Hair loss postpartum? Here’s what you need to know….
A big topic with clients at the moment! If you are experiencing some changes in hair health postpartum you are definitely not alone.
You might be noticing more hair in the shower drain or on your brush, take a deep breath everything is going to be okay!
Postpartum hair loss is incredibly common and while it can feel alarming, it’s usually temporary. The good news is there are ways to support healthy regrowth and protect the hair you have while your body works on restoring balance.
What causes postpartum hair loss?
A few factors need to be taken into consideration with postpartum hair loss. During pregnancy certain hormone levels keep hair in the growth phase for longer, giving many women thicker, fuller hair. After birth levels drop and that extra hair sheds, unfortunately often all at once. This typically is noticed around 3–6 months postpartum.
Nutritional needs increase significantly throughout pregnancy and postpartum, making deficiencies more common. During pregnancy nutrients are prioritised to support baby’s growth and development, sometimes at the expense of the mothers nutrient stores.
After birth, especially if breastfeeding, these demands continue as the body works to produce milk, heal tissue and rebalance hormones. This can leave many women depleted, even if they are eating well!
While you can’t stop the hormonal shift, you can support your hormonal health, nutritional status, scalp, and overall health to encourage regrowth. Here are some helpful tips!
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Focus on nutrients
Hair growth is heavily influenced by nutrition, and getting the right nutrients can improve hair strength, growth rate, and reduce shedding. Here are some of the top nutrients for hair growth.
PROTEIN - Hair is made of keratin, a type of protein. Without enough, hair growth slows and strands become weak.
Sources: Eggs, chicken, tofu, lentils, Greek yogurt, quinoa, fish.
IRON - Iron helps red blood cells deliver oxygen to hair follicles.
Sources: Red meat, spinach, lentils, pumpkin seeds.
VITAMIN C- Helps with iron absorption and supports collagen production for strong hair structure.
Sources: Citrus fruits, strawberries, capsicum, broccoli.
BIOTIN (VITAMIN B7) - Essential for keratin production and hair shaft strength. Deficiency may cause thinning or brittle hair.
Sources: Eggs (especially yolks), almonds, salmon, avocados, sweet potatoes.
ZINC- Helps with hair tissue growth and repair. Zinc also keeps oil glands around the hair follicle working properly.
Sources: Oysters, beef, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, cashews, whole grains.
COLLAGEN - Collagen provides amino acids that support hair building and follicle health.
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Scalp care
A healthy scalp = healthy hair growth.
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Massage your scalp for 5 minutes a day to increase blood flow to the follicles
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Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos
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Avoid over-washing!
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Try a scalp oil or serum with rosemary to stimulate circulation
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Avoid tight ponytails or buns
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Seek support from a naturopath
Hormones don’t immediately “bounce back” after birth. Thyroid imbalances, gut health, and nutrient absorption all affect hair growth.
If hair loss feels excessive or continues beyond postpartum, it may be worth exploring:
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Thyroid function
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Iron and ferritin levels
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Gut health and nutrient absorption
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Working with a practitioner can help uncover underlying imbalances and provide targeted support!
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Be patient with the process
This is often the hardest part, but also the most important. Hair regrowth takes time. Baby hairs around the hairline are often the first sign that things are improving (even if they stick straight up for a while!).
Postpartum hair loss is not a failure of your body, it’s a sign that it’s recalibrating after doing something extraordinary.
