Postpartum Hair Loss Options

As many as half of all pregnant women will experience noticeable hair loss! Happily, this condition (like much of pregnancy) is only temporary. Knowing what to expect and understanding your options will help you put this side-effect behind you.



The technical term for excessive hair shedding is "telogen effluvium." During pregnancy, our hormones press the hold button on the natural shedding cycle of our hair. Many women notice that pregnancy makes their hair thicker—this is fairly common. Less hair is falling out, so there will be more there. However, in the first few months following pregnancy, our hormones drop back to normal—pressing the play button again on the natural cycle of hair shedding. Unfortunately, all of the hair that should have fallen during the pregnant months is suddenly ready to fall! Normally, a person may shed up to 100 hairs a day; suddenly, you may have 18,000 hairs simultaneously ready to drop!



One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to know that you’re not alone! Temporary hair loss is a customary part of the postpartum experience (just one of the many hits we bravely take in order to bring our children into the world). The next best thing you can do is to remember that this is only temporary! I would strongly recommend that you take a little action—first, cover this up as much as you can. Although it’s nothing to be ashamed of, you’ve got a LOT going on right now—the last thing you need is to stare at your hair in the mirror and feel like you’re looking at the forest in winter. Scalp concealers, natural fiber sprays, and hair thickening shampoos are all cosmetic options that can give you confidence during this transitional period.



Scalp concealer is similar to the foundation that we use on our faces; it masks the appearance of the scalp by minimizing the shine and the contrast between the skin and hair. Natural fiber sprays or powders contain keratin strands that adhere to the hair through static-electricity—these are extremely good at covering up a widening part or at adding the appearance of volume. Hair thickening shampoos will infuse your hair strands with keratin protein—increasing the diameter of your hair strands, as well as improving overall body and manageability.



Happily, postpartum hair loss is only temporary. Like so many other things in your life right now, soon you’ll find your stride again and be better than ever before!





Spencer Forrest is a leading provider of hair loss products and hair loss solutions for men and women.