Summary
Postpartum hair loss is a common experience for new mothers, typically occurring a few months after childbirth due to hormonal changes that lower estrogen levels. This shedding is a temporary condition, with most women regaining their hair's fullness by their child's first birthday. Tips for managing this phase include trying new hairstyles, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding hair practices that may cause additional breakage. If hair does not return to normal fullness after one year, consulting a dermatologist may be advisable to rule out other causes. Overall, postpartum hair loss is a natural phase that many women experience.
A few months after having a baby, new moms commonly see significant hair loss. While it is quite shocking, this natural process is normal and not true hair loss. “Hormonal changes during pregnancy stimulates an increase in hair growth. As a result, many women enjoy thicker hair during pregnancy, as more hairs than normal are growing and fewer than normal are resting/shedding.
Postpartum hair loss is referred to as excessive hair shedding due to falling estrogen levels. The shedding is temporary and most women regain their normal fullness by their child’s first birthday,” noted Dr. Shilpa Sawardekar, board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology. Hair shedding usually peaks about four months after giving birth. If your hair does not regain its normal fullness after one year, you may want to see a dermatologist. At that point there may be an additional underlying cause of your hair loss.
Postpartum Hair Loss Tips
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Find a location near youIf you are struggling with the temporary thinner hair, follow the suggested tips until your hair regains its fullness:
• Try a new hairstyle that will make your hair appear fuller
• Continue with a daily vitamin and eating a balanced diet to promote healthy hair growth
• Avoid using a brush or comb that pulls on your hair, removing additional hair
• Avoid putting your hair in a ponytail while wet, or tightly – this may result in additional breakage
As with the struggles you may be having with your newborn, remember postpartum hair loss is also “a season” and this too shall pass. Before you know it your pre-pregnancy hair will be back.
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About Forefront Dermatology
At Forefront Dermatology, we believe that healthy, beautiful skin is a reflection of overall well-being. That's why we're committed to providing the highest quality skin and body care, backed by cutting-edge technology and a team of world-class experts. In other words, we're always at the forefront of skin and body healthcare.
Our goal isn't just about how you look on the outside. We aim to transform lives.
By delivering industry-leading skin and body healthcare to more people in more places, we move closer and closer to this goal for thousands of people every day.