Is it normal to lose hair after pregnancy (postpartum hair loss)? Or is postpartum hair loss a serious problem that needs to be addressed?
One of the things that I love about being pregnant is that the pregnancy hormones often make your hair much thicker and fuller than normal. I definitely noticed a difference in the thickness of my hair during both of my pregnancies.
However, once you give birth, it’s normal to shed some hair, and it can look quite dramatic as your hormones stabilize and you return to your normal, non-pregnant hair thickness.
Postpartum Hair Loss
Postpartum hair loss can happen gradually for many women, but it can also happen suddenly and dramatically. For me, it seems to happen suddenly around the 4-6 month mark.
After my recent birth, I didn’t notice significant hair loss until around five months postpartum. That’s when I suddenly noticed huge hairballs in the shower, on my brush, and around the house.
The good news is that for most women, this is only temporary, and the hair loss should slow down within a few months (and eventually stop). The bad news is that hair loss can get worse if you have other underlying health issues.
Vitamin Deficiency and Postpartum Hair Loss
After my first birth, I started to notice hair loss after a few months. However, it got so bad that I actually noticed a small bald spot at my temple area. I went to the doctor, and she diagnosed me with alopecia and ran some blood tests.
Despite taking prenatal vitamins throughout my pregnancy and postpartum period, the tests showed that my vitamin D level was critically low. I had to start taking a prescription dose of it. A couple of months later, my hormones stabilized and my vitamin D levels were better. My hair eventually stopped shedding, and my hair began to regrow in the bald spot.
Losing some hair postpartum is normal, but if you notice excessive hair loss, thinning, or bald spots, I’d recommend you make an appointment with your doctor to run some tests. You could have a vitamin deficiency, thyroid problem, or some other health issue causing excessive hair loss.
My Postpartum Vitamins
This time around, I’m taking postnatal multivitamins and an extra vitamin D supplement. Because I’m breastfeeding and don’t get a lot of calcium in my diet, I sometimes add a calcium supplement, usually every other day. I’m also taking fish oil daily. That’s all I’m taking as far as supplements are concerned, and so far, I haven’t developed bald spots or major health issues. Of course, always talk with your doctor before adding supplements, especially if you are breastfeeding, because too much of a vitamin can cause serious problems.
Postpartum Hair Loss Routine
Some of you have asked about my hair care routine, and I actually made a video on that in the past, but I have changed my shampoo since then. I read that shampoo with sulfates in them can cause some hair to fall out. So about a year or so ago, I switched to this coconut oil shampoo called “OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Shampoo.” It definitely makes my hair feel moisturized and it makes it shiny.
I don’t wash my hair every day. I usually wash it 2-3 times per week, and I brush it gently. I’d recommend avoiding excess hair grooming while you are experiencing postpartum hair loss.
Another thing I changed was that I upgraded to a new Remington D3190 Damage Control hair dryer, which is purple (my favorite color!). This one is supposed to use ions to prevent your hair from drying out, and I definitely noticed that this hair dryer didn’t make my hair as “fluffy” compared to my last one, which didn’t have that “damage control” feature.
Postpartum Hair Loss Conclusion
In conclusion, postpartum hair loss is a natural part of the whole pregnancy and birthing experience. You’ll likely gain thick hair and a nice glow while you’re pregnant, but you’ll experience some hair loss and shedding once it’s all over.
Postpartum hair loss can vary from woman to woman, but if you notice severe hair loss that leaves bald spots or excessive thinning, you might want to get a checkup with your doctor to test for potential vitamin deficiencies or other health problems.