Postpartum hair loss might come as a shock as one of the lesser-known physical changes of pregnancy, but it is nothing to worry about. Postpartum alopecia is a completely normal, temporary process that affects the majority of women after they give birth.

It can still be hard to deal with hair loss in a time period characterized by sleep deprivation, radical change, and increased vulnerability to postpartum depression. We’ve compiled an answer to your every question, concern, and search for a solution, to help keep this process from becoming an additional stressor. Let’s take a look at what to expect from postpartum hair loss, and what products are best for increasing your hair growth.

During pregnancy, you are experiencing a surge of hormones that impact how your body functions. Estrogen and progesterone, two such hormones, decrease the typical rate of hair loss. They are accompanied by an increase in blood volume and circulation that produces the thicker hair quality common in pregnancy.

Typically, each hair follicle is largely acting independently in the hair cycle, with some follicles in the growth stage, and others in the resting or hair loss stages. The hormonal changes in pregnancy send an above average percentage of hair into the growth stage, while increased circulation reduces the number of those in the hair loss stage.

After giving birth, the hormones that caused dynamic shifting in the hair cycle begin to drop down to normal levels. As the hair cycle stabilizes and starts responding to nine months of increased growth, hair loss will accelerate. This can present in the form of an overall thinning effect, or in patchy, bald areas. Whereas we typically lose 50-100 hairs a day, a new mom can shed upwards of 400 hairs per day.

Hormone levels start to decline within a day of giving birth, but when you will start seeing noticeable hair loss varies by the individual and by birth. Breastfeeding will also keep some hormones, such as prolactin, higher in your system for several months, which could impact when postpartum hair loss subsides.

Most women notice significant changes around the three-month mark, and see a return to normal hair loss around six months after giving birth. Most women who experience postpartum hair loss will see the most changes within the two to six-month range.

However, this process varies from woman to woman, and can even change from one pregnancy to the next, so there is no guaranteed time frame.

Postpartum hair loss tends to peak around four months, but can last as long as up to 12 months after the baby is born, so there is no need for concern if your new baby seems to be growing hair faster than yourself.

Postpartum hair loss can seem alarming when you’ve gotten used to lower levels of loss over the past nine months. Normal postpartum hair loss can therefore seem sudden, extreme, and and more widespread than you would expect, particularly in longer hair.

However, giving birth can place strain on the body that can lead to health concerns. If you are worried that you seem to be losing an excessive amount of hair, or if this continues after the one-year mark, talk to your doctor or dermatologist about doing some tests to make sure there aren’t any underlying issues.

Pregnancy can change your ferritin levels, which are blood proteins that maintain the body’s iron stores. Iron deficiency can inhibit cells that stimulate hair growth. Hair loss can also be a sign of postpartum thyroiditis, a rare condition where the thyroid gland becomes inflamed after pregnancy.

As this is a normal, temporary process, there is no one treatment for completely stopping it in its tracks. However, there are several ways to decrease its impact.

Change the Way You Style

• Skip the straightening iron or tight braids to avoid damaging fragile hair
• If you experience patchy hair loss, try a shorter style and a wide-toothed comb for covering bald spots

Minimize Stress Levels

• Increased stressors facing new parents can promote inflammation in the body that inhibits hair follicle growth
• Talk to your dermatologist about therapies or products that can help reduce inflammation along your scalp

Guard Against Nutritional Deficiencies

• Nutrients, like iron and vitamins, play a vital role in facilitating hair growth
• Increase your intake of vitamin-rich foods, like dark, leafy greens and eggs, while your nutrient levels stabilize
• Continue to take prenatal vitamins and vitamin supplements

Invest in a Hair Growth Stimulator

• Look for shampoos that include ingredients such as biotin and caffeine, which stimulate hair growth
• Avoid sulfates and other chemicals that will increase inflammation and hair loss
• A good product will both improve hair growth and decreasing hair loss