Are you noticing that your hair is clogging the drain in the shower or that your receding hairline is impacting your self-esteem? These may be signs of postpartum hair loss, which affects an average of 40-50% of women, many of whom experience hair thinning and dullness shortly after giving birth.
Don't panic – this is more normal than you might think! Hair loss can negatively impact your confidence levels and favorite hairstyles, but it's a natural part of pregnancy.
We're here to walk you through how to prevent postpartum hair loss so you can maintain your hair's natural beauty and recover the confidence you need to rock your favorite hairstyles.
What Is Postpartum Hair Loss?
Postpartum hair loss is a temporary pregnancy symptom that some women experience after childbirth that can impact their hair's look, feel, and overall fullness.
The average person sheds around 100 strands of hair daily, but most women may shed up to 300 strands each day for six months post-birth. However, everyone is different – some women might only shed 200 strands, while others may shed none. Pay attention to your symptoms and keep an eye on your shower drain!
Which Hormones Affect Hair Growth
After giving birth, a woman's estrogen levels experience a significant drop, but this is a normal part of the pregnancy process that can sometimes cause considerable hair loss. When your body returns to pre-pregnancy estrogen levels, it disrupts your natural growth cycle. Overall, hair goes through three different cycles:
1. The Growth Phase — where you may experience significant hair growth.
2. The Catagen Phase — where your hair follicle shrinks in size, slowing down the growth process.
3. The Resting Phase — when your hair stops growing and begins to fall out to make room for new growth.
When estrogen levels drop, it causes a significant portion of your hair to enter the resting phase, which can lead to hair loss.
How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?
Women may experience signs of postpartum hair loss during the first three to six months after childbirth, and it can take up to a year for your hair to return to normal fullness. The good news is that it's only temporary, and your hair will eventually grow back to your desired length.
How to Prevent Postpartum Hair Loss
If you're pregnant or hoping to become pregnant in the upcoming year, there are extra precautions you can take to maintain the integrity of your hair and combat signs of this pregnancy symptom.
Adjust Your Diet
A proper diet can make all the difference. Before, during, and after pregnancy, prioritize a diet full of fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. We recommended foods rich in zinc, iron, vitamin C, and B7. Making meaningful dietary changes will also alleviate some of the stress that comes with the pregnancy's body changes.
Prioritize Exercise
You should get at least 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, which will help you maintain normal bodily functions and keep you healthy throughout pregnancy.
Try Supplements
Postpartum hair loss vitamins and prenatal supplements ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs throughout pregnancy. If you're worried about hair loss or maintaining the integrity of your hair, try the Hair Revitalizing Complex – our clean, science-backed dietary supplement that supports new growth, prevents shedding and keeps your hair looking its best throughout the postpartum period. During our clinical trials, this supplement increased all participants' hair count by 34.07% in just 12 weeks.
What To Do if You're Experiencing Postpartum Hair Loss
Hair loss is a normal part of pregnancy for most women, so try not to let it get you down. Thankfully, there are small ways you can revise your daily routine to keep your hair looking its best throughout the three to six months post-birth period.
Modify Your Haircare Routine
When you experience hair loss, consider adding a volumizing shampoo to your hair care routine, which will help you regain confidence while giving your hair the extra fullness you desire.
Consider using The Shampoo, our clean breakthrough formula that strengthens at the root for fuller, healthier-looking hair. During clinical trials, participants reported that The Shampoo increased strand thickness by 197%. We recommend regular use of this nutrient-rich formula to help improve hair thickness and shine.
Reduce Stress
Finding ways to reduce stress can combat hormonal imbalances and give you the peace of mind you need to get through postpartum. Consider breathing exercises, meditation, and different exercise routines to find what works best.
Be Careful with Up-Dos
We have bad news if you're used to throwing your hair in slicked-back buns or high, tight ponytails – these looks can be overly straining and cause more harm than good. Instead, opt for a messy bun or headband throughout postpartum. When you want to play with an up-do, carefully brush your hair back with a comb and be gentle.
Trust us – your hair will thank you!
Only Condition Your Ends
Applying your conditioner to your scalp can weigh down your hair and make it appear thinner and greasier. Instead, ensure you only apply conditioner to your ends. Use The Conditioner to hydrate, smooth, and de-frizz hair while strengthening and thickening strands. This hydrating formula is lightweight and will give your hair the extra shine you desire.
Prioritize Your Scalp Health
Strong, healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Constantly dealing with a dry, flaky scalp or ongoing irritation can lead to unwanted breakage and hair loss. With The Scalp Treatment, you can improve your overall scalp health while strengthening the hair follicles at the root to support growth. During our 12-week clinical trials, 92% of participants agreed this innovative serum encouraged new hair growth.
Be patient
We know this is easier said than done. However, it's always important to remember that hair loss is temporary. Stay positive and patient, and you'll be able to show off your lovely locks in no time!
Upgrade Your Haircare with Augustinus Bader
The products you choose can make all the difference. With the right hair care essentials and supplements, you can combat postpartum hair loss and keep your hair looking and feeling its best. TFC8®'s hair-loving ingredients power all our hair care essentials so you can maintain your confidence throughout postpartum.
