Over 90 percent of pregnant people experience postpartum hair loss at some point during the six months or so months after giving birth.1 And sometimes, even during pregnancy — so the name is a bit of a misnomer. So that’s both the good and bad news: It’s extremely common (oh no!) and it is extremely common (yay — you’re not alone!) The real good news is, experts say postpartum hair loss almost always resolves on its own, and there are lots of things you can do to help along the way.2
What is postpartum hair loss?
Postpartum hair loss is the noticeable increase in shedding many people see after giving birth.2 As we mentioned, this can also happen during pregnancy as hormones shift. (We’ll get into that in a moment.) According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, it happens when hormone levels drop back to their pre-pregnancy baseline after childbirth and usually resolves within about six to 12 months.3 It isn’t true hair loss in the sense of permanent thinning or baldness; it’s more like your hair is catching up on all the shedding it may not have done during pregnancy.
Many people notice hair coming out particularly around the hair line, temples, or part line and it may feel like your hair is harder to style or just thinner overall than it used to be. All of this, plus navigating a body that may feel unfamiliar to you after pregnancy, and suddenly having a new baby to care for, well it can be a lot. It’s an important time to reconnect with your body, be patient with yourself, and allow all the support you can get.
What causes postpartum hair loss?
The short answer here is “hormones.” (Which seems to be the answer to almost every question involving women’s health, doesn’t it?)
When somebody is pregnant, estrogen levels increase. This flood of estrogen usually extends the growth phase of hair, which often makes hair grow longer and thicker.3 For some people, though, rapid hormonal shifts, especially during the first trimester or immediately after stopping hormonal birth control, can shock hair follicles into a resting or shedding phase during pregnancy. This is less common than postpartum shedding, but it can happen all the same.4
Once hormone levels return to normal after pregnancy, a lot of hair that was in the growth cycle will enter the shedding phase all at once.
Other common causes of postpartum hair loss include3:
- Stress: The physical and emotional stress of pregnancy, childbirth, being a new parent… It can be a lot all at once, and stress is a big contributor to shedding.
- Nutritional deficiencies: After childbirth, a lot of the body’s energy (a.k.a. calories) are going toward producing milk. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, unless you’re very cognizant of eating well during this time.
- Genetics: Some people are just predisposed to postpartum hair changes.
- Thyroid disorders: Hyper- or hypothyroidism can cause hair loss if left untreated.
When does it start?
For most people, postpartum hair loss starts about three months after giving birth. This is usually when estrogen levels return to their pre-pregnancy baseline.3
How long does postpartum hair loss last?
For most people, postpartum hair loss should stop anywhere from six to 12 months after giving birth.3
Supporting your hair’s recovery
You can’t exactly stop the hormonal shift that causes postpartum hair loss, but there’s a lot you can do to support your hair and overall health during this time.
- Prioritize protein- and iron-rich foods: Lean proteins, foods high in Omega-3s, eggs, whole grains, leafy greens, fruits, veggies, and loads of Vitamin C, and plenty of water are your best friends postpartum. Again, producing milk — whether you’re breastfeeding or not — takes up a lot of energy. Be sure you’re fueling more than you normally would.5
- Be gentle with hair styling: Apply a detangler before combing or brushing your hair, brush gently, use little to no heat when styling, and avoid wearing a tight ponytail if you can.
- Manage stress (as best you can): Asking a new mother to “manage stress” may seem almost patronizing, but it’s important to prioritize self care postpartum — as best you can.
- Change your shampoo and conditioner: During this time you may want to switch to a gentler, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed to reduce breakage.3
- Learn about hair treatments: There are plenty of things that, at least anecdotally, help with hair loss. You can buy a red light therapy cap, use serums or oils on your scalp, microneedle the parts of your hairline that are most visibly thinning to increase blood flow. Again, there is not a lot of scientific data around these things — but they certainly can’t hurt.
Nutritional support for postpartum hair
Serevelle™, a clinical saw palmetto extract, has been studied for its role in supporting hair health. It's thought to work by supporting a healthy scalp environment and your hair's natural growth phase.*
Serevelle™ is the hero ingredient in the Hair Growth + Volume formula. It's paired with Holy Basil, an adaptogen that supports the body's response to everyday stress, plus a targeted blend of biotin, iron, folate, vitamins B12, C, D & E, zinc, and selenium (nutrients that support healthy hair growth and quality). Together, the formula is designed to support thicker, fuller hair with more density and volume.*
One important note: Hair Growth + Volume isn't intended for use during pregnancy. If you'd like to try it postpartum, check with your doctor before adding it to your routine.
