Motherhood is a significant and precious experience for every woman, but it also brings challenges and adjustments, both physically and emotionally. Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery can cause symptoms and changes that impact a woman’s well-being. New mothers often experience increased hair shedding in the first few months after giving birth, known as postpartum telogen effluvium, due to increased estrogen levels during pregnancy and decreased levels postpartum.

What is postpartum hair loss?

A common symptom that many people suffer from postpartum hair loss is sometimes referred to as postpartum alopecia or telogen effluvium. During pregnancy, hormone levels can prolong hair growth, resulting in thicker hair. However, hormone levels drop postpartum, leading to more hairs entering the resting phase, causing increased hair shedding, typically three to six months postpartum.

Hair loss is a natural part of the postpartum period and is not a cause for concern. Maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, and practising gentle hair care can support hair health. If excessive hair loss persists or causes distress, consult a healthcare professional for guidance and support.

Leading causes and symptoms for postpartum hair loss:

• Hormonal changes: 
  • Higher hormones, such as estrogen, cause hair to grow longer, giving rise to fuller, thicker hair.
  • The decrease in postpartum hormones leads to an increase in hair shedding and the entry of more hair into the resting phase.
• Physical stress:
  • The physical strain of being pregnant and giving birth, as well as hormonal changes, all cause hair loss.
• Nutritional deficiencies:
  • The nutritional deficiency of breastfeeding during pregnancy.
  • Increased food intake is essential for the health of the mother and child; inadequate nutrition can impact hair’s health and exacerbate hair loss.
• Emotional stress:
  • Nursing care requirements.
  • Variations in hormones.
  • Sleep deficiency.
• Genetics:
  • “Genetic Predisposition to Hair Loss” affects the probability of postpartum hair loss.

Symptoms:

• Increased shedding of hair:
  • Severity may be prominent during activities like bathing or combing. 
  • Increased hair loss is visible from 3–6 months after delivery.

• Thinning of hair:
  • Increased shedding, especially around the portion line, crown, and temple, causes thinning hair.
• Reduced hair volume and density:
  • Reduces hair density and volume; lessens the appearance of full, healthy hair.
• Visible scalping or part line widening:
  • Greater visibility of the scalp.
  • Extending the portion line.
  • A reduction in hair covering.

Postpartum hair loss is typically temporary and resolves within a few months. If excessive hair loss persists or causes distress, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

The guidelines to reduce postpartum hair loss:

• Balanced diet:
  • High in protein, vitamins, minerals, and biotin; healthy amounts of iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E. Encourages hair development.
• Gentle hair care:
  • Steer clear of overly aggressive styles and harsh treatments.
  • Use a gentle conditioner and shampoo.
  • Use a comb with broad teeth to reduce breaking and tugging.
• Scalp massage:
  • The benefits of scalp massage include improved circulation.
  • Encourages hair follicles to grow.
  • Promotes strong hair development.
  • A daily gentle massage.
• Stress management:
  • Work on your relaxation skills.
  • Engage in frequent physical activity.
  • Make sure you get enough sleep.
  • Reduce stress and make it a priority to stop hair loss.
• Nutritional supplements:
  • Suggested Supplements for Hair Health
  • Medical professionals could suggest vitamins, minerals, and biotin.
  • It is essential to consult a healthcare practitioner.
  • Crucial, particularly when nursing.
• Prescribed medications:
  • Treatment for Hair Loss
  • For severe hair loss, prescribed drugs should be used as directed.
  • Use under a doctor’s supervision.
  • Not appropriate for all situations.
• Consultation with a healthcare professional:
  • Therapy for Hair Loss Following Childbirth Consultation
  • Assess the symptoms.
  • Eliminate any underlying medical issues.
  • Make suggestions for individualised therapy.

Postpartum hair loss is a common and natural part of many women’s lives, and hair growth typically returns to normal over time. If you have concerns about hair loss or its impact on your well-being, seek support from a healthcare provider.

The prognosis for postpartum hair loss:

It is distressing for some women but a natural part of the postpartum period. Not a cause for concern.

• It usually goes away in a few months and is just transitory.
• Regular hair growth returns due to hormone stabilisation.
• Reduced hair shedding and new hair regrowth were observed by 6-12 months.
• Genetics, hormonal fluctuations, nutritional status.
• Overall health influences hair loss extent and recovery speed.
• It is self-limiting and doesn’t require specific treatment.
• Supportive measures for hair health and potential hair loss minimisation.
• Consultation with healthcare professionals for reassurance and guidance.
• Hair typically returns to a pre-pregnancy state.
• Persistent or severe hair loss or other symptoms require medical evaluation.
• Seek medical evaluation for underlying medical conditions.
• Receive appropriate management. 

Although postpartum hair loss is a standard and transient stage, it’s crucial to control it with a healthy diet, enough water, reduced processed foods, omega-3 fatty acids, moderation in caffeine and alcohol, thought-about supplements, gentle hair care, and stress management. Women may go through this time confidently if they ask for guidance from medical experts, continue their self-care routines, and set reasonable expectations. It is advised to seek advice and examination from a healthcare provider if worries are persistent or if significant hair loss causes discomfort.
At HairSure, we are dedicated to a policy of offering patients unmatched services. At HairSure Advanced Hair Transplant Clinic, all of your hair-related worries can be expertly resolved, and you can rest assured that your smiles won’t flinch again. Enter HairSure and exit with the desired appearance.

HairSure can assist in determining the precise reason for hair loss and offer suitable treatment solutions that are suited to the requirements of the individual. Always consult a medical expert when you have questions about your health. Always consult a medical expert when you have questions about your health.

We at HairSure, are committed to providing matchless services to all our patients. All your concerns regarding hair problems can be flawlessly sorted at HairSure Advanced Hair Transplant Clinic, guaranteeing that you will be left with smiles that won’t fall again. Walk into HairSure and walk back with the look that you desire. Call 040 42020202 / 9494020202 or email us at hairsure123@gmail.com to book your consultation. Visit our website, Hair Transplant Clinic, to know more.