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Caring for postpartum hair

As if there weren’t enough changes to deal with during pregnancy and postpartum, postpartum hair thinning is here to throw you a curveball. But what is the deal with postpartum hair thinning? Why does your hair shed, how long does it last, and how can you manage these changes? Let’s look into key root causes of postpartum hair thinning!

During pregnancy,  increased amounts of progesterone and estrogen induces anagen and impacts the hair follicle from shifting to the resting phase (telogen). This means hair remains in a growing phase longer and since the hair doesn’t come to the end of its growth cycle as quickly, you don’t lose as many individual hairs each day. The result is fuller hair. After giving birth, hormones including estrogen and progesterone decline while cortisol increases, which impacts the prolonged growth cycle and causes all those hairs to enter their overdue shedding phase at once. Emotional stress from a new routine, physical stress from giving birth, and nutritional gaps are other causes of hair thinning.

How long does it last?

You’ll start to notice hair thinning between one and six months postpartum, with most people experiencing the peak at 3 months. It can be common for hair to shed in larger amounts or to experience more thinning around the hairline. No need to panic; with proper hair care and supplements, you can minimize the amount of shedding. 

How can I care for thinning hair?

Unfortunately, some postpartum hair thinning affects many people, however, there are some ways to care for postpartum hair and prevent more shedding.

  • Go easy on your hair — don’t apply too much heat or stress to your hair. Avoid tight hairstyles like slicked back buns and ponytails and if you must use heat, try styling with a heat protectant first.
  • Get the proper nutrients — Getting the proper nutrients while postpartum is key for maintaining healthy hair. A postpartum hair growth supplement can help you reduce hair thinning. Nutrafol’s Postpartum Hair Growth Supplement is OBGYN-developed, 100% drug-free and breastfeeding-friendly. Their formula is clinically tested and physician-formulated with ingredients like Theanine and Shatavari, DHA Omega-3s, and Collagen-OSA. Women also reported reduced feelings of stress and supported sleep quality thanks to the Theanine and Shatavari. 
  • Switch up your hair routine — Try switching up your hair routine by incorporating a volumizing shampoo, getting a good haircut, using soft bristled brushes, and using scrunchies or barrettes to keep it out of your face. 

Does breastfeeding impact hair growth?

Breastfeeding doesn’t have any additional impact on hair shedding or growth. Thankfully, Nutrafol’s Postpartum Hair Growth Supplement is breastfeeding-friendly. Their formula is OBGYN-formulated to target key root causes of postpartum hair thinning. All the ingredients help support recovery from nutrient depletion and the physical and emotional stress that can lead to thinning hair in postpartum women during a time when they are likely breastfeeding. 

The short and the long of it

Long story short — postpartum hair shedding is likely inevitable — but totally manageable! With time, gentle management, and proper nutrients, your hair can go back to its pre-pregnancy state. If you want to take extra care of your hair, consider a postpartum hair growth supplement from Nutrafol. With consistent daily use, you can see reduced hair shedding, visibly thicker volume and longer, stronger hair within 3-6 months.


“How To Deal With Hair Loss After Pregnancy” Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic. June 24, 2022 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/postpartum-hair-loss/

“What to Do if You Have Postpartum Hair Loss”. WebMD. WebMD. March 9, 2021 https://www.webmd.com/baby/what-to-do-if-you-have-postpartum-hair-loss

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