Pregnancy & Postpartum Hair Loss

Why does postpartum hair loss happen?

You might have noticed your hair getting thicker during pregnancy. This is because the normal hair growth cycle is altered during pregnancy, with increased estrogen levels freezing hair in the resting phase of the cycle. Hair that would normally fall out, stays in.

After your baby is born, hormone levels change again and unfortunately all that ‘resting’ hair starts to fall out!

How long does postpartum hair loss last?

The typical length of time you can expect hair loss is from between 3-4 weeks postpartum to 6 months – however it’s completely normal to have continued hair loss until as late as 12-months postpartum.

Do all mums have postpartum hair loss?

The amount of hair you’ll lose also varies from mum to mum. Some new mamas won’t even notice this natural post-baby shedding – while others (like me) will panic they’re going bald!

The average head loses as much as 100 hairs a day – and that’s before postpartum hair loss. So, with your head having quite a bit of catch-up to do after you've had a baby, you can expect A LOT of hair to shed each day.

Can breastfeeding cause hair loss? 

Breastfeeding does not cause hair loss. Increased hair shedding is common during the breastfeeding and postpartum period, caused by changing hormone levels. This will occur whether you breastfeed or not.  

How can I stop my hair falling out after pregnancy?

Unfortunately postpartum hair loss cannot be prevented, but the good news is there are things you can do to prevent excessive loss and help to keep your hair feeling healthy:

• Be kind to your hair – skip straightening and blow-drying and put off chemical treatments like perms and colouring until the shedding stops.
• Use scrunchies or barettes in your hair rather than elastic bands, which can pull at and tangle new and shedding hair.
• Treat your hair to a weekly nutrient-rich Coconut Oil hair mask using your baby’s pot of the wonder stuff (they’ll never know!).

The benefits of a postpartum hair loss treatment with Kokoso

“I tried Kokoso as an overnight hair mask last night as my hair was feeling very dry. After a night of coconut loveliness my hair feels soft & lovely again! I am SO pleased & will try to do it once a week now to keep it in condition. Thank you!” — Becca

Organic coconut oil is one of the best natural hair care ingredients on the planet. It can add shine and moisture, soften and de-frizz – and generally revitalise unloved mum hair.

Ultra-lightweight with a beautifully fresh and mild coconutty fragrance, Kokoso is the perfect deep conditioning hair mask because it filters into your hair shafts to replenish and rejuvenate your existing strands whilst encouraging healthy re-growth at the scalp. It also aids in reducing protein loss from your hair, which can lead to lifeless locks – nobody wants a limp barnet!

How to do a postpartum hair loss treatment with coconut oil:

• Scoop out a generous dollop of coconut oil
• Soften in your hands and smooth through your hair
• Cover your hair from root to tip (without overloading)
• Leave in overnight (you may wish to use a towel or old pillow case)
• Wash the oil out next morning (shampoo twice and follow with regular conditioner)

Voila! Luscious locks from a completely natural product, without the use of any harsh chemicals.

The good news is that the hair you lose WILL grow back. At first it might take the form of stubborn little tufts that refuse to grow in the right direction. But I can promise you that it does settle down eventually – and a regular coconut oil hair treatment with your little one’s Kokoso can really help to keep your hair healthy and happy.

How much hair did you lose postpartum? We’d love to hear your experiences!