Many new mothers, adjusting to the postpartum period after giving birth, may be surprised to discover that their hair is beginning to thin approximately four months after having the baby. This may feel like a cause to panic, especially if it seems to be coming out at an alarming rate. Postpartum hair loss is normal, however, and the majority of women will experience it to one degree or another. Learning why it happens, and what can be done to minimize the results, can go a long way to reassuring a new mom.
What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?
Under normal conditions, hair enters phases of growth and rest. At any given time, approximately 85 to 95% of hair is in a growth phase, while the remaining 5 to 15% is resting. After a period of rest, this hair falls out and is replaced by new growth. Healthy women will shed approximately 100 hairs a day on a regular basis.
While pregnant, estrogen levels rise, which causes the hair to enter an extended period of growth. Fewer hairs fall out with each cycle, and the growth cycle becomes prolonged. This results in an unusually thick head of hair. Many pregnant women enjoy this effect of having extremely thick, lustrous hair.
After giving birth, estrogen levels fall back to normal, and hair begins to enter its normal pattern of growth and rest. Because there is significantly more hair than normal, more may come out on a daily basis, as well as begin to regrow, until the hair reaches its previous thickness.
Hair Loss Patterns
Each woman may experience different hair loss patterns in the postpartum period. Some women may shed hair evenly all over their heads, while others may appear to have a receding hairline. Most distressing may be the occurrence in some women of large patches or clumps which come out at a time, leaving a temporary bald spot.
Hair regrowth patterns may be just as distressing for some women, as the short hairs growing back in may stick up through a longer hair style. Postpartum “bangs” is a typical effect from the hair regrowth around the hair line.
What Can be Done About Postpartum Hair Loss?
Unfortunately, nothing can stop the hair loss, as it is normal and simply the body’s way of adjusting to normal hormone levels again. There are, however, things that can be done to mask the effect. Try cutting bangs and long layers around the face to disguise a thinning hair line. Go for a short hair cut, if experiencing all over thinning, to blend the new hair growing back in.
If averse to cutting the hair, try parting it in a different way, to help disguise thinning areas. Try using hair mousse, to give more body, or color the hair, which can help thicken each strand.
Taking vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E and biotin may help the body regrow hair at a quicker rate, helping the hair to reach its previous thickness and length. Be sure to eat a balanced diet, and get plenty of exercise to help the body and hormone levels adjust quicker.
Postpartum hair loss and regrowth should resolve itself by one year postpartum. If it does not, or seems to be getting worse, check with a doctor to make sure there isn’t another underlying condition. Remember that postpartum hair loss is temporary, and try to keep focusing on the baby, rather than how your hair looks. Before too long, things will be back to normal.
Sources:
The Trichological Society - Hair an Introduction
FamilyDoctor.org - Hair Loss and Its Causes
American Pregnancy Association - Pregnancy and Hair Loss
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