Hair loss that occurs after delivery is called “pregnancy alopecia” or “telogen effluvium”.
Why does hair loss increase in postpartum period?
An important cause of postpartum hair loss is hormonal changes. Estrogen levels are high during pregnancy and support the growth phase of the hair cycle. This is why hair may appear thicker or healthier during pregnancy. After giving birth, as estrogen returns to pre-pregnancy levels, hair enters the resting phase and begins to fall out. The balance of progesterone and prolactin also changes significantly during pregnancy and can affect hair growth and loss.
When does postpartum hair loss start and how long does it last?
Postpartum hair loss usually does not begin immediately after birth, but begins several months after birth and usually peaks around four months after birth. Postpartum hair loss varies from person to person, but generally lasts 6-24 weeks. However, if you are still experiencing significant hair loss after your baby’s first birthday, talk to a healthcare professional about possible underlying causes. Once your hormone levels stabilize and your hair returns to its normal growth pattern, it may take some time to achieve pre-pregnancy hair quality. Many people regain normal hair fullness about a year after birth.
Hair care can help slow postpartum hair loss;
- Avoid tight hairstyles.
- Avoid blow-drying and heat styling.
- Use a volumizing shampoo.
- Apply concentrated conditioner to the ends of your hair.
Hair health can be supported with a balanced and healthy diet. Nutrients that support hair growth;
- B vitamins such as biotin, B12, niacin, riboflavin, folate (whole grains, almonds, meat, fish, dark green leafy vegetables)
- Vitamin C (red-green pepper, orange, tangerine, grapefruit, strawberry, kiwi, tomato, broccoli, spinach, parsley)
- Vitamin E (vegetable oils, almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, spinach, broccoli, chard, avocado)
- Zinc (turkey, red meat, beans, lentils)
Resources:
- Yousefian F, Yadlapati S, Krejci-Manwaring J. Hair loss in new moms. J. Medical Case Rep. 2022;2(5). doi:10.54289/JCRMH2200124
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Hair loss in new moms. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/new-moms
- Grymowicz M, Rudnicka E, Podfigurna A, et al. Hormonal effects on hair follicles. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(15):5342. doi:10.3390/ijms21155342
- Almohanna, H. M., Ahmed, A. A., Tsatalis, J. P., & Tosti, A. (2019). The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatology and therapy, 9(1), 51–70. doi:10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6
