We Inquired 3 Mothers About Their Thoughts on Postpartum Hair Loss—Here's Their Response

Months after the birth of her second child, Alyssa Rios assumed she had avoided postpartum hair loss. Her hair appeared unchanged, and she felt confident. That perception shifted when she came across an old photograph nearly a year after giving birth, noticing her hair had thinned. You could actually see through my hair, she recalls. It made me feel self-conscious.

Postpartum hair loss, medically known as postpartum telogen effluvium, involves temporary shedding ranging from minor breakage to extensive scalp hair loss. Typically, shedding begins three to four months after delivery and can persist for six to nine months, occasionally lasting up to a year. During this period, individuals may lose 300 to 400 hairs per day, compared to the average 50 to 100 hairs daily.

Pregnancy triggers hormonal changes, particularly a rise in estrogen, which keeps hairs in the growth phase longer than usual, explains Dr. Oyetewa Asempa, assistant professor of Dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine. This makes hair appear fuller during pregnancy. After delivery, shedding begins almost immediately.

Although over 90% of new mothers experience some level of hair loss, the severity varies. Only 30 to 50% notice a significant difference in hair volume, Dr. Asempa adds. Not every woman experiences dramatic shedding.

While hair loss is a natural postpartum occurrence, it can affect self-esteem. Meg Ricci, mother to a 6-month-old, began losing hair three months postpartum. She anticipated it and initially wasnt concerned. At first, I was fine, knowing it was normal, she says. But after six months, its made me feel a little insecure. Ricci hasnt sought treatments, concerned about breastfeeding safety, and now sports baby bangs caused by hair shedding.

Bern Pichardo Jauregui, mother of a 3-year-old, also continues to shed hair. During a recent doctors visit, she noticed strands left behind, which embarrassed her. However, she hasnt pursued remedies, preferring a low-maintenance approach to her wavy-curly hair. Im just lazy about hair care, she admits. I dont do anything special.

In many cases, doing nothing is sufficient. Postpartum hair loss usually resolves naturally, Dr. Asempa explains. People may credit remedies on social media, but hair would have regrown on its own.

The timeline of recovery varies. Hair thinning at the temples or smaller patches may appear fuller quickly, while overall thinning takes longer. Dr. Asempa often uses high-resolution photos to reassure patients that hair is regrowing.

Even as hair returns, texture and fullness can change. Pichardo notes her hair feels drier than before pregnancy. Rios decided to cut her 4A hair into a bob to make it appear thicker, blending damage from mid-lengths and ends with the style. I could adapt because I knew I had options, she says. Ive cut my hair before, even shaved it in college. If it looks bad, a wig can help until it grows back.

Rios emphasizes patience and self-compassion. Its a challenging process, she reflects. Postpartum changes affect both body and mind, but with time, things normalize.

Author: Jackson Miller