.
Why Postpartum Hair Loss Happens
Did you notice seemingly thicker hair during pregnancy? Many women do, since estrogen levels are heightened. During this time, your hair isn’t actually thicker, but because of the increased estrogen, you are losing less hair than you do in your normal state. This makes it seem thicker.
After delivery (typically three to five months after), the opposite occurs. Estrogen decreases back to normal, pre-pregnancy levels. Your body responds by shedding hair in large amounts to sort of “restart” your hair growth cycle.
How Treating Postpartum Hair Loss Can Help
Since this is a normal part of your body finishing out the pregnancy journey, you should see a return of normal hair quality within a year of delivery even if you do nothing to help it along. Still, there are ways to encourage the best possible regrowth. After all, why not give your locks their best shot? (And maybe end up with hair that is healthier than it was before baby anyway—you deserve it!)
Eating a good amount of protein is a major boon. Not only will this help keep you energized and healthy as you heal and develop routines with baby (especially if you are breastfeeding). It will also assist your strands in their return to fullness. Hair is made of protein, so consuming enough is essential to healthy hair.
Another pro tip? Don’t fear shampooing. The idea that shampooing hair too often can cause or exacerbate hair loss is a total myth! As David Salinger, director of the International Association of Trichologists (scalp and hair specialists) noted in an interview with Today’s Parent, “The frequency with which you wash your hair will not affect the amount of hair you lose.”
In short, much of your postpartum hair loss and regrowth will depend on the unique hormonal processes of your body. But, treating yourself well is an easy and enjoyable step toward having luscious locks once more.
A Partner in Treating Postpartum Hair Loss
In addition to eating protein and stressing less about over-shampooing, you can support postpartum hair regrowth by selecting the hair products and supplements you use carefully. That’s where we come in!
We like to say that our DeeplyRooted® system is where hair and confidence bloom. Using our clinically proven, science-led suite of hair care innovations, you can lend your locks a helping hand as they strive to regrow after postpartum hair loss... because every mama deserves to feel pampered while supporting her recovery and well-being after baby.
To learn more about the ingredients behind a happy scalp and strong hair, explore our DeeplyRooted Collection page.