Postpartum hair loss: how many months until regrowth?

• Postpartum hair loss generally starts 2 to 4 months after birth and lasts 6 to 24 weeks. It rarely continues beyond that.
• It results from the sudden drop in oestrogen after birth: hairs retained during pregnancy shed at the same time. This is telogen effluvium.
• No treatment has been shown to prevent it. A diet rich in iron, protein, zinc and B vitamins supports regrowth.
• Patchy hair loss, itching or hair loss that does not slow down after six months warrant medical advice (ferritin and thyroid checks).
• This article is for all new mums, whether or not they are breastfeeding.

The different phases

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

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

The catagen phase: a resting phase lasting around 2 to 3 weeks, during which the hair stops growing.

The telogen phase: preparation for hair shedding, which lasts around 3 months. Around 15% of hairs are usually in this phase.

It can be affected by various factors, including periods of stress, nutrient deficiencies, pollution, tiredness and hormonal imbalances, which can disrupt hair growth and density.

How does your hair change between pregnancy and postpartum?

During pregnancy, hair shedding is delayed and fewer hairs fall out, making hair appear fuller.

After birth, hair cycles become synchronised. At this point, hair loss may seem heavy, but it is simply the shedding of extra hairs that had remained in the anagen (growth) phase and had not fallen out 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 large-scale, simultaneous synchronisation of hair cycles triggered by the hormonal changes of childbirth.

During the first few weeks after birth, hairs enter the telogen phase. After nine weeks, around 30% are in this phase on average (nearly 2 times more than usual). Hair loss tends to become noticeable two to four months after birth. This is therefore temporary and generally continues for 6 to 24 weeks, rarely lasting longer [1].

What causes this change in your hair?

Hormone levels differ dramatically during and after pregnancy. During pregnancy, they rise progressively: progesterone levels increase 9-fold and oestrogen levels 8-fold. These oestrogens keep hair in the anagen phase longer than usual. Once the placenta is delivered at birth, progesterone and oestrogen levels fall and return to normal within 2 to 4 days. Prolactin also rises progressively during pregnancy, reaching 20 times its usual level at birth. These changes could explain hair loss [2]. This sudden hormonal drop causes large numbers of hair follicles to enter the telogen phase, explaining the sometimes dramatic shedding seen 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 occurs mainly after a first birth and only rarely after subsequent pregnancies [4].

Marie, co-founder of Jolly Mama:

“After my first pregnancy, I hadn’t prepared for it at all. I hadn’t taken any supplements or had my iron levels checked… and the hair loss was quite dramatic. By my second pregnancy, when we were launching Jolly Mama, I was much more aware of nutritional issues. Things were already a little better. For my third, despite the tiredness, I had a supplement routine tailored to my needs: iron testing, targeted supplements, collagen from broths and powders… and I had very little hair loss. While we can’t completely prevent postpartum hair loss, which is hormonal and physiological, we can support regrowth and limit its impact by paying attention to our nutrient intake.”

Hair loss generally starts two to four months after birth and continues for 6 to 24 weeks [1]. Postpartum hair loss is normal after pregnancy. Treatments including thyroid supplements, topical progesterone and oestradiol lotions, and an oral contraceptive have been studied. Based on the available studies, no specific active ingredient has been studied sufficiently to justify a recommendation or to be considered effective [5]. Even the best postpartum food supplement cannot prevent your hair from falling out.

In most cases, no treatment is necessary. Most women regain their normal hair density in less than 6 months. Hairs fall out when new ones grow in. With this type of hair loss, shedding is therefore a sign of regrowth [6].

⚠️ What to watch for: If you notice localised hair loss (circular bald 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. Large handfuls every time I washed it... After just a few days of taking Hair Boost, the shedding had almost stopped. After 3 months, I could see my hair growing back. It’s the first time a hair product has worked so well for me! I’m delighted.”

Although we cannot prevent this from happening, nutrition may help limit it or, at least, support hair regrowth!

• B vitamins

The biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair by regulating the expression of proteins, including keratin (the main component of hair) [7]. It is directly involved in the synthesis of keratin, the structural protein of the hair fibre. Incubating sheep hair follicles in solutions containing biotin increased DNA concentration and protein synthesis [8].

Methylated folate (5-mthf) 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 rich in it: wholegrains, leafy green vegetables, nuts, almonds, pistachios, eggs and meat.

🌿 Recommended supplement: Mama Hair (pipette)

The Mama Hair postpartum hair supplement course provides bioavailable keratin (Cynatine® HNS) and biotin, which contributes to the maintenance of normal hair. Its liquid pipette format allows for rapid absorption without complicating your postpartum routine. 100% compatible after childbirth.

• Iron

During childbirth, you lost a significant amount of blood in labour, along with iron. A deficiency in this nutrient is a well-known cause of hair loss[10]. Note: ferritin is a better predictor of hair regrowth than serum iron. If your ferritin levels are low, the hair fibre is one of the first structures affected.

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

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

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

• Collagen

Hair is made primarily of the protein keratin. Your body uses several amino acids to make keratin, some of which are found in collagen [12]. These sulphur-containing amino acids (particularly cysteine and methionine) are essential for building the hair fibre. Consuming collagen could provide your body with the building blocks it needs to grow new hair. One study found that 2.5g of collagen increased hair follicle cell proliferation by 31% and significantly increased hair thickness.

Need collagen? Our collagen powders Collagen 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 surprised by how effective this collagen is! I could see results after a few weeks: my skin looks better and feels more hydrated, and my hair grew very quickly. I recommend it!”

• Zinc

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

A deficiency can cause hair loss and make hair brittle [17].

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

• Fatty acids

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

• Vitamin D

Evidence from animal studies suggests that it plays a role in the hair follicle cycle [20]. Studies have found receptors for this nutrient in cells in the growth phase, meaning that taking a vitamin D food supplement could support hair growth [21].

Some foods rich in it: dairy products, egg yolks, 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 suggests that turmeric may have hair-stimulating properties [23].

Alix d’Antras, naturopath:

“Postpartum hair loss is physiologically unavoidable, but I often give my clients a few basic tips to help limit its impact. Hair loss can be made worse by other factors, from iron deficiency and thyroid imbalance to significant stress. I therefore encourage women to support their nutritional health from pregnancy onwards with a diet rich in quality protein and iron, as hair is particularly sensitive to nutritional deficiencies.

During the postpartum period, rest and an appropriate intake of micronutrients are essential. A multivitamin suited to the postpartum period, or iron supplementation if needed, may be worth considering, especially if your levels were low during pregnancy or you experienced significant blood loss.”

Not sure whether to choose Mama Hair in a pipette or Hair Essentials capsules ? Here’s a quick comparison:

Hormonal changes are one of the main causes of this hair loss. To try to lessen its effects, you can consume magnesium (with our broonies inspired by magnesium food supplement) and vitamin B6, which helps regulate hormonal activity.

As stress can also be a major cause, reducing stress levels could be beneficial. Studies show that increasing your intake of these two nutrients is beneficial [24] [25].

For this, you can eat foods such as mint, rosemary, veal or turkey liver, salmon and mackerel, seeds and nuts, peppers, Brussels sprouts, leeks and bananas.

Plants rich in silica

Silica could be useful. Studies show that hair strands with a high silicon content tend to have a lower shedding rate and greater shine [26]. For example, the silica 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 for pregnant women.

Ginseng

Ginseng is another plant of interest for supporting hair growth. Ginsenoside (an active compound in ginseng) can increase the length and lifespan of the hair shaft and stimulate its growth. It also promotes the proliferation of human dermal follicle cells and keratinocytes, and improves the induction of the anagen phase or accelerates hair growth in mice [29].

Korean and Siberian ginseng are thought to be safe for pregnant women [30] and women who are breastfeeding [31], but seek medical advice before using either!

Ginkgo

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

Caution: avoid ginkgo leaf if you are pregnant (it may have antiplatelet properties [33], may be an emmenagogue, meaning it can stimulate uterine contractions, and could cause hormonal changes [34]). If you are breastfeeding, current evidence does not establish whether ginkgo is safe for you and your baby.

Nettle

Studies show that extracts ofnettle [35] may stimulate growth.

Nettle should also be avoided during pregnancy (potential abortifacient and emmenagogue effects [36], oestrogenic effect [37]); in other words, it may disrupt hormonal balance, which is something to avoid during pregnancy. There are no reports in the available information or scientific literature indicating whether nettle leaf is safe or contraindicated for mothers during lactation.

Garlic

In a randomised controlled study, researchers showed that consuming garlic powder significantly increased hair growth compared with a placebo, which had no effect [38].

MAMA HAIR

The food supplement containing keratin andapple extract patented, to support hair growth and reduce hair loss. 2 complementary active ingredients with efficacy demonstrated in studies. An ideal product for all mums and mums-to-be, 100% suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Some simple steps are quick to add to your haircare 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-toothed comb if needed to avoid pulling too hard on the roots. Pay attention to the quality of the shampoo and haircare products you use, too. Choose a shampoo without sulphates, PEGs, PPGs, silicones, parabens or other preservatives. Opt for a pH 5 shampoo.

Heated rollers, curling or straightening irons, hot oil treatments, bleaching and other chemical processes should also be avoided.

Silk or satin pillowcases can help reduce hair breakage. The fabric retains less sebum, which can help you care for your scalp.

Tip: try massaging your scalp, starting at the back of your neck and working your way up to the top of your head with circular movements of your fingers. This may promote microcirculation in the scalp and increase hair thickness [39]. You can also use a scalp brush made of silicone, massaging gently in circular movements.

Here’s a 4-step routine (30 seconds per step) to add to your hair-washing routine:

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

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

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

Step 4: finish with a silicone scalp brush, using gentle movements from your forehead towards the back of your neck.

Postpartum hair loss is mainly due to the hormonal changes that occur after giving birth. It is a natural process that every mum experiences differently.

There is no miracle remedy to prevent this hair loss. You can, however, try to support regrowth by consuming certain nutrients or natural ingredients with properties that may benefit hair growth.

Be careful not to take supplements on your own initiative. Food supplements are not without risks: they may interact with other supplements, foods or medicines, or may not be suitable for your personal circumstances. It is also important to choose them carefully and adjust the doses. It is therefore best to consult a healthcare professional specialising in nutrition, such as a naturopath or nutritional therapist, particularly if you are breastfeeding.