How to reduce hair loss after giving birth?

You knew you'd lose sleep, but besides the sleepless nights, having a baby has another effect, one you hadn't anticipated: hair loss. Yep, some women lose a lot of hair after pregnancy. How does that happen, and what can you do about it?

Hair loss after pregnancy: what causes it?

Hair loss can have several causes, but after pregnancy, it's usually due to changes in your hormone levels—and stress or iron deficiency, which are common when recovering from childbirth, don't exactly help matters. Your hair grows in a cycle, which changes during pregnancy.

Because of the high estrogen levels, your hair doesn't enter the shedding phase. After giving birth, this level drops, and your hair falls out again. However, this time, not only the normal amount of hair is lost, but also the hair you kept for nine months. That's why it appears as if you're losing an extreme amount of hair. This usually begins around four months after giving birth.

What can you do about hair loss after pregnancy?

Don't worry: this is a sign that your body is phasing out the pregnancy hormones, so it's perfectly normal. It will subside, and within 12 months at most, your hair will grow back to the same level as before you became pregnant. There are a few things you can do to minimize hair loss:

The 7 tips

1. Eat healthy

Always recommended, of course, especially while your body is recovering from childbirth. But nutrition can also influence your hair: it contains vitamins and minerals that your hair needs to stay healthy and strong. Think of iron, biotin, and vitamin E.

You get this by eating vegetables, dairy, nuts and fish.

2. Extra vitamin C 🥝

Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. A win! Because your body—and your hair—relies on this mineral during this time. Vitamin C also boosts your immune system and helps combat fatigue. You're welcome. 💁‍♀️

3. Watch your protein intake

Protein is an important component of your hair, so you need it to keep it healthy. Especially if you're a vegetarian or vegan, it's recommended to ensure you get enough protein.

4. Be extra (read: take a supplement)

If there's ever a time in your life when you could use a little extra, it's now. Choose a supplement rich in vitamin C, B6, B12, folic acid, and iron to complement your diet. You can check that off your to-do list.

5. Less is more

Blow-drying, straightening, curling, and coloring: try to reduce or avoid these (temporarily), as these can worsen hair loss. A healthy scalp with strong hair is less likely to fall out than damaged and tired hair. Nourish your hair with a rich conditioner or hair mask, for example, and let it air-dry.

6. Cut it with scissors

Holding on to your hair by cutting it off? Yes, really. Thinning hair can be a sign that your body needs vitamins and minerals for more important things. Think of it this way: with shorter hair, your body can focus on quality, not quantity. Plus, less styling = more time for yourself. Cheers, mom.🍷

7. Kumbaya

Yes, we know: not worrying sounds pretty impossible when you're responsible for a baby, but try to avoid stressful situations and not worry unnecessarily. All you'll accomplish is make the hair loss worse. 🧘‍♀️

How do you get enough vitamins and minerals?

With a supplement, you can be sure you're getting important nutrients that support recovery and help reduce hair loss, such as selenium and zinc. The combination of biotin, folic acid, selenium, and bamboo extract in Yummygums Hair supports hair growth and keeps your hair strong and shiny.