Postpartum hair loss: what can you do?

The different phases

The hair life cycle consists of 3 different phases [1]: 

The anagen phase: hair growth, which can last from 2 to 6 years.

The catagen phase: rest, lasting approximately 2 to 3 weeks, during which the hair stops growing.

The telogen phase: preparation for hair shedding, lasting approximately 3 months. Around 15% of hairs are generally in this phase.

It can be affected by various changes: periods of stress, nutritional deficiencies, pollution, fatigue, hormonal imbalance, etc., which can disrupt growth, density, and so on.  

How does hair change between pregnancy and the postpartum period?

During pregnancy, hair loss is delayed and the number of hairs shed is reduced, leading to an increase in hair volume. 

After childbirth, hair cycles synchronise. At this point, hair loss may seem abundant, but it simply represents the shedding of the extra hairs that had been kept in the anagen (growth) phase and had not been lost during pregnancy. During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, only around 10% of hairs are in the telogen phase, compared with the usual 15% [1]. This is known as postpartum telogen effluvium: a massive and simultaneous synchronisation of the hair cycle triggered by the hormonal upheaval of childbirth.

During the first few weeks after giving birth, hairs enter the telogen phase, reaching around 30% on average (approximately twice the normal level) after nine weeks. Hair loss typically becomes noticeable two to four months after delivery. This phenomenon is therefore temporary and generally continues for 6 to 24 weeks, rarely persisting beyond that point [1].

What are the causes of this change in hair?

Hormone levels during and after pregnancy are radically different. During pregnancy, a gradual increase is observed, with progesterone levels 9 times higher and oestrogen levels 8 times higher than usual. These oestrogens keep hair in the anagen phase for longer than normal. Once the placenta is delivered at birth, progesterone and oestrogen levels drop and return to normal within 2 to 4 days. Prolactin also increases progressively during pregnancy, reaching a 20-fold increase at the time of delivery. These fluctuations may explain the hair loss [2]. This sudden hormonal drop triggers the mass entry of hair follicles into the telogen phase, explaining the sometimes dramatic hair loss observed a few months after birth.

A thyroid problem could also be associated with excessive hair loss [3]. 

A stressful event is one of the causes of hair loss, which is why it tends to occur mainly after a first birth, and only rarely during subsequent pregnancies [4]. 

Marie, co-founder of Jolly Mama:

"After my first pregnancy, I hadn't anticipated anything. I hadn't taken any supplements, I hadn't checked my iron levels… and the hair loss was quite dramatic. By my second pregnancy, when we were launching Jolly Mama, I was already much more aware of nutritional issues. Things were already a bit better. By my third, despite the tiredness, I had a tailored supplementation routine: iron levels monitored, targeted supplementation, collagen through broths and powders… and I experienced very little hair loss. While you can't completely prevent postpartum hair loss — which is hormonal and physiological — you can support regrowth and limit the impact by taking care of your nutritional intake." 

Postpartum hair loss is a normal condition after pregnancy. Treatments in the form of thyroid supplementation, topical progesterone and oestradiol lotions, and an oral contraceptive have been studied. Based on the available studies, no specific active ingredient has been sufficiently studied to justify a recommendation or to be considered effective [5]. Even the best postpartum food supplement will not be able to prevent your hair from falling out.

No treatment is necessary in most cases. The majority of women regain normal hair density within 6 months. Hair falls out as a new one grows in its place. In this type of hair loss, shedding is therefore a sign of regrowth [6]. 

⚠️ Watch out for: If symptoms include localised hair loss (circular patches), accompanied by itching or signs of scalp inflammation, consult a dermatologist to rule out alopecia areata or androgenetic alopecia.

Julie, Jolly Mama customer

"I tend to lose my hair and after 3 months postpartum it was much worse than usual. Huge handfuls at every wash... After just a few days of taking the Boost Cheveux, the loss almost completely stopped. After 3 months I could see my hair growing back. First time a hair product has worked this well for me! I'm absolutely delighted."

Although we cannot prevent this phenomenon from occurring, it may be possible to try to limit it or at least support hair regrowth through nutrition! 

• B vitamins

Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, as it regulates protein expression, including keratin (the main component of hair) [7]. It directly contributes to the synthesis of keratin, the structural protein of the hair fibre. In sheep hair follicles, incubation in solutions containing biotin led to an increase in DNA concentration and protein synthesis [8].

Folate and vitamin B12 are involved in the production of nucleic acids for DNA, suggesting they may play a role in hair follicle proliferation [9].

Some foods that are rich in it: whole grains, leafy green vegetables, nuts, almonds, pistachios, eggs, meat. 

🌿 Recommended supplement: Mama Hair (Pipette)

The Mama Hair complex provides bioavailable keratin (Cynatine® HNS) and biotin, which contributes to the maintenance of normal hair. Its liquid pipette format ensures rapid absorption without adding to the postpartum routine. 100% compatible post birth.

• Iron 

After giving birth, you lost a significant amount of blood during labour, which was accompanied by iron loss. Deficiency in this nutrient is a well-known cause of hair loss [10]. Note: it is ferritin that is the most predictive marker for hair regrowth, more so than serum iron. If your ferritin levels are low, the hair fibre is one of the first structures to be affected.

Many genes have been identified in the human hair follicle and some may be regulated by this nutrient [11].

Some foods that are rich in it: lentils, liver, prawns, lamb, beef, spinach, nuts.

Combine your intake with vitamin C to increase absorption (bonus: it supports collagen synthesis). If iron supplementation is needed, opt for iron bisglycinate, which is better tolerated and better absorbed than classic forms.

• Collagen

Hair is made up primarily of the protein keratin. Your body uses several amino acids to produce keratin, some of which are found in collagen [12]. These sulphur-containing amino acids (notably cysteine and methionine) are essential to the construction of the hair fibre. Consuming it could provide your body with the building blocks it needs to generate new hair. One study notably showed that 2.5g of collagen led to a 31% increase in hair follicle cell proliferation and a significant increase in hair thickness.

Need collagen? Our collagen powders Collagéne Mama, Deca Mama, Peach Mama and Mamaload contain collagen (3g per serving).

Our range of bone broth also contains collagen and is rich in protein, ideal for supporting your body. 

Sarah, Jolly Mama customer

"I'm amazed at how effective this collagen is! Results are visible within a few weeks: my skin looks better, more hydrated, and my hair has grown very quickly. I highly recommend it!"

• Zinc

Zinc is an essential component of many enzymes important in protein synthesis and cell division [15]. It also plays a role in the pathways that govern hair follicle development [16].

Deficiency can cause hair loss and make hair brittle [17].

Eat seafood, liver, pulses, nuts, pumpkin seeds and whole grains such as brown rice. If needed, you can take a zinc supplement.

• Fatty acids

A deficiency in essential polyunsaturated fatty acids — linoleic acid (omega 6) and alpha-linolenic acid (an omega 3) — can result in hair changes including hair loss and thinning of the hair and eyebrows [18]. Furthermore, arachidonic acid, an omega 6 fatty acid found among other things in eggs, may promote hair growth by increasing follicle proliferation [19].

• Vitamin D

Data from animal studies suggest it plays a role in the hair follicle cycle [20]. Studies have shown that there are receptors for this nutrient in cells in the growth phase, which means that consuming a vitamin D supplement could support hair growth [21].

Some foods that are rich in it: dairy products, egg yolk, fish, cod and cod liver oil.

Curcumin, an active compound found in turmeric, helps activate these receptors [22], which could indirectly support hair growth. One study even mentions that turmeric may have hair-stimulating properties [23]. 

Alix d'Antras, naturopath:

"Postpartum hair loss is physiologically inevitable, but I often recommend a few basic tips to my clients to help limit the damage. Hair loss can be worsened by other factors, ranging from iron deficiency to thyroid imbalance or even significant stress. I therefore encourage supporting the body from pregnancy onwards with a diet rich in quality proteins and iron, as hair is a structure that is very sensitive to nutritional deficiencies.

In the postpartum period, rest and appropriate micronutritional support are essential. A multivitamin suited to the postpartum period, or iron supplementation if needed, may be relevant options — especially if levels were low during pregnancy or in cases of significant blood loss."

Not sure whether to choose drops or capsules? Here's a quick comparison:

Hormonal changes are one of the main causes of this drop. To help reduce this effect, you can consume magnesium (with our brownie-style magnesium food supplement) and vitamin B6, which may support hormonal balance.

Given that stress can also be a major contributing factor, reducing stress levels may be beneficial. Studies show that increasing intake of these two nutrients is beneficial [24] [25]. 

To do so, you can consume foods such as: mint, rosemary, calf or turkey liver, salmon and mackerel, seeds and nuts, peppers, Brussels sprouts, leeks, banana. 

Plants rich in silica

Silica may be beneficial. Studies show that hair strands with a high silicon content tend to have a lower rate of hair loss and greater shine [26]. For example, the silica found in horsetail [27] helps maintain hair, nails and skin in optimal condition. Bamboo also contains high levels of silica [28].

Caution: bamboo is not recommended during pregnancy. 

Ginseng

Ginseng is also an interesting plant for boosting hair growth. Ginsenoside (an active compound in ginseng) is capable of increasing hair shaft length and lifespan, and stimulates hair shaft elongation. It also promotes the proliferation of human dermal follicle cells and keratinocytes, and improves anagen induction or the acceleration of hair growth in mice [29].

Korean and Siberian ginseng are generally considered safe for pregnant [30] and breastfeeding women [31], but please seek medical advice before use!

Ginkgo

Studies show that ginkgo extracts [32] may help stimulate hair growth.

Caution: avoid ginkgo leaf if you are pregnant (it may have antiplatelet properties [33], act as an emmenagogue — meaning it can stimulate uterine contractions — and could cause hormonal changes [34]). If you are breastfeeding, current data do not allow us to say whether ginkgo is safe for you and your baby or not.

Nettle

Studies show that nettle extracts [35] may help stimulate hair growth.

During pregnancy, nettle should also be avoided (potential abortifacient and emmenagogue properties [36], oestrogenic effect [37] — in other words, it may disrupt hormonal balance, which is something to avoid during pregnancy). There is no report in the scientific literature indicating whether nettle leaf is safe or contraindicated during the breastfeeding phase.

Garlic

In a controlled, randomised study, garlic powder consumption was shown to significantly increase hair growth compared to a placebo, which had no effect [38].

MAMA HAIR

The hair loss food supplement based on patented keratin and apple extract, to boost hair growth and reduce hair loss. 2 complementary active ingredients with proven efficacy in studies. The ideal product for all (expectant) mothers, 100% compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Some things are simple and quick to incorporate into your hair care routine. 

Avoid tight hairstyles such as braids, buns or ponytails. Avoid twisting or rubbing your hair.

Wash and brush your hair gently, using a wide-tooth comb where needed to avoid pulling too hard on the roots. Pay attention to the quality of the shampoo and products you use. Choose a shampoo free from: sulphates, PEGs and PPGs, silicones, parabens and other preservatives. Opt for a pH 5 shampoo. 

Hot rollers, curling tongs or straighteners, hot oil treatments, bleaching and other chemical processes should also be avoided.

Silk or satin pillowcases can help keep hair less prone to breakage — the material absorbs less sebum, which helps you take better care of your scalp. 

Tip: give yourself a scalp massage, starting at the nape of the neck and working up to the top of the head in circular movements with your fingers — it appears this may support scalp microcirculation and increase hair thickness [39]. You can also use a scalp brush in silicone, massaging gently with circular movements. 

Here is a 4-step routine (30 seconds per step) to incorporate into your wash:

Step 1: place both hands flat on the nape of the neck and make small circular movements with your fingertips.

Step 2: gradually move towards the temples, maintaining the pressure and circular movements.

Step 3: massage the top of the head, an often-neglected area rich in active follicles.

Step 4: finish with a silicone scalp brush, using gentle movements from the forehead to the nape of the neck.

Postpartum hair loss is mainly due to the hormonal changes that occur after childbirth. It is a natural phenomenon that every mother experiences differently.

There are no miracle cures to prevent this hair loss. However, as an alternative, you can try to encourage regrowth by consuming certain nutrients or natural ingredients that have beneficial properties for hair growth. 

Be careful not to self-supplement — food supplements are not without risk, and can interfere with other food supplements, foods and medications, or may not be suited to your personal situation, not to mention the importance of choosing the right ones and adjusting dosages accordingly. It is therefore advisable to consult a healthcare professional specialising in nutrition (such as a naturopath or nutritional therapist), particularly if you are breastfeeding.