Postpartum Hair Loss

Losing those luscious pre-baby locks? If it’s been a few months since you’ve had your baby, you may have noticed some signs of hair loss - extra strands coming when you wash your hair and in the shower drain, excess hair clinging to your clothing or pillow. Is this anything to worry about? 

After the life changing event of having a baby, the new challenges of establishing breastfeeding, sleep times and endless nappy changes can be a big adjustment. For many new mums experiencing these changes and a consistent lack of sleep, the prospect of losing your hair seems alarming and unfair! Rest assured; however, postpartum hair loss is a temporary and completely normal phase.

So why is this happening?

Typically, the average person loses 100 strands of hair per day. Most people do not notice this amount of normal hair loss. Hair goes through several stages during its growth cycle, from the initial growth stage to transition and finally shedding. During pregnancy, your oestrogen levels are higher, which means the growth phase is longer, and therefore the rate of normal hair loss is reduced. Many women report thicker and more luscious hair. As a result, an added benefit of the pregnancy glow! When the baby is born, the levels of oestrogen drop and this hormonal change triggers hair shedding at a faster rate. Postpartum hair loss typically peaks around four months post baby, and hair will usually recover to pre-pregnancy levels by the time baby is around 9-12 months old.

Nutrients to support postpartum hair growth

Although postpartum hair loss is a normal part of the hair growth cycle due to hormonal changes in pregnancy, certain nutrients are beneficial in maintaining healthy hair growth postpartum and beyond:

• Protein is a key macro-nutrient for supporting healthy hair. Hair follicles and keratin are made from protein, so it’s important to ensure you are consuming adequate dietary protein from both plant and animal sources on a daily basis. The recommended protein intake for breastfeeding women is 1.0g/kg of body weight per day; however, this varies based on the individual.

• Iron status has been linked to hair loss in women. A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis involving over 10,000 women of child-bearing age across 16 countries concluded that women with hair loss could benefit from increasing their ferritin levels (stored iron). 

• Zinc is an important mineral for tissue growth and repair. People with known zinc deficiency may improve hair growth by increasing their zinc status from both dietary and supplement sources.

• Folate and vitamin B12 are essential for healthy red blood cell production. A healthy blood flow and oxygenation to the scalp is important for maintaining hair follicles. 

• Biotin is a B-vitamin-like nutrient necessary to produce a hair protein called keratin. Research supporting biotin for hair growth is mixed. However, it may be beneficial for a known deficiency. 

• Vitamin C is an important nutrient for collagen formation. Collagen is required to build hair protein and strengthen follicles and healthy skin on your scalp. It is also an antioxidant nutrient, protective against oxidative stress. 

• Antioxidant nutrients Vitamin A (beta-carotene) and Vitamin E protect the hair follicle from damage due to oxidative stress.

• Iodine is a crucial nutrient for healthy thyroid gland function that regulates the hair growth cycle. 

To increase your intake of the above nutrients, your diet is the best place to start. Eating a variety of fruit and vegetables, lean protein, legumes, eggs, whole grains and healthy fats daily will support your body during your postpartum months and allow recovery of hair growth. When choosing fresh produce, think of ‘eating a rainbow’ each day to capture the biggest variety of nutrients your body requires to function at its best. 

To address any nutrient gaps and provide additional support for postpartum recovery, it is also recommended to continue with your prenatal multi-vitamin postpartum, ideally until ceasing breastfeeding. 

Lifestyle tips to care for your hair

• Treat your hair gently. Try not to brush your hair when wet. Avoid over-styling with hair straighteners and curling irons. Avoid tight ponytails and braids, which increase tension on your hair.

• Exposure to UV light can be harmful to your hair. Protect your hair from sunlight by wearing a hat outdoors.

• Adopt stress management practices such as meditation, breathing techniques, self-care, movement, and massage.

• Try a scalp massage to stimulate blood flow around the hair follicles

Twelve months later and still losing hair?

• Naturopathic treatment, including certain herbs and supplements, may support underlying deficiencies postpartum and encourage healthy hair growth. Before beginning any supplementation, seek the advice of a qualified naturopath or herbalist to ensure the treatment is right for you. 

• If you notice the hair loss or worsening persists or worsens upon and beyond your child’s first birthday, other underlying health conditions may need to be investigated. Please consult your doctor or healthcare professional for advice.

Written by Michele Campbell, Naturopath.  Michelle is practising at Beattie Street Health on Thursdays.  Book an appointmnent or read more about Michelle