Postpartum Hair Loss: A chat with my hairdresser

Postpartum hair loss seems to be one of those things that most mothers suffer from, but no one really talks about, like the way your boobs feel when your milk comes in, or the fact that postpartum bleeding goes on for-e-ver. I’ve passed the masses-of-hair-clogging-up-the-plughole stage and am firmly in the ridiculous-sticky-out-regrowth stage of postpartum hair loss, so I asked my lovely hairdresser Lucy to do a Q&A for me, to see if the end is in sight!

What is postpartum hair loss, and why does it happen?

During pregnancy many women comment that their hair feels thicker and more healthy. This is because hair stops falling out at its normal rate (around 100 hairs per day) and instead holds on to almost all of those hairs. The downside to this is that when hormones begin to balance out again, this can lead to postpartum hair loss – it’s basically all of that hair making up for lost time.

Is postpartum hair loss normal?

Postpartum hair loss is completely normal.

Is there anything that you can do to prevent postpartum hair loss?

Not everyone experiences postpartum hair loss and those that do experience it to varying degrees. Although there is nothing you can do to prevent it, there are things you can do to help the process whilst it grows back.

When does hair loss usually start?

Postpartum hair loss usually starts shortly after giving birth, though the process is often delayed for those who are breastfeeding, and will likely happen when weaning begins instead.

Is postpartum hair loss related to breastfeeding?

Although postpartum hair loss is usually delayed by breastfeeding, there is no link between the two.

Does postpartum hair loss happen to everyone?

Postpartum hair loss is very common but doesn’t always occur and is often only a small amount of hair loss.

Is postpartum hair loss permanent?

The process of postpartum hair loss is usually short lived – it’s just your hair getting back to normal.

How long will it take for my hair to grow back?

The good news is that generally speaking, hair grows back immediately after it has finished falling out.

Why is postpartum regrowth around the hairline?

Hair loss and regrowth often seems to be more extreme around the hairline. It actually grows back evenly through out your hair, but often seems more noticeable around your hair line as it’s the bit you see, and also because hair is generally thinner around the temples.

Can you suggest any haircuts for postpartum hair loss?

Many women decide to cut in a fringe or cut shorter hair around their face which helps to disguise both any thinning that they may feel conscious of and also helps to blend in any shorter hairs that are growing through. I would definitely recommend waiting to see how your hair behaves before making any decisions to cut your hair shorter as this often isn’t necessary.

Can you suggest any products to help my thin and tufty hair?

There are a couple of things you can do to aid regrowth of new hair after postpartum hair loss. A supplement such as Hair, Skin & Nails by Holland and Barrett can help with regrowth though you will need to stick with it for a few months to really see the results. There is also a haircare range by Davines called Energizing (within their Natural Tech range**[Affiliate link]) which will stimulate hair growth.

Anything else we should know?

I have found over the years that some women (in cases whereby postpartum hair loss has been very noticeable) will experience a similar process of hair loss several years after they have had their baby. This is because hair grows on a cycle and after a set time frame (which is different for everyone) the hair strand will fall out and a new one will grow back. For most people these cycles are so staggered throughout our head that we don’t notice it happening. When someone experiences a wave of hair loss, followed by lots of regrowth all starting at the same time, it can take a while for all these cycles to stagger again.

Thanks, Lucy! You can find Lucy on Instagram; @lucyv_hair.

**I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co.uk.