Hair loss post partum, what to do?

During the nine months of pregnancy, a woman's body goes through many changes, hence postpartum hair loss.
These changes are due to high hormone production, with hormones produced in larger quantities than normal. They support the development and gestation of the foetus, then prepare the body for childbirth.
During pregnancy, some women notice their hair looking better than ever. Their hair is healthier and they see an improvement in hair density.

Unfortunately, this phenomenon is often temporary and ends after childbirth: this is postpartum hair loss.

What is postpartum hair loss?

Postpartum hair loss, medically known as postpartum telogen effluvium, is diffuse hair loss that occurs a few weeks to a few months after the baby's birth. It's spread over the whole scalp, without bald patches, and it's a very common phenomenon.

Finding hair on your pillow, in the shower, on your brush or on baby's clothes? Don't worry: it's usually a sign that your hair cycle is getting back on track.

Why do you lose hair after giving birth?

During pregnancy, oestrogen levels are very high. These hormones extend the hair's growth phase (anagen phase): less hair falls out, and hair looks thicker.

After giving birth, oestrogen levels drop sharply. Many hairs that should have fallen out gradually over 9 months then enter the resting phase (telogen phase) at the same time, and then fall out. So it isn't a "real" immediate loss of density, but a catch-up.

Other factors can amplify the phenomenon:

• fatigue and lack of sleep;
• stress and the mental load of the first few weeks;
• deficiencies, particularly in iron, vitamin B12 or vitamin D;
• an unbalanced or overly restrictive diet after giving birth.

When does the shedding start and how long does it last?

Hair loss usually begins 2 to 4 months after giving birth, peaks around the 3rd or 4th month, then decreases. It most often lasts between 3 and 6 months, and full regrowth can take up to 12 months.

If you are breastfeeding, hair loss may be delayed and appear later, sometimes after you stop breastfeeding.

Hair that grows back is short and fine at first: these are the famous “baby hairs” around the forehead and temples. They're a good sign.

Postpartum hair loss and textured hair: what you need to know

Wavy, curly, coily and afro-textured hair is naturally more fragile: its curved shape encourages dryness and breakage. After giving birth, hormonal hair loss can add to mechanical breakage (detangling, friction, tight hairstyles). Being gentle with the fiber is therefore essential, especially since your lengths need to hold on while regrowth gets under way.

6 habits to limit hair loss and support regrowth

1. Take care of your diet. Protein, iron, zinc, omega-3 and B vitamins all contribute to hair quality. A blood test can be useful to spot a deficiency.

2. Use gentle products. A sulfate-free, silicone-free and paraben-free shampoo respects a weakened scalp. In the Jia Paris For My Curls range, the Nourishing Shampoo and the Intensive Nourishing Mask are vegan, rated 100/100 on Yuka and made with at least 97.3% ingredients of natural origin.

3. Massage the scalp. A few minutes a day with the Stimulating Brush help relax the scalp and give you a real moment of pause.

4. Nourish the roots and lengths. The Growth Lotion is applied to the scalp, and the 3-in-1 Oil Synergy protects fragile lengths.

5. Avoid tight hairstyles. Tight buns, pulled braids and harsh elastics weaken areas that are already sensitive (temples, hairline).

6. Take it easy. Sleep when you can, delegate, breathe: stress prolongs hair loss.

Postpartum hair supplements: a 3-month course

If hair loss worries you, keep up your daily care. You can also opt for an effective solution: hair supplements. Some are specially designed to address postpartum hair loss. There are several available in different forms: capsules, gummies and even sticks.

Why a 3-month course? Hair grows about 1 cm per month and its cycle has several phases (growth, transition, rest). A three-month course supports all three phases of the hair cycle, whereas taking it for a few days wouldn’t have time to make a lasting difference.

Hair Booster – Strength and Growth

Jia Paris offers the Hair Booster, dietary supplement, packed with vitamins and minerals, to be taken as a 3-month course to nourish and strengthen the hair fiber. It is vegan, sugar-free and gluten-free.

Gummies Hair Vitamins

Prefer something tastier? The Gummies Hair Vitamins are also available as a 3-month course and are vegan.

When to see a doctor?

Talk to your doctor or a dermatologist if:

• hair loss worries you;
• it lasts more than a year;
• it leaves hairless areas or patches;
• it comes with severe fatigue, itching or scalp pain.

A blood test (iron, ferritin, vitamin D, thyroid) can rule out another cause, such as a deficiency or a thyroid disorder, which is common after pregnancy. To find out more, also read our article how to limit hair breakage and hair loss.

Frequently asked questions about postpartum hair loss

Is it normal to lose hair by the handful after giving birth? Yes, it's common. It is telogen effluvium linked to the drop in oestrogen, which remains temporary in the vast majority of cases.

When does postpartum hair loss stop? It generally decreases after 3 to 6 months, and regrowth gradually sets in over 6 to 12 months.

Does hair grow back after postpartum? Yes. The follicles are not destroyed: they resume their cycle. New growth first appears as short little hairs.

Which dietary supplement should you choose for postpartum hair loss? Choose a course of at least 3 months, rich in vitamins and minerals, with a clear formula. At Jia Paris, Hair Booster – Strength & Growth (capsules) and Gummies Hair Vitamins are offered as a 3-month course.

Can you take hair supplements while breastfeeding? It depends on the composition. Always ask a healthcare professional for advice before starting.

How can you keep hair loss from getting worse? Care for your scalp, avoid tight hairstyles and excessive heat, eat a balanced diet and give yourself rest.

In summary

Postpartum hair loss is temporary, normal and, above all, reversible. By combining gentle care, a healthy lifestyle and a course of dietary supplements, you give your hair everything it needs to get back on track.

We hope you enjoyed this article and, above all, that you found it useful. See you very soon for the next one.