After the excitement of childbirth and adjusting to life with a newborn, postpartum hair loss is one of the unexpected surprises that new parents may encounter. Many mums and dads will experience some degree of postpartum hair loss, so it’s important to understand what’s happening and what can be done about it.
Postpartum hair loss explained
Postpartum hair loss is a normal response to the physical stresses of childbirth.
During pregnancy, your body experiences an increase in hormones that cause hair follicles to enter a resting phase.
This means that you don’t shed as much hair as you normally would during pregnancy, resulting in thicker, fuller locks.
However, once your hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels after giving birth, your follicles come out of their resting phase and you will start losing more hair than normal.
Unfortunately, this can lead to thinning or bald patches in some cases.
How long does postpartum hair loss last?
Fortunately, postpartum hair loss doesn’t last forever—it is usually only temporary.
Most people experience shedding for up to six months after delivery but it can go on for longer depending on individual circumstances.
After this period of intense shedding has passed, those affected should see their regular hair growth pattern return over time as more hairs fill in any areas where they have been lost.
Managing postpartum hair loss
It’s important to remember that postpartum hairloss is a natural reaction to childbirth and there are steps you can take to manage it while it lasts.
Start by making sure you eat well and get plenty of rest—a healthy diet will help your body recover from the stresses of birth and lack of sleep can make hairloss worse!
If possible, try to reduce stress levels too; when we are under pressure our bodies produce cortisol which can inhibit healthy hair growth. You should also avoid using high heat or chemical treatments on your hair until it starts to grow back naturally as these could make matters worse.
Finally, talk to your doctor if you are really concerned about the amount of hairloss you are experiencing—they may be able to prescribe medication or suggest other strategies that could help accelerate new growth.
Conclusion
Postpartum hairloss is a common but temporary condition experienced by many new parents after giving birth.
Fortunately, understanding what causes postpartum hairloss makes it easier for mums and dads alike to manage it effectively while they wait for their natural growth cycle returns over time.
Looking after yourself with proper rest and nutrition combined with reducing stress levels where possible should help minimise any further hairloss during this period; however if concerns persist speak with your doctor who may be able to provide further advice or treatment options tailored specifically for you.
