Whether you’re currently pregnant or have recently graduated to "new mom" status, you’ve likely noticed your hair doing some interesting things. From the lush "Disney Princess" locks of pregnancy to having the plumber on-call 24/7 to clear your shower drain of postpartum hair shedding, it's a wild ride.

Pregnancy hormones and hair have a relationship of opposites, turning your hair into a thick mane during your baby’s incubation period, then into a shedding avalanche postpartum. Enjoy that thick ponytail and pregnancy glow while you can, because as soon as your bundle of joy arrives, the pregnancy hair loss begins.

Join us as we answer some of your most pressing questions about postpartum hair loss and how to successfully navigate the fallout.

The Surge Before The Shed

Surging pregnancy hormones cause hair growth to look fuller and longer. Combined with your skin’s radiant glow, you may decide you want to stay pregnant forever. That’s likely the hormones talking—let’s see how you feel during your next 2 a.m. feeding.

Pregnant moms-to-be marvel: "I’m pregnant and my hair is amazing. Does this last forever?" Sadly, no. During pregnancy, skyrocketing estrogen levels keep hair in the "growth phase" longer than usual while reducing hair shedding. You’re not actually growing more hair; you’re just not losing the 100 strands a day you normally would. Take selfies to capture that terrific pregnancy glow. But look closely before sharing, as this hormonal surge also increases hair growth on the face and body.

Although less common, you may be experiencing hair loss while pregnant. Wondering: Why is my hair suddenly falling out during pregnancy? Get your blood checked, as this is typically linked to iron or protein deficiencies, which you’ll want to correct immediately to birth the healthiest baby possible.

Postpartum Hair Loss Defined

Postpartum hair loss, aka postpartum alopecia, is simply a form of telogen effluvium, which happens to women after giving birth due to a rapid drop in estrogen levels. This hormonal shift, combined with the stress and blood loss of childbirth, creates a perfect storm for hair loss.

Albeit startling, it’s totally normal to find your hair everywhere from the baby’s diaper to the butter dish. According to the NIH (National Institutes of Health), up to 90% of women experience some degree of postpartum hair loss, with significant shedding affecting roughly 40-50% of new mothers.

A common fear moms face is: Will I go bald from postpartum shedding? We understand the worry, but rest assured, your hair’s mass exodus won’t be permanent. This type of hair loss is temporary and usually resolves on its own by the time the baby is one year old, bringing relief and hope to new moms. Their first birthday party could also be a celebration for your hair coming back, and hopefully, getting a little more rest!!
However, it may feel like the ultimate bait-and-switch: Not long after women become used to their hair’s unprecedented thickness, the hair that was "resting" during pregnancy decides to leave, seemingly all at once.

Postpartum Hair Loss Timeline

For many new moms, knowing what to expect (and when) can help manage the emotional upheaval they feel as their glorious pregnancy hair falls by the wayside.

• 3-5 Months: When will my hair start falling out after the baby is born? About 3 to 5 months post-delivery, when estrogen levels nosedive, peaking around 3-4 months postpartum.
• 6-12 Months: How long does postpartum hair loss last? Excessive hair fall after pregnancy typically ceases within 6-12 months. Note: If hair loss persists beyond 12 months, it’s advisable to consult a doctor, as other health factors could be involved.
• 12-15 Months: Your hair will begin to feel thicker again.

Postpartum Emotional Fallout

There’s a definite emotional shock that accompanies post natal hair loss; Studies show that approximately 73.1% of women with postpartum hair loss report feeling anxious or stressed regarding their hair loss. The devastation is real. 

The "Great Postpartum Shed" is a double entendre that refers to the hair and tears shed as moms grieve the loss of their pre-baby hair. Many women’s identities are closely tied to their hair, and without it, many new moms feel less attractive, feminine, or sexy.

Postpartum Hair Regrowth

Anticipating, "When will my 'baby hairs' grow back?" Despairing about the toll your newborn has taken on your hair doesn’t mean you’re a bad or selfish mom. Just exercise some of that fantastic patience acquired over the last 9 months, and before you know it, you’ll see a "halo" of fuzzy regrowth around your hairline.

Postpartum Hair Loss Solutions

Many women ask, “Can I prevent postpartum hair loss?” Sorry, but no matter how many prenatals you gobble up, there isn’t much you can do to prevent it. However, continuing the healthy habits you developed during pregnancy, along with a clinically proven scalp serum that helps diminish hair loss, can help speed up recovery.

CHARISMO’S DEKOHAIR is validated by trichologists who report it works well for postpartum hair loss and provides active shedding support. Our specialized delivery system enables the actives to penetrate deeply, improving the hair renewal rate by up to 50% and increasing hair count by 30% in 2-4 months. And, it keeps working for 8+ hours to help stimulate blood circulation and nourish follicles while you’re busy being a super-mom.

Note: DEKOHAIR is safe during the first and second trimesters. However, because it stimulates circulation to the scalp, we advise stopping use by the third trimester, as it may increase cervical blood flow, potentially triggering contractions. But always consult your physician before taking any supplements or applying topical skincare or scalp care during pregnancy.

Natural Hair Loss Solutions

How can I stop postpartum hair loss naturally? While you can’t fight biology entirely, you can give your scalp the VIP (Very Important Postpartum) Mom treatment it deserves. Using a targeted treatment like CHARISMO DEKOHAIR can be a game-changer. Its castor oil, menthol, olive oil-derived oleanolic acid (a DHT blocker), and citrus-derived apigenin (a flavonoid) work together to effectively, safely, and gently promote hair fullness, length, and thickness.

"Is there a hair regrowth serum for sensitive scalps?" Postpartum scalps can be finicky. You want something powerful but gentle. A perfect postpartum hair loss serum, DEKOHAIR is free of harsh, irritating chemicals, making it suitable for sensitive skin and scalps.

And, it’s easy to apply between feedings and power naps and won’t leave your hair greasy—a bonus since we know showering is a luxury at this time!

Postpartum Hair Loss Myths 

A few myths about hair loss after birth keep circling around. Barring unique personal experiences, here are some facts to allay these rumors:

• Breastfeeding and Hair Loss: Does breastfeeding make hair loss worse? No, breastfeeding doesn’t cause or worsen the loss. The hair loss seen while nursing is simply due to the drop in estrogen, not whether she decides to nurse. However, the nutritional needs of breastfeeding could lead to iron, zinc, or vitamin D deficiencies, compounded by the stress and fatigue of motherhood, which can worsen shedding.
• Breastfeeding and Hair Growth: Does breastfeeding make hair grow faster? In fact, breastfeeding keeps estrogen levels lower for longer by maintaining high prolactin levels, a hormone crucial for milk production, delaying and prolonging the postnatal hair loss phase.
• Baby’s Gender and Hair Loss: Does having a baby boy cause more hair loss? No, there is no scientific evidence that carrying a boy causes more postpartum hair loss. Hair loss intensity is driven by hormonal shifts, genetics, and stress, not by the child's sex. Here again, it is the sharp drop in estrogen levels after childbirth that causes postpartum hair loss, not the baby’s gender.
  
  Good news: DEKOHAIR can be used while you breastfeed, helping you regain your pre-pregnancy hair sooner.

Tips for Hair Loss After Pregnancy

You can survive the shedding phase with a few simple tweaks to your daily ritual.

• Be gentle: We know time spent styling your hair is unlikely right now, but skip the tight "mom bun", since it puts extra tension on fragile roots.
• Maintain nutrition: Your hair needs fuel to grow. Keep up with greens, proteins, and healthy fats, or consult a doctor about continuing prenatal or postnatal vitamins to support hair health.
  Avoid sugar, processed and fast foods, alcohol, conventional dairy, and red meat, which are known to cause hormonal spikes, increase inflammation and insulin, and shrink hair follicles, contributing to more shedding.
• Prioritize sleep: Ok, stop laughing. But try to get as much sleep as you can because it is vital for your hair’s recovery.
• Exercise your scalp + body: Get moving and use the CHARISMO DEKOHAIR serum for hair loss to stimulate circulation and give your scalp and follicles a hair-raising, revitalizing workout clinically proven to start improving hair health upon application with visible results in as little as 90 days.
• Manage emotional distress: Quell the hair loss panic by reminding yourself it’s a temporary spiral that will resolve within a year. But if you’re beyond anxious or depression persists, see a mental health professional.
• Haircare product quandary: Unsure what hair products to use? CHARISMO’s sulfate-free, nutrient-rich care formulas are especially suitable for postpartum shampoo and conditioner care, while our scalp serum supports scalp health and hair vitality. And unlike many products that are on breastfeeding no-no lists, our formulas make the a-ok list!
• Styling solved: If you’re rough on hair and love hot tools and braids, try this:
  • Take a deep breath before styling to encourage a gentle touch.
  • Find looks that minimize damage to your follicles and strands.
  • Detangle slowly, using a wide-tooth comb to minimize tugging on fragile roots.
  • Always use a heat protectant.
• Nutrition: Check out what to eat for better hair (hint: protein, antioxidant-rich produce, healthy fats, and minerals should be at the top of your shopping list.) Have no time to cook or really dislike cooking? Consider a healthy food delivery service. Talk to your doctor to see if you should keep taking your prenatal vitamins.

You’re doing a great job, Mama. Your hair will catch up eventually. In the meantime, remember: your tiny human is way more impressive than a perfect blowout. Bring on the care with CHARISMO DEKOHAIR and get ready to welcome your locks back. You might have already glimpsed some new sprouts and marveled: “What are these "baby hairs" around my forehead?” Those are actually new hairs coming back in after the shed—proof that your hair has survived the new mom rite of passage.