Postpartum Hair Loss: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Last updated On 13th Feb 2024 by Reeta Chaman

What is postpartum hair loss?

Loss of hair which occurs after the birth of the baby is known as postpartum hair loss. The hair loss usually begins about three to six months after the delivery takes place. It is quite a common occurrence in many new mothers but often many such cases remain unreported as the new mothers feel ashamed to let anyone know about the issues they face or talk about this “sensitive” topic.

What is the cause of postpartum hair loss?

The hair on the scalp of any person regardless of age, race and gender, go through a continuous cycle of growth and loss throughout life. However, this pattern changes in women when they become pregnant as there is a sudden lengthening of the growth phase of the cycle due to the increase in the level of hormones released within the pregnant woman’s body. After the delivery of the baby, the level of hormones gradually begins returning to its normal range and as that happens the excess hair which grew during the growth phase while the woman was pregnant, start to shed.

What are the signs and symptoms of postpartum hair loss?

Postpartum hair loss is a phenomenon that initially goes unnoticed by women for a short period of time. However this condition is considered normal and really cannot be avoided. Many women feel as if they might become bald and this fear takes a heavy toll on their confidence. Many women tend to stay indoors and not attend social gatherings in order to avoid feeling embarrassed due to any change in their physical appearance as a result of the hair loss. In severe cases women who suffer from loss of hair, after the end of their pregnancy often fall into depression. On average, more than a hundred hair fall off every day in a woman after pregnancy.

How is postpartum hair loss diagnosed?

Postpartum hair loss is a condition which can be easily diagnosed by looking at a history of recent pregnancy and the signs and symptoms a woman presents with. Moreover, the new mother herself would begin to take notice of the chunks of hair which would start falling from her scalp at a faster than normal rate. The frequency of the loss of hair would be quick enough to make a woman feel uncomfortable and worried. The new mother would be compelled to seek the advise of a doctor or a hair expert who would provide her with the answers to any questions she might have regarding the state of her hair.

What is the treatment of postpartum hair loss?

No treatment is necessary for postpartum hair loss as this condition subsides with time and after a period of about six to twelve months the loss of hair drops back the level which occurs in any other woman who is not pregnant. However there are a few ways in which a woman might manage her condition properly including eating a healthy, balanced diet containing lots of essential vitamins and minerals to give strength to an individual’s hair, avoid applying colours as chemicals might damage the hair and cause further hair loss, curd can also be used as it is often regarding the one of the best conditioners for our hair, massaging the scalp regularly helps with the promotion of blood circulation and the subsequent increase in hair growth, use herbal oil and coconut in any form regularly in order to arrest hair fall.