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 of 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 giving birth, highlighting the universality of this phenomenon and its integration into the natural postpartum recovery process. The amount of hair loss varies from woman to woman, but this phenomenon, known as postpartum telogen effluvium , is a normal and expected part of postpartum recovery.

It's important to understand that while the sight of clumps 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 effectively limit it, 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 in many new mothers. This process is primarily 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 delivery, 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 it is a temporary adjustment. Most women see their hair growth return to normal a few months after delivery , once hormones stabilize and the hair cycle returns to normal.

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Can you lose your hair during pregnancy too?

Hair loss during pregnancy is less common . In fact, many women notice an improvement in the health and thickness of their hair during this time, thanks to the increased 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 experiences significant hair loss, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause.

When does postpartum hair loss occur?

Postpartum hair loss typically occurs between the third and ninth month after giving birth, peaking around the fourth month. This timeframe can vary slightly from woman to woman. It's important to note that this is temporary, and most women begin to notice hair regrowth and a return to normal hair density a few months after the hair loss begins. So don't panic—everything will return to normal!

Are hormones the main cause 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, fewer hairs enter this resting phase due to elevated estrogen levels, resulting in generally thicker and healthier hair.

Hormonal changes after childbirth

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

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

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Other factors that may contribute to hair loss after pregnancy

Postpartum physical stress:

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

The onset 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, affecting the hair growth cycle. There is also something called postpartum fatigue, which is a condition that should 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, a woman's body undergoes many physiological changes, including nutritional changes. 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 implicated 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 make 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.
• Protein : Protein is the building block of hair, as hair is primarily made of keratin, a type of protein. Not getting enough protein 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, particularly common in the postpartum period, can have a significant impact on physical health, including hair health. This transition to motherhood involves many changes and challenges that can contribute to increased stress. Here's a detailed look at how emotional stress can affect hair loss and strategies for coping with it:

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

Postpartum stressors

• Adjusting to life with a newborn : Changes in routine, lack of sleep, and increased responsibilities can be stressful for new mothers.
• Mental health challenges : Conditions such as postpartum depression or anxiety can exacerbate the stress felt and, therefore, influence hair health.
• Social and personal pressures : Expectations about motherhood and pressure to "get your old 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 susceptible to hormonal changes or other factors that trigger hair loss. Here's a detailed look at how genetic factors influence hair loss and how 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 pronounced than in men but can be psychologically difficult to manage.

How to limit postpartum hair loss?

It's worth noting that hair loss doesn't systematically affect all women after childbirth. However, estimates show 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 amazingly effective.

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

Try our anti-hair loss routine

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

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

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

• and an anti-hair loss densifying serum from Miyé to revitalize and thicken hair!

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

Eat a balanced diet

The importance of a balanced diet in hair regrowth cannot be underestimated. As we discussed earlier, essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals play a crucial role in hair health. So, consider incorporating foods rich in iron (lentils, spinach, quinoa, tofu), zinc (seafood, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, cashews), vitamin D (salmon, mackerel, egg yolks), vitamin B12, protein, and omega-3 (flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnuts, salmon) into your daily diet. These nutrients support hair growth, strengthen follicles, and help reduce postpartum hair loss.

Promote blood circulation to the scalp

Another important factor to consider is improving blood circulation to the scalp. This is an effective strategy for combating postpartum hair loss. Simple steps like rinsing your hair with cold water after your shower and regularly massaging your scalp can stimulate blood circulation, nourish hair follicles, and promote healthy hair growth. These practices, which are 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 renowned for its beneficial properties for 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 just saw) but also strengthen the roots and stimulate hair growth. It's a natural remedy to include in your routine too!

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 maintain the health of your hair during the postpartum period, air-dry your hair whenever possible. If using heat-treated hair is necessary, be sure to set it on a low heat setting and apply a heat protectant to minimize damage. This gentle approach will help keep your hair strong and reduce hair loss.

The postpartum period is marked by many changes, including in the health of your hair. While 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 with the right steps, you'll quickly regain strength and vitality in your hair. Postpartum hair loss, while challenging, can be approached with confidence and serenity, allowing you to fully focus on the joys of motherhood.