Limit postpartum hair loss effectively and promote its regrowth

Welcome to a new phase of motherhood: the postpartum period, a time of joy, discovery, but also unexpected challenges, one of which is particularly common but little talked about: postpartum hair loss .

It is estimated that 50 to 75% of new mothers experience some form of hair loss after childbirth, highlighting the universality of this phenomenon and its integration into the natural postpartum recovery process. The amount of hair shedding varies from woman to woman, but this phenomenon, known as postpartum telogen effluvium , is a normal and expected part of recovery from pregnancy.

It's essential to understand that while the sight of strands of hair accumulating on your brush may be surprising or even alarming, postpartum hair loss is usually temporary.

In this article, we explore the mechanisms behind this hair loss specific to the postpartum period and offer you natural solutions to limit it effectively, in order to help you regain confidence and well-being in your life as a new mother.

Postpartum hair loss: a normal and temporary phenomenon

Postpartum hair loss is a common and natural phenomenon that occurs among many new mothers. This process is mainly due to significant hormonal changes that occur after childbirth. During pregnancy, high levels of hormones such as estrogen prolong the hair growth phase, reducing the usual hair loss. After childbirth, when these hormonal levels drop, a large amount of hair simultaneously enters the resting phase and then the shedding phase. This results in more hair loss than normal , but this is a temporary adjustment. Most women see their hair growth return to normal a few months after giving birth , once hormones stabilize and the hair cycle returns to its usual course.

Can you also lose your hair during pregnancy?

It is less common to lose hair during pregnancy . In fact, many women notice an improvement in the health and thickness of their hair during this time, thanks to the high levels of hormones that promote hair growth. However, factors such as nutritional imbalances, stress, or certain medical complications can lead to hair loss even during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman notices significant hair loss, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause.

When does postpartum hair loss occur?

Postpartum hair loss usually occurs between the third and ninth months after giving birth, peaking around the fourth month. This period may vary slightly from one woman to another. It is important to note that this phenomenon is temporary, and most women begin to notice regrowth and a return to normal hair density within a few months after hair loss begins. So don't panic, everything will be fine!

Hormones, main causes of postpartum hair loss?

The role of hormones during pregnancy

During pregnancy, estrogen levels increase significantly. Estrogens are hormones that have a positive effect on hair growth. They prolong the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle, which is the active growth phase.

Normally, a certain percentage of hair enters the telogen or resting phase, which culminates in hair loss. However, during pregnancy, less hair enters this resting phase thanks to high estrogen levels, resulting in generally thicker, healthier hair.

Hormonal changes after childbirth

After giving birth, estrogen levels drop quickly to their pre-pregnancy levels. This decrease in hormones causes a "catch-up" in the hair life cycle, where large numbers of hairs transition from the anagen to the telogen phase simultaneously.

After a short period of rest, this hair falls out , often in much greater quantities than is normally observed. This phenomenon is usually observed around 3 to 6 months after delivery.

Other factors can contribute to hair loss after pregnancy

Physical stress of postpartum:

Childbirth is indeed an intense physical event that places considerable stress on the body, affecting various bodily systems, including the hair growth cycle.

The triggering of hair loss can therefore also be due to several factors linked to childbirth, such as:

• Blood loss and iron deficiency : Significant blood loss during childbirth can reduce iron levels, which is crucial for hair growth.
• Postpartum Fatigue and Recovery : Extreme fatigue and the recovery process can also stress the body, influencing the hair growth cycle. There is also what we call postpartum fatigue which is a condition to be taken seriously.

Nutritional deficiencies:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are critical periods when the body's nutritional needs increase significantly to support both the mother's health and the baby's development. During these phases, the woman's body undergoes numerous physiological changes, including in terms of nutrition. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is essential to prevent deficiencies that can impact the mother's health, including the health of her hair. Here's a detailed look at the nutrients often involved in postpartum hair loss and their role in the body:

• Iron : Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, reducing oxygenation to organs and tissues, including hair follicles, which can weaken hair and cause hair loss.
• Zinc : Zinc plays a key role in the growth and repair of tissues, including hair. It is also important for immune system function and skin health. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss , as well as making hair thinner and less resilient.
• B Complex Vitamins : B vitamins, particularly biotin (B7), niacin (B3), and folate (B9), are vital for hair health. They help create red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. A deficiency in these vitamins can contribute to hair loss.
• Proteins : Proteins are the building blocks of hair, as hair is primarily composed of keratin, a type of protein. Not getting enough protein in your diet can slow hair growth and make existing hair more likely to fall out.

To prevent these deficiencies, it is important to adopt a balanced and varied diet that includes enough of these nutrients.

Emotional stress:

Emotional stress, especially common in the postpartum period, can have a significant impact on physical health, including hair health. This period of transition to motherhood involves many changes and challenges that can contribute to increased stress. Here's a detailed look at how emotional stress can influence hair loss and strategies to deal with it:

• Impact of stress on hair follicles : Stress can trigger a condition known as telogen effluvium (as seen previously), where more hair follicles prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle. hair. This can lead to noticeable hair loss a few months after the stressful event.
• Cortisol and Hair Health: Stress increases the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can negatively impact the hair growth cycle and potentially weaken new hair that grows back.

Postpartum stressors

• Adjusting to life with a newborn : Changes in routine, lack of sleep and increased responsibilities can be sources of stress for new mothers.
• Mental health challenges : Conditions such as postpartum depression or anxiety can exacerbate the stress experienced and, therefore, influence hair health.
• Social and personal pressures : Expectations about motherhood and pressure to "get your body back" can also contribute to stress.

Genetic factors:

Hair loss in women, especially after pregnancy, can be influenced by genetic factors. In some people, a hereditary predisposition can make hair follicles more sensitive to hormonal changes or other factors that trigger hair loss. Here is a detailed overview of the influence of genetic factors on hair loss and ways to manage it:

• Hormone Sensitivity : Genetic predisposition can make hair follicles particularly sensitive to hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during and after pregnancy. This can lead to a form of hair loss known as androgenetic alopecia.
• Female Androgenetic Alopecia: In women, this condition often manifests as diffuse thinning of the hair on the top of the head. It is less marked than in men but can be psychologically difficult to manage.

How to limit postpartum hair loss?

It should be noted that hair loss does not systematically affect all women following childbirth. However, estimates reveal that 50 to 75% of them experience significant hair loss during the postpartum period.

So to help you limit your hair loss, at Gapianne, we have listed products that are astonishing in their effectiveness.

👉 All the products we sell have been tested and approved in advance by our community!

Test our anti-hair loss routine

To combat postpartum hair loss effectively , we offer you a three-step natural routine (essential to limit hair loss):

• a course of food supplements for hair from Talm to prevent hair loss and stimulate regrowth,

• a strengthening shampoo from Even which respects the scalp while providing strength and vitality to the hair,

• and a densifying anti-hair loss serum from Miyé to revitalize and densify hair!

These products are all composed of natural, vegan ingredients, and made in France, have been tested and approved by the Gapianne community ❤️

Eat a balanced diet

The importance of a balanced diet in hair regrowth should not be underestimated. As we discussed earlier, essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in hair health. So remember to include foods rich in iron (lentils, spinach, quinoa, tofu), zinc (seafood, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, cashew nuts), vitamin D (salmon, mackerel, egg yolks) into your daily diet. eggs), vitamin B12, proteins and omega-3 (flaxseed oil, chia seeds, nuts, salmon). These nutrients support hair growth, strengthen follicles and thereby reduce postpartum hair loss.

Promote blood circulation to the scalp

Another important thing to consider is improving blood circulation in the scalp. It is indeed an effective strategy to combat postpartum hair loss. Simple actions like rinsing your hair with cold water after your shower and massaging your scalp regularly can stimulate blood circulation, nourish hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth. These practices, easy to incorporate into your hair care routine, can make a big difference in the health of your hair.

Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to your shampoo

Rosemary essential oil is known for its beneficial properties on hair health. By adding a few drops of this oil to your shampoo, you can not only improve blood circulation to the scalp (as we have just seen) but also strengthen the roots and stimulate hair growth. It’s a natural remedy to also include in your routine!

Avoid heat on your hair

And of course, repeated exposure to heat from hair dryers, straighteners or curling irons can weaken your hair and worsen hair loss. To preserve the health of your hair during the postpartum period, favor air drying whenever possible. If the use of heating devices is necessary, be sure to set them to a low temperature and apply a heat protectant to minimize damage. This gentle approach will help keep your hair strong and thus reduce shedding.

The postpartum period is marked by many changes, including in the health of your hair. Although postpartum hair loss can be a cause for concern, it's comforting to know that there are effective ways to limit its impact. By eating a diet rich in essential nutrients, promoting blood circulation to the scalp, and incorporating gentle, natural hair care into your routine, you can significantly improve the health of your hair. Remember that this phase is temporary and that with the right actions, you will quickly regain strength and vitality in your hair. Postpartum hair loss, although a challenge, can be approached with confidence and peace of mind, allowing you to fully concentrate on the joys of motherhood.