How Long Until Your Hair Returns To Normal With Postpartum Hair Loss
As a general rule of thumb for postpartum hair loss, you can normally expect your hair to look more or less the same as pre-pregnancy by your babyâs first birthday.
For some women, their hair may even be back to normal within 6 months. So, if you are stressing over postpartum hair loss, take comfort in knowing that postpartum hair loss is normal, and most women will have their hair back to its usual thickness relatively quickly.
Of course, it may take a while for the regrown hairs to reach their same length if you had pretty long hair before your baby. So, you may want to take this time to have fun trying out some shorter styles to give those âbaby hairsâ time to catch up to the length of the rest of your hair.
Is Hair Loss A Sign Of Pregnancy
Hair loss is not typically an indication that a person is pregnant.
Although hair loss can occur during pregnancy, it typically results from a decrease in estrogen, which can happen:
- when a person stops taking their oral contraceptive pill
- due to a hormonal imbalance during pregnancy
- if a person has experienced a pregnancy loss or abortion
Signs of pregnancy
The Postnatal 12 Months Post Partum Hair Loss
You should retain most of the hair that did not fall out during pregnancy for 2-3 months after birth. The sudden drop in hormones after labour causes retained hairs to return to their natural cycle. Some women can experience rather acute hair loss at this time. This is the unfortunate process of returning to a normal hair growth cycle.
However, if you choose to breast feed your baby, the drop in hormone levels is not quite so acute. The post partum hair loss period occurs slowly over a much longer period of time. Most women dont really notice changes in their hair until a couple of months after they begin weaning and hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels. The hair that is temporarily lost should start growing back again within 2-4 months.
After twelve months or so, if your hair isnt growing back or is still falling out, this warrants further investigation. Sleep deprivation, exhaustion and the major lifestyle changes of having a new baby could certainly have a negative effect. But by 12 months these factors should be considerably less of an issue.
Persistent hair loss after childbirth is often associated with low iron stores. Blood tests arent always carried out after birth. The tiredness associated with iron deficiency can be attributed to the extreme sleep deprivation and intensity of having a new baby. If your post partum hair loss doesnt stop within 12 months, it would be wise to investigate your ferritin level and ensure you maintain it to an optimum level.
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Revisit Your Hair Care Routine
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, so be gentle! Avoid blow dryers and heat styling as much as possible. Tight ponytails or buns are a no-no same with excessive brushing and combing. Support your scalps natural microbiome with a regular detoxifying treatment, and give your bodys efforts to return to normal hair growth cycles a boost with a daily hair serum. Our 100% vegan and cruelty-free GRO Hair Serum is fortified with powerful phyto-actives, which help support healthy hair follicles. Plus, the serum is clinically shown to decrease hair shedding by up to 76% and increase hair density by up to 52%.
Hair Shedding Vs Hair Loss
Hair shedding is a part of the normal hair growth cycle and its thought that both men and women lose an average of around 50 to 100 hairs each day. Hair shedding is part of the natural balance where some hair falls out and others grow in. The interruption of this balance when hair loss happens.
When considering hair shedding vs hair loss its important to understand that they are different. The medical term for hair loss is alopecia and postpartum hair loss is considered as excessive shedding because its usually temporary and it will grow back. Telogen effluvium is a form of temporary hair loss that happens not only after giving birth but can occur after stress, a shock, or a traumatic event. It usually occurs on the top of the scalp but for new Mothers its the front two sides.
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Dealing With Postpartum Hair Loss
Dealing with postpartum hair loss can be stressful, especially for new moms. With hormones already raging and sleep difficult to come by, losing handfuls of hair each day can put women in a panic, leaving them feeling vulnerable and nervous.
But the reality is that postpartum hair loss is perfectly natural and more common than you might think. And with a few simple changes to your routine, you can cut down on the amount of hair youre losing.
If hair loss persists more than a year after youve given birth, an underlying cause, rather than changing hormone levels, is likely to blame. This also means that youll need to take action to stop the hair loss, as its unlikely to stop on its own.
If youre still dealing with hair loss and your baby has already celebrated his or her first birthday, check out this article next to learn 10 of the top hair loss treatments you need to try.
Why Postpartum Hair Loss Happens
While this is a completely normal andluckilytemporary issue, it’s nice to have some science-based info for those times you think you might actually be going bald. Like with most pregnancy-related things, postpartum hair loss is due to hormonal changes. During pregnancy, estrogen levels rise, which stimulates the dramatic increase in the ‘growth phase’ of hair.
After birth, however, the hormones shift yet again, and your hair enters its ‘resting phase,’ which is followed, about three months later, by shedding and regrowth. These phases are typical of hair growth, but they become very intense thanks to the upsurge of hormones during after pregnancy.
Pro tip: “Choose a healthy, organic conditioner that won’t add weight to your hair, and one that also enables you to skip the shampoo between washes,” says Fabian Lliguin, co-founder and CEO of Rahua. Rahua’s Voluminous Conditioner works wonders for this, and thanks to its Omega-9 Amazonian molecules, it also reduces hair loss while maintaining the essential moisture and oils on the hair and scalp.
Also Check: Can Estrogen Cause Hair Loss
Does Hair Grow Back After Postpartum Hair Loss
For the most part, postpartum hair loss is almost always fully reversiblethough some may notice their hair isnt exactly how it once was, pre-baby.
They may notice that their hair does not grow back as well as it did before the baby, with thinning or sparser hair, says Dr. Burg, adding that treating this hair loss can include incorporating more hair healthy vitamins and a well-rounded diet.
Its also important to go easy on your hair. This means taking a break from excessive styling, hot tools, and harsh shampoos and conditioners. While these tips may not encourage hair growth, they are vital to keeping the hair healthy and more likely to stay in place.
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How To Help With Hair Loss/ Growth
There are natural and home remedies that a new mom can implement into her daily routine to help with postpartum hair loss. Some of these can include all-natural shampoos that are specifically for hair loss and helping with new growth. Fenugreekseeds are also helpful when soaked and used as a scalp/hair mask. This herb is also helpful for the production of breast milk.
Adding hair-healthy foods into your diet can also promote healthier and quicker hair growth. Including things like:
- Leafy greens
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So How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Really Last
The postpartum period varies from woman to woman, but generally speaking, it takes about six months postpartum for the body to return to its pre-pregnant physiological state. Hormonal changes continue long after giving birth, and it can take several months for hormone levels to even out.
How does postpartum hair loss fit into this picture?
The good news is that this excessive shedding is temporary, and you do not have to do anything to remedy it, explained Dr. Vergara. Most women see their hair return to its normal fullness by their childs first birthday. Many women regain normal fullness even earlier.
Does Lactation Contribute To Hair Loss
The Australian Breastfeeding Association notes that there is no relation between nursing and postpartum hair loss.
There are three main stages of hair growth: growth, apoptosis-driven regression, and quiescent state. People also refer to the growth stage as the anagen phase.
According to a 2016 retrospective review , 4 months after giving birth, lactation had an influence on the anagen phase.
However, the authors also note that the total number of people in the research was too small to make an assumption regarding the effect of lactation on the health of a persons hair.
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When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Start
“Generally with telogen effluvium, there’s some sort of eventin this situation it’s giving birth, but there can be other causes. Basically, a larger amount of your hair than normal is triggered to enter this resting/shedding phase,” says Dr. Shah. It takes about three months for that hair to shed out, she adds, which is why most people notice postpartum hair loss around three months after delivery.
Hair might fall out all around your head, or clumps may come loose when you brush it or shower. Some women simply lose some strands around their hairline, so their mane looks very fine in the front, as if they’re going bald, says Stephanie Scuoppo, a hairstylist at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon and Spa in New York City.
Why Your Hair May Fall Out After Having A Baby
After having your baby, those pregnancy hormones return to normal levelsand in turn, your hair growth returns to its regular cycle.3 When all of that hair suddenly shifts from the anagen phase to the telogen phase, you’ll notice a lot more shedding. This may seem like an unusually high amount of hair loss, but it may help to remember that this is the amount of hair you would have shed over time. It’s just happening in a more concentrated segment of time, so it’s easier to notice hair loss after pregnancy.
You may be wondering, “How long does postpartum hair loss last?” After your hair sheds, the issue will resolve itself as your hair begins to grow again. By the time your little one is between 6 and 12 months old, you’ll likely see significant regrowth. In the meantime, however, there are a few things you can do to encourage your hair to grow back strong:
- Avoid tight hairstyles such as braids and ponytails.
- Use volumizing hair products to make your hair look fuller.
- Go gentle on your hair to avoid further damage try combing with a wide-tooth comb instead of brushing and avoid hot tools.
- Eat a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and protein to encourage healthy growth.
- Do postpartum hair loss vitamins work? The jury is out. Some hairstylists swear by the biotin and antioxidants in them, but no clinical studies have shown that they make hair grow back faster.
If you’re looking for tips on eating well , don’t miss these nutrition plans for new moms.
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Postpartum Hair Thinning Happens Too
Once that 3-month post-pregnancy hormone dip hits, you’ll most likely notice an intense thinning of the hair. While it might feel like you’re losing every hair you’ve ever had, you are in fact only shedding the excess you accumulated throughout the pregnancy.
Pro tip: If you feel like you’re struggling with thinning hair, try using dry shampoos, texturizing sprays and products containing bentonite clay, which helps add grit and hold to hair. These will keep your postpartum mane looking full.
Is There Treatment For Postpartum Hair Loss
Taking care of a newborn is a stressful, exhausting time and can put a lot of strain on your body, as can breastfeeding. Start by ensuring your blood sugar, iron, ferritin, zinc and vitamin D levels are normal. Next, do as much as you can to minimize stress , eat a healthy diet with plenty of protein to aid the hair growth process, and dont be afraid to shampoo frequently. Its commonly thought that not shampooing as often will minimize hair loss, but the truth is, the frequency with which you wash your hair will not affect the amount of hair you lose, says Salinger. The hair that is ready to fall will fall.
If youve ascertained that your blood work is normal, consider talking to a dermatologistor certified trichologist. Treatment options can include medication, therapies to reduce inflammation around hair follicles and at-home lasers that stimulate new hair growth.
The bottom line: Though losing clumps of hair feels anything but normal for most women in their child-bearing years, it really is. Its almost a mom badge of honour, says Midey. I ended up wearing headbands, and strategically parted my hair to cover bald spots. I even used hairpieces at times. But my hair is growing back steadily now. Even if I had to go completely bald in order to have my children, it would still be worth it.
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Discover Why Pregnancy Hair Loss Is Common For New Mums And The Difference Between Hair Shedding Vs Hair Loss When It Comes To Postpartum Hair
Firstly, congratulations Mama on the birth of your bundle of joy. We want you to know we LOVE you and youre doing AMAZING! Our bodies go through many changes during motherhood and if youre experiencing pregnancy hair loss you are not alone. The postpartum period involves you moving through many changes, both emotionally and physically. Are you wondering how long does postpartum hair loss last? And what can help during this new journey youre on? Keep reading for our postpartum hair loss tips to help you rebuild your strength.
How Hair Grows Before And During Pregnancy
Prior to pregnancy, around 90% of your hair is in the anagen, or growth phase.1 The anagen phase lasts for up to 7 years before it makes a transition into the telogen, or rest phase. Then, after a few months, hair in the telogen phase naturally falls out. Finally, the growth cycle begins anew.
But pregnancy hormones change this pattern dramatically.2 During pregnancy, increased levels of estrogen cause your hair to linger in the anagen phase. Instead of progressing to the telogen phase, your hair stays in growth mode. Hence the full, lustrous head of hair that pregnant women get to enjoy.
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