X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

Postpartum Hair Fall: What causes it and how to deal with it

6 min read

When talking about pregnancy and everything that comes with it, people talk about mood swings, stretch marks, nausea, and so forth. But not a lot of people talk about one particular thing that comes after giving birth: postpartum hair loss.

One theAsianparent Community user, alarmed at the rate she was losing hair after giving birth, turned to the community for help.

The community’s response was one of reassurance and understanding: postpartum hair loss is totally normal.

What can you read in this article? 

  • Postpartum hair fall
  • Thinning hair after pregnancy
  • Postpartum hair loss treatment

Thinning hair after pregnancy

Postpartum Hair Fall: What causes it and how to deal with it

A few months after having a baby, many new women notice considerable hair loss. This is quite natural, and it isn’t actual hair loss. Excessive hair shedding is the term dermatologists use to describe this condition. Falling estrogen levels cause increased shedding.

The good news is that this excessive shedding is only temporary, and there is little you can do about it. By the first birthday of their kid, most women’s hair has returned to its original fullness. Many women restore normal fullness even before they reach menopause.

If your hair has not returned to its original fullness after a year, you should consult a dermatologist. It’s possible that something else is causing your hair to fall out. Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, and an accurate diagnosis is necessary for efficient therapy.

What causes postpartum hair fall

Postpartum Hair Fall: What causes it and how to deal with it

READ MORE: 

Postpartum must-haves: 7 items you absolutely need after giving birth

Postpartum meal guide: what to eat after giving birth

Signs and symptoms of postpartum anxiety and ways to deal with it

1. Hormonal changes cause postpartum hair loss

“This is just a phase as your hormones try to regulate back to pre-pregnancy,” Aki K. wrote. “It will be over soon.”

Medical experts agree with Aki: our estrogen levels decline after giving birth, causing hair loss. “This usually starts the third or fourth postpartum and ends by six months,” Dr. Joanne Stone tells Parents. “This temporary hair loss doesn’t mean you’re deficient in nutrition or vitamins, says Dr. Stone. It’s simply hormonal.”

Your hormone levels restore to pre-pregnancy levels after you deliver your kid. The decrease in estrogen causes your hair to return to its normal growth, rest, and fall out cycle.

A substantial amount of your hair will immediately enter the resting phase. The hairs have completed their resting period and are beginning to come out some months later.

Postpartum hair loss is obvious since it exceeds the normal daily hair loss of 100 hairs. Telogen effluvium, or excessive shedding, is the technical term for this form of hair loss.

Hormone variations in postpartum women cause more strands of hair to reach the resting stage than typical, only to fall out a few weeks later. You might notice that you’re losing up to 300 hairs per day.

Postpartum hair loss treatment

If you’re worried about how your thinning hair looks, Parents recommends doing these things to deal with this temporary hair loss:

1. Make your hair look fuller with volumizing products and texture

Hair thickeners or mousse can make your hair look fuller, so you can see if these work for you. Now is also a good time to embrace your curls, if your hair’s naturally curly or wavy. If you have straight hair, try adding texture with rollers or a curling iron.

It’s a case of trial and error when it comes to finding the best shampoo and conditioner for thin hair. There isn’t a single component that distinguishes one volumizing shampoo or conditioner for fine hair from another.

Here’s what dermatologists recommend using and avoiding:

  • Use a volumizing shampoo. These shampoos tend to contain ingredients like protein that coat the hair, making the hair appear fuller.
  • Avoid any shampoo labeled “conditioning shampoo.” These contain heavy conditioners that can weigh down the hair and make it look limp.
  • Use a conditioner formulated for fine hair. These contain lighter formulas that will not weigh down hair.
  • Use conditioner primarily on the ends of your hair. Applying conditioner to your scalp and all of your hair tends to weigh down hair.
  • Avoid conditioners labeled “intensive conditioners.” These are too heavy.

2. Get a haircut

Postpartum hair loss is more noticeable if you have longer hair. “You can have a hair cut or style your hair so that the bald spots won’t be too obvious,” wrote Ester E. on theAsianparent Community.

3. Dye your hair

Dark-haired moms can lighten their locks to camouflage their receding hairline. (There hasn’t been a lot of research done on the effects of using hair dye while breastfeeding, but according to NHS, it’s “very unlikely” that the chemicals in hair dye will enter your bloodstream and your breast milk.)

4. Part your hair another way

Changing the way you part your hair is an effective way to hide postpartum hair loss.

5. Accessorize

Try wearing scarves, headbands, hats, and so forth. This is a quick and easy way to hide thinning hair, and you’ve got tons of options at your disposal.

Postpartum hair fall is not permanent

Hair loss increases after having a baby, however, this does not mean you will lose your hair permanently. Over time, your hair should return to its normal growth patterns. By the time your child is a year old, you can expect your hair to be as full at the roots as it usually is. The new hairs that grow will, however, be shorter than the existing hairs on your head.

You should consult your doctor if your hair continues to thin or does not appear to be growing back. Another health problem, such as anemia or a thyroid problem, could be causing hair loss.

 

Updates from Margaux Dolores

Web MD, Parents, American Academy of Dermatology Association

Here at theAsianparent Philippines, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advise or medical treatment. TheAsianparent Philippines is not responsible to those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend to consult your doctor for clearer information.

Partner Stories
Delightful Baon Pairings Your Kids Will Love
Delightful Baon Pairings Your Kids Will Love
From “Kulang” to “Lamang”: How Lactum 3+ Helps Provide Upgraded All-Around Development For Your Child
From “Kulang” to “Lamang”: How Lactum 3+ Helps Provide Upgraded All-Around Development For Your Child
This SPAMtastic™ Christmas Gift Idea Will Surely Be a Hit
This SPAMtastic™ Christmas Gift Idea Will Surely Be a Hit
Give Yourself the Care You Deserve!
Give Yourself the Care You Deserve!

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

ddc-calendar
Get ready for the baby’s arrival by adding your due date.
OR
Calculate your due date
img
Written by

Cristina Morales

Become a Contributor

Edited by:

Margaux Dolores

  • Home
  • /
  • General
  • /
  • Postpartum Hair Fall: What causes it and how to deal with it
Share:
  • Folic Acid: Why it's important for pregnant moms to take it in the First Trimester

    Folic Acid: Why it's important for pregnant moms to take it in the First Trimester

  • Mom confessions: "Sinabi ng nanay ko na kaartehan lang ang postpartum depression ko"

    Mom confessions: "Sinabi ng nanay ko na kaartehan lang ang postpartum depression ko"

  • Pregnant woman thought she had a stomachache but it was actually her baby ready to come out

    Pregnant woman thought she had a stomachache but it was actually her baby ready to come out

  • Folic Acid: Why it's important for pregnant moms to take it in the First Trimester

    Folic Acid: Why it's important for pregnant moms to take it in the First Trimester

  • Mom confessions: "Sinabi ng nanay ko na kaartehan lang ang postpartum depression ko"

    Mom confessions: "Sinabi ng nanay ko na kaartehan lang ang postpartum depression ko"

  • Pregnant woman thought she had a stomachache but it was actually her baby ready to come out

    Pregnant woman thought she had a stomachache but it was actually her baby ready to come out

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at update sa pagbubuntis.