Postpartum hair loss is something that I completely forgot about until it started happening again. My little bundle of joy is now four and a half months old. A few weeks ago, I noticed my hair had begun to fall out again.
At times, hair loss can be triggering for me as it reminds me of undergoing chemo treatment for my molar pregnancy turned choriocarcinoma. BUT this time round, at least there is a positive reason for it happening and I have my wonderful son to look at.
In this piece, I share my experiences as well as why postpartum hair loss happens. A lot of people focus mainly on postpartum fitness and weight loss, but this aspect is important, too. I will also share some tips that may help to prevent or minimise its effects and also provide recommendations for hairstyles that can help conceal the hair loss.
Why does postpartum hair loss happen?
Have you ever noticed that your hair looks thicker and fuller while you’re pregnant? Well, during pregnancy, hormonal changes cause your hair to enter a prolonged growth phase, resulting in healthier hair. I have fairly thick hair anyway, so it wasn’t as noticeable for me as it might be for others. Unfortunately, the return to normal of your hormone levels means you most likely will suffer from postpartum hair loss, also known as telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss. Usually, this occurs around three to six months after giving birth, which means my hair loss was right on track – great! Actually, though it seems to be coming out thick and fast (literally!), my husband says it isn’t really noticeable yet, perhaps because I had so much to begin with.
Postpartum hair loss happens because the hormonal changes disrupt the hair growth cycle. Normally, around 85-90% of your hair is in the growing phase (anagen), while the remaining 10-15% is in the resting phase (telogen) but during pregnancy, more hair remains in the growing phase, resulting in less shedding (check your hairbrush next time you’re pregnant and I bet there’s less hair on there!). Once hormone levels return to normal after birth, the excess hair that was retained enters the resting phase and eventually falls out, leading to noticeable hair loss.
Preventing and managing postpartum hair loss:
While hair loss after giving birth is a natural process, there are some measures you can take to minimise its impact:
1. Nourish your body: A balanced diet that contains plenty of vitamins, minerals and proteins can promote healthy hair growth. Include foods like leafy greens, eggs, fish and nuts in your meals. I know it can be tricky to even think about cooking meals when you are still struggling to find a routine, but it is important.
2. Stay hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water keeps your hair hydrated, preventing brittleness and breakage. There are many other benefits to this for new mums, particularly if you are breastfeeding.
3. Gentle hair care: Avoid excessive heat when styling your hair, tight hairstyles and harsh chemicals. Be gentle while brushing or combing your hair to prevent unnecessary hair breakage.
4. Supplements: Consult your doctor about postnatal supplements that support hair health. Biotin and other hair-friendly nutrients may be recommended.
Hairstyles to conceal thinning hair:
Whilst waiting for your hair to regain its fullness, you may wish to try different hairstyles that help disguise the hair loss. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Side-swept fringes: A deep side parting with long, sweeping fringe can create volume and cover thinning areas near the hairline.
2. Layered cuts: Plump for layered haircuts as they add texture and dimension, making your hair appear fuller. I wouldn’t dare try this myself, though – definitely ask your hairdresser!
3. Hair accessories: Experiment with headbands, scarves or decorative hair clips to divert attention from thinning areas and add a touch of style to your look.
4. Messy up-dos: Effortlessly chic and practical, messy up-dos can give the illusion of thicker hair whilst keeping your strands off your face. I’m not convinced mine are chic, but they are certainly practical! Additionally, they stop little man from grabbing my hair and ending up with more falling out and lots tangled in his fingers.
5. Embrace natural waves: Enhance your natural texture with loose waves or curls. These add volume and create the appearance of fuller hair. My natural waves actually make me look like a sheep, so I don’t do this… nothing natural about any of the waves and curls I allow myself to go out with!
It is probably easy for me to tell you not to worry about your hair loss as mine is not yet noticeable, but I do tend to attempt to focus on the positives of what is happening right now. I have my beautiful baby in my arms and while thinning hair is not something anyone would really sign up for, it’s worth it to have such an amazing little being in my life. It’s also only temporary and before you know it, there’ll be the little tufts of new hair sticking up that will drive you crazy, too – just like kids do!
