Written by Madeleine White - Founder of JUNI & CO
In 2021 Madeleine received the highly acclaimed CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) Young Achiever Award. She's also an Advisory Board Member for the British Beauty Council's Sustainable Beauty Coalition.
With so many new experiences and emotions in those first few months postpartum, dealing with hair loss can feel unfair. Although postpartum hair loss is common and only temporary, for some it can be upsetting.
As with most things, understanding why postpartum hair loss happens can make it much easier to manage. Keep reading to find out exactly what may be causing your hair loss and things you can do to help.
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What is postpartum hair loss? What causes hair loss after giving birth to your baby? When does postpartum hair loss start? How long does postpartum hair loss last? What if my hair loss continues? Management and treatment Shampoo Conditioner Hair oil Hair serum Vitamins and supplements Prevention How can I prevent postpartum hair loss? Other FAQs How common is postpartum hair loss? Can breastfeeding cause hair loss and slow growth?
What Is Postpartum Hair Loss?
Postpartum hair loss, also known as telogen effluvium, is the excessive shedding of hair that you may experience after giving birth.
For some, it can be quite an upsetting experience, especially after the thick, luscious hair growth you may have experienced during pregnancy. Thankfully, most women will only lose the extra hair they've grown during pregnancy.
What Causes Hair Loss After Giving Birth To Your Baby?
Postpartum hair loss is believed to be caused by hormonal changes (oestrogen in particular) that occur during and after pregnancy.
Pregnancy hormones cause many hairs to enter the resting phase (telogen) instead of the growing phase (anagen). After giving birth, hormone levels return to normal, and the hairs that were resting start to fall out. Your hair often grows thicker and faster during pregnancy - losing your hair postpartum is your body getting back to normal.
These same hormones may also mean that you find your hair is oilier or drier than usual or even a slightly different colour and texture during pregnancy and afterwards.
When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Start?
Postpartum hair loss can begin anytime after giving birth but usually peaks around four months postpartum.
Some believe that postpartum hair loss can be either delayed or exasperated by breastfeeding, but breastfeeding doesn't directly affect hair loss.
How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?
Although it may be distressing to lose hair, postpartum hair loss is only temporary. Most women see their hair return to its normal fullness by their child’s first birthday, and many women regain normal fullness even earlier.
What if my hair loss continues?
If your hair loss continues for more than six months, or is particularly dramatic or upsetting, talk with your medical provider. They may be able to provide some reassurance, and rule out any other causes that could be contributing to the problem.
Management and Treatment
It's best to treat postpartum hair loss with a holistic approach; consider diet, lifestyle, stress, products and styling techniques.
Alongside using specialist products designed to help reduce postpartum hair loss (see our most trusted recommendations below), consider how you handle your hair;
- Use a wide tooth comb when detangling wet hair
- If your hair is particularly knotty and tangled, start gently brushing from the bottom and work your way towards the scalp to minimise breakage
- Avoid excessive heat and harsh treatments such as chemical straightening, perms and colouring / bleach
- Switch your normal pillowcases and hair ties to ones made from silk as this can reduce friction
- Wear your hair in loose styles rather than ponytails that are too tight
Shampoo
The Nue Co Supa Thick Shampoo is a gently foaming, low pH shampoo designed to support hair growth & density and to prevent postpartum hair loss. Free from silicones, parabens, SLS and artificial fragrance, it deeply cleanses hair and scalp to remove build up while reducing shedding, strengthening strands and rebalancing the scalp microbiome. The result: all-round healthy hair from root to tip.
How to use:
Massage Supa Thick Shampoo into wet hair, working into the scalp. Repeat if desired and rinse with warm water.
Conditioner
The Nue Co Supa Thick Conditioner is a lightweight, hydrating conditioner that repairs and strengthens each individual strand to reduce breakage and shedding. Free from silicones, parabens and artificial fragrance, it moisturises hair and scalp without disrupting the topical microbiome, creating the ideal foundation for hair growth. No residue or product build up, just clean, healthy hair.
How to use:
After cleansing with Supa Thick Shampoo, apply Supa Thick Conditioner through mid-lengths and ends of hair, combing through with fingers. Allow to rest for 3 - 5 minutes before rinsing clean.
Hair oil
The Larry King Spoilt For Choice Hair Oil is a true overachiever; use it as a strengthening and nourishing hair mask, scalp remedy, styling or finishing product.
Formulated with a plethora of naturally derived oils including rosemary oil (known to encourage hair growth), jojoba oil, argan oil and squalene, all rich in vitamins and minerals to help nourish and strengthen the hair as well as helping to soothe and restore the scalp.
How to use:
To use as a treatment / mask, distribute the oil onto the scalp and hair and thoroughly massage into the roots. Leave the product in the hair for at least 10 minutes, or for best results leave in overnight. When rinsing the product out of the hair, shampoo twice to remove any residue.
To use as a finishing product simply smooth a couple of drops onto the ends of hair.
Hair serum
For hair that is thinning or regularly sheds, The Nue Co Supa Thick Topical Scalp Serum is a topical scalp supplement designed to reduce hair shedding, building thicker hair with more body.
This serum-based formula supports the health of the scalp, aiding circulation, rebalancing the scalp microbiome, removing product build up and protecting follicles. The lightweight formula leaves roots feeling refreshed and the scalp feeling calm and nourished, improving overall hair quality as a result.
How to use:
Divide the hair into six sections and apply to the scalp, gently massaging to stimulate circulation. Leave for twenty minutes then wash hair as usual. Use 2-3 times per week.
Lash and brow serum
Some people find that their lashes and brows can become thinner during the postpartum period. The Susanne Kaufmann Lash & Brow Serum is an advanced, clinically-proven formula that enhances the overall density of lash and brow hairs. It helps to nourish each hair follicle, encouraging a fuller, healthier look.
How to use:
Paint the serum along the lash line and brows after your regular cleansing routine. For best results use both morning and evening.
Vitamins and supplements
The Nue Co Growth Phase is clinically proven to increase hair growth and density in 12 weeks. A full spectrum supplement designed to support nutrition deficiencies, hormonal fluctuations and stress to reveal thicker, stronger hair full of body.
The formula contains a clinically studied complex containing growth factor proteins and peptides, collagen, hyaluronic acid and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) scientifically proven to increase hair growth and decrease breakage. It also delivers essential minerals, adaptogens and micronutrients and vitamins (including Biotin and B12) for a 360 holistic approach to hair health from within.
How to use:
Take 3 capsules every morning with food.
We recommend checking with your doctor or medical professional before taking any supplements when pregnant or breastfeeding.
Prevention
How can I prevent postpartum hair loss?
Whilst there's nothing scientifically-proven you can do during pregnancy to prevent postpartum hair loss, having the correct knowlege and best products in place can make a great difference in managing it. Remember, postpartum hair loss is a normal biological process.
Other FAQs
How common is postpartum hair loss?
Postpartum hair loss is very common, affecting 40–50% of people who have recently given birth.
Can breastfeeding cause postpartum hair loss and slow growth?
Some believe that postpartum hair loss can be either delayed or exasperated by breastfeeding, but breastfeeding doesn't directly affect hair loss.