Postpartum Hair Loss: Losing Hair After Pregnancy Is Normal, Here’s Why - GoodRx
Is Losing Hair After Pregnancy Normal? Yes, Here’s Why Postpartum Hair Loss Happens
Written by Alicia Stevens, MD | Reviewed by Karla Robinson, MD
Published on September 26, 2023
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Key takeaways:
Postpartum hair loss is a form of hair shedding in people after pregnancy. It begins a couple of months after delivery and peaks about 4 months after giving birth.
Postpartum hair shedding occurs because of shifting hormones during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Postpartum hair loss doesn’t require any specific treatment. Proper nutrition and hair care will support the hair while it returns to its usual growth pattern.
What is postpartum hair loss?
Postpartum hair loss refers to the temporary hair shedding commonly seen after a person gives birth. It’s one of the last postpartum experiences to develop — usually starting a couple of months after delivery. The amount of hair shed may peak about 4 months after delivery, with hair loss reaching up to 200 hairs a day. Most people find their regular hair growth pattern returns within a year after delivery.
But excessive hair shedding with balding patches or more than 200 hairs shed per day isn’t typical of postpartum hair loss. It may be the result of other factors like an underlying medical condition. If this occurs, you may want to let your healthcare provider know. They can help figure out why you’re losing hair.
What causes postpartum hair loss?
Postpartum hair loss happens when pregnancy hormones cause a disruption of the normal hair growth pattern. Hair growth happens in a cycle — including a growing phase when it’s actively growing and a resting phase. At the end of each resting phase, the hair will typically shed before the cycle restarts. Because about 10% to 15% of all hairs in the body are in the resting hair phase at any given time, it’s normal to shed about 50 to 100 hairs each day.
During pregnancy, the levels of estrogen increase to support the pregnant body and developing baby. As estrogen levels increase with the pregnancy, more hairs remain in the resting phase. As a result, less hair than usual is shed during pregnancy. You may have even noticed that your hair was much thicker and longer in pregnancy. This is because of the effect that increased estrogen has on the normal hair growth cycle.
In the weeks following delivery, estrogen levels drop. As estrogen continues to drop further, your hair will begin to return to its natural hair cycle timeline. This will cause many hairs to leave the resting phase at one time and shed from the head. And it can be alarming to have a large amount of hair shedding all at once. But keep in mind, this hair would have normally been shed if the high estrogen levels of pregnancy weren’t affecting your normal hair cycle.
How is postpartum hair loss diagnosed?
A healthcare provider can make the diagnosis of postpartum hair loss based on your medical history of a recent pregnancy and physical exam.
The physical exam may include:
Pull test: A dermatologist will tug on about 60 hairs in different sections of the scalp. If six or more hairs come out, you may have active hair loss.
Visualizing the scalp: The healthcare provider will look at the hair shaft and scalp to look for evidence of hair breakage or inflammation.
Blood tests: Your healthcare provider may do blood work to check for iron deficiency or vitamin D deficiency as possible factors in your hair loss.
How long does postpartum hair loss last?
Postpartum hair loss can last up to 9 months after delivery. Many people will find their hair returning to its normal volume and growth pattern within a year after delivery. If your hair loss hasn’t improved within a year, you should seek medical attention. A dermatologist could help you find the cause of your hair loss and the best treatment plan.
Tips to minimize hair shedding
You can’t prevent postpartum hair loss. But you may be able to reduce the amount of shedding by avoiding practices that can cause hair loss. Let’s review some tips to help support hair growth.
Avoid damaging hair styles
It’s best to avoid styles that will pull the hair too tight especially at the hairline. If there’s pain, crusting or pulling of the scalp after styling the hair, this could cause damage. It’s best to loosen any hairstyle that’s too tight or try a different one altogether. Common hairstyles that can be too tight include:
Ponytails
Braids
Hair extensions or weaves
Have a healthy hair care routine
Hair products and techniques affect scalp and hair health. Some hair care products can help strengthen the hair and improve the health of your scalp. Shampooing the scalp regularly can help remove any oil buildup that can be damaging to the hair. Using conditioner can help add moisture to the hair and make it less prone to breakage.
Other healthy hair care tips include:
Air dry your hair whenever possible.
Avoid sleeping with rollers frequently to decrease friction while sleeping.
Minimize chemical treatments, keeping at least 8 weeks between them.
Use a wide-tooth comb for styling and only comb or brush as necessary to style the hair.
Wear a swim cap and wash hair thoroughly after swimming.
Use the lowest heat setting possible to minimize heat damage during styling.
How do you treat postpartum hair loss?
Postpartum hair shedding doesn’t require treatment. As the body returns to its normal estrogen patterns, the hair growth cycle will return to its baseline as well. Until then, it’s possible to manage the cosmetic appearance of your mane. Here are some things that might be helpful:
Volumizing shampoo products: Volumizing shampoo can make hair look fuller by coating the hair shaft in protein. Ask your hairstylist or medical provider which conditioner is best formulated for your hair type.
A change in hairstyle: A skilled hairstylist can offer a cut that will provide more lift and body to your hair, making it look fuller.
Vitamins: Continuing to take a prenatal vitamin can be helpful to support the body in the postpartum period particularly if you’re breastfeeding. Make sure to ask your healthcare provider about how long prenatal vitamins are appropriate for you to take.
The bottom line
Postpartum hair loss is common and happens in about half of all people after delivering a baby. The good news is that it usually resolves on its own and no treatment is required. Most people notice their hair is back to normal within a year. In the meantime, the most important thing you can do is to support your normal hair growth. If you’re concerned about your hair loss, talk with your healthcare provider. They can make sure there are no other underlying reasons for your hair loss.
References
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). 10 hair care habits that can damage your hair.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Do you have hair loss or hair shedding?
American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Pregnancy and hair loss.
Dhurat, R., et al. (2009). Hair evaluation methods: Merits and demerits. International Journal of Trichology.
Hoover, E., et al. (2023). Physiology, hair. StatPearls.
Mounsey, A. L., et al. (2009). Diagnosing and treating hair loss. American Family Physician.
Piérard-Franchimont, C., et al. (2013). Alterations in hair follicle dynamics in women. Biomed Research International.
Walter, K. (2022). Common causes of hair loss. Journal of the American Medical Association.