A few weeks or months after giving birth, many moms suddenly notice increased hair loss. In the shower, on a hairbrush, or simply by running a hand through their hair, the phenomenon can sometimes be striking.
This hair loss after pregnancy is common. It is primarily linked to hormonal changes and the natural hair growth cycle.
Why does it occur after childbirth? How long can it last? And how can you take care of your hair during this period?
Why do we lose our hair after giving birth?
Every hair naturally goes through different phases: growth, transition, resting, and then shedding.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes temporarily alter this cycle. Many hairs remain in their growth phase for longer, which can give the appearance of fuller hair.
After childbirth, when hormone levels shift again, a larger proportion of hair enters the shedding phase simultaneously.
This is commonly known as postpartum telogen effluvium.
In other words, the hair that seems to fall out suddenly after birth partly corresponds to hair whose cycle had been modified during pregnancy.
When does postpartum hair loss begin?
It generally does not appear immediately after delivery.
The shedding often becomes more visible a few months after birth. However, its intensity and duration vary significantly from one woman to another.
In the majority of cases, this is a temporary phenomenon, and the hair cycle gradually returns to normal.
How to take care of your hair during the postpartum period?
There is no cosmetic procedure that can prevent the hormonal phenomenon behind postpartum hair loss. However, you can adopt a few simple habits to take care of your hair and scalp during this time.
Handle hair gently
When hair feels more fragile, it is best to limit very tight hairstyles and aggressive handling.
Gentle detangling, starting from the ends, also helps to limit breakage.
Limit unnecessary stress
Very hot styling tools, repeated bleaching, and other aggressive treatments can further weaken the hair fiber.
This does not mean you have to give up your hair care routine after birth, but simply prioritize gentleness when your hair needs it.
Watch your diet
After pregnancy and childbirth, the body goes through a significant recovery period.
A varied and balanced diet helps provide the proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids necessary for the body to function normally.
With a newborn, meals are obviously not always perfectly organized. The goal is not perfection, but rather to maintain a diversified and sufficient diet as much as possible.
Can dietary supplements help?
Dietary supplements cannot stop the physiological phenomenon of postpartum hair loss.
However, certain nutrients play a role in maintaining normal hair. This is particularly the case for zinc, selenium, and biotin.
Supplementation should not be systematic, however: needs depend on factors such as diet, the postpartum period, and individual circumstances.
At Pioupiou, Mama Glow was developed with an in & out beauty approach, to complement a varied diet and care routine. Its formula combines different micronutrients selected specifically for skin, hair, and nails.
A dietary supplement does not replace a varied and balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle. If you are breastfeeding, undergoing medical treatment, suspect a deficiency, or have specific needs, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation.
When should you talk to a healthcare professional?
Even if postpartum hair loss is common and usually temporary, not all hair loss after pregnancy is necessarily linked to the postpartum period.
Particularly significant hair loss that persists and is accompanied by bald patches or other symptoms deserves to be discussed with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Certain conditions, notably thyroid disorders or specific nutritional deficiencies, can also be associated with hair loss and require appropriate assessment.
Taking care of yourself during this period
Hair loss is just one of the many changes the body may undergo after birth.
Fatigue, changes in skin, physical recovery, hormonal shifts, and a new lifestyle often overlap during the first few months.
Rather than trying to fix everything immediately, this period can also be approached as a time of transition: taking care of yourself with simple steps, accepting that the body is evolving, and asking for advice whenever something worries you.
To learn more, also discover our guide Postpartum: taking care of yourself after birth.