Answering Your Questions About Pregnancy and Hair Loss
I've been in the beauty industry for 4+ years now, although my background is originally in fine arts. In between researching and publishing our guides, I’m usually snacking and making spontaneous (and somewhat chaotic) choices about what to do with my hair.
Pregnancy is a beautiful thing. From picking out baby names to sharing news of the bump on the ‘gram, it can be a super-special time of celebration and expectation.
If you’re pregnant or have been pregnant, you’ve probably been inundated with pearls of wisdom from well-meaning loved ones on how your body changes.
Everyone has a story to tell! You might expect the morning sickness, swollen ankles, and unexpected cravings, but did you know you can experience hair loss during pregnancy and afterwards?
Check out the video below as Dr Michelle Rodrigues takes us through everything we need to know about pregnancy, from hair loss to stretch marks.
Being pregnant doesn’t mean you’ll definitely see your locks shedding, but pregnancy and hair loss are closely linked.
Of course, you might be one of the lucky ones whose hair suddenly thickens and grows longer than normal!
And if you have curly hair, you might suddenly notice straighter strands poking through.
But if you’re suddenly shedding strands at a rapid rate, it could be down to hormonal changes and the additional stress your body is under.
If you start to notice your hair thinning during pregnancy, you might be wondering - can pregnancy cause hair loss? The first thing you should do is take a trip to the doctor.
While hair changes are usually a sign of shifting hormones, it’s always best to get these things checked out by a medical professional.
You can experience hair loss after pregnancy and breastfeeding hair loss, so it’s good to make sure it’s not a sign of any underlying health issues.
What causes hair loss during pregnancy?
When you’re not pregnant, you lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair every day. The first trimester of pregnancy can be a big shock to the body; there’s a lot going on! As the body works to balance out hormones and create a safe space for the baby to grow in, you might experience higher levels of stress. As a result, you could lose up to 300 hairs a day instead of 100.
This condition is called telogen effluvium, and the good news is that it generally doesn’t last longer than six months. Telogen effluvium also doesn't result in permanent hair loss.
You might also find yourself losing hair during breastfeeding, a condition sometimes referred to as postpartum alopecia. Once your baby has been born, you might suddenly find yourself losing clumps of hair. As your estrogen levels start to decrease after the delivery of your bundle of joy, it’s common to experience hair loss or thinning hair.
Losing hair during breastfeeding can happen quickly, and it usually peaks around the four-month mark. Although it might seem alarming, one of the best things you can do is to not panic.
How common is hair loss during pregnancy?
Super common! Hair loss after pregnancy and breastfeeding is totally normal and happens to many women. Just when you think your body can’t go through any more, you suddenly start to experience changes in your hair! It doesn’t seem fair, does it?
Just remember that it’s a temporary phase. As your baby grows, so will your lovely locks. It’s a very natural process and many women experience it. Though you can’t fully control hair loss, once you’ve checked with a medical professional, you could start taking some hair vitamins for pregnancy to help out your hormonal hair. We've listed some of our favourites below for you to try out!
Haircare tips during pregnancy and postpartum
There are many tricks you can try to get your hair looking the way you like it. If you’re wondering how to help with hair loss after pregnancy, these tips should help.
Tip 1: Add texture and build volume
- If you have very straight hair and it suddenly starts to thin out, the thinning will be quite noticeable. Instead of piling loads of product onto your strands, try pumping up the volume with fast-acting Mermade Hair Hot Rollers. They won’t make your hair super-hot or damage it further. But they will give you a bit of body and bounce to make your hair look thicker.
Tip 2: Avoid colouring your hair
- When you’re feeling stretched out and worn out, it’s tempting to compensate by covering those greys and keeping your colour looking vibrant. But when you’re postpartum, you’ll want to treat your thinning hair as gently as possible. And while your baby is in your belly, you definitely want to be careful about the way you treat your body. The safest thing to do for your hair and for baby is to skip the hair colour for a while. Besides, not colouring your hair with chemicals will help it grow long and strong again!
Tip 3: Try a new style and get regular cuts
- Whether you have a little one on the way or you’re reading this with a babe in arms, you’re probably feeling more tired than you were before pregnancy. Having a baby is, of course, an exhausting process. It’s important you take time out for yourself and minimise your stress. A trip to the salon will keep your split ends at bay and give your hair’s texture and thickness a boost. If you’re really struggling with hair loss, perhaps talk to your hairdresser about trying a new style. You never know—it could be your best look yet!
Tip 4: Eat healthfully
- Following a balanced diet before and after your baby is born is an important part of the process of creating life. When you're pregnant and breastfeeding, everything you eat will help nurture your baby and give your body the nutrients it needs to support you both. Make sure you talk to a medical professional about any special needs. But a diet that’s rich in calcium, leafy green vegetables, meats, fish, and whole grains will help your both stay strong.
Tip 5: Minimise stress
- One of the main reasons you lose hair during and after pregnancy is because your stress levels are high. If you’re wondering how to grow hair during pregnancy, it’s important to balance out those raging hormones with some dedicated me time. Relax with a bath, try meditation, and listen to soothing music. Whatever you need to do to find a sense of peace, do that and do it often.
Tip 6: Take hair vitamins during pregnancy
- Though it’s important you always check with a medical professional, taking vitamins for your hair while pregnant can help keep your strands looking and feeling great. Apotecari produces a range of safe hair supplements that you can take while breastfeeding and even when you’re pregnant.
If you’re looking for ways to take care of your hair during and after pregnancy, we've combed the reviews and found the products being recommended.
$47.96$59.95
4.2of5 reviews
When you’re pregnant, your body goes through incredible changes. In fact, it might feel like everything is changing! Though you might have to give up some of your daily supplements, Apotecari Mane Event is safe for use during and after pregnancy. Though it’s always good you check with a medical professional before starting something new when you’re pregnant, these supplements work to keep your hair looking and feeling beautiful. The vegan, cruelty-free, Australian-made supplement has been formulated by a team of trichologists, naturopaths, and nutritionists to support your hair during this life-changing time.
If you’re wondering, Can I take hair vitamins while breastfeeding? You can feel safe when you rely on Apotecari Mane Event 30 Day Bottle | Intensive Hair Growth, Condition & Thickness. Optimising your hair and helping it grow strong and long, this formula is non-GMO and free from gluten, wheat, dairy, lactose, shellfish, and eggs. This supplement will support your hair growth cycle, so your hair stays healthy from the roots. It will also help to keep your hair, nails, and skin in the best condition too! This formula is good for anyone who’s experienced broken, dry, damaged hair from heat-styling. Stress plays a major factor in the health of your hair. If you’re experiencing a lot of hair loss during or after pregnancy, this supplement could help you get things back on track.
Feed your hair back to health with this vegan supplement.
Apotecari Hair Food is an enriched vegan supplement that easily mixes in with smoothies, milk, or water. Cruelty-free and made in Australia, this supplement has been designed to increase hair strength and improve the condition of each strand. A hair-boosting wonder product, the formula is free from wheat, gluten, shellfish, egg, and lactose. If you’re wondering is it safe to take hair vitamins while pregnant, you’ll be happy you found this formula! Made with no refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, flavours, or preservatives, this tasty treat fits in perfectly with your morning routine.
The biophotonic jar maintains the freshness of the ingredients and of the natural Pomegranate, Strawberry, and Coconut flavour. Apotecari Hair Food 2 Months is a vegan and cruelty-free formula that anyone can enjoy. The ultra-fine powder blends well with any plant-based milk. You can even take it with water and still enjoy the taste! This supplement powder contains ingredients that can encourage collagen production. The antioxidants in the formula protect you from free radicals and daily pollutants. The powder also contains Brown Rice, Sunflower Seeds, and Pea, as well as other fun ingredients such as Baobab, Beetroot, Davidson Plum, Kakadu Plum, and Native Peach.
Bring your hair back to health with this affordable haircare set.
When you’re pregnant and postpartum, your wellness routine should be a priority. The Apotecari The A Team Pack changes up your haircare routine and keeps your hair looking and feeling great. The affordable pack features 3 of Apotecari’s popular daily supplements for hair, alongside a shaker, a gorgeous glass bottle, and a cute tote bag. Made in Australia, this set features premium formulas that can help to keep your hair looking healthy. Whether you have dry strands, damage, dullness, or simply slow hair growth, the formulas in this set may be able to help you.
Crowning Glory supplement supports and hydrates the hair with a blend of plant-based Omegas. Mane Event supplement optimises hair growth and keeps your lengths in the best condition. This formula will help your hair grow strong and long. Hair Food is a daily supplement you can enjoy with your morning smoothie; it’s a great way to boost your day with a little extra nutrition. Shake up your Hair Food in the Signature Shaker, which is made of wheat straw ‘plastic’, which means it’s completely compostable. And finally, use the UV Glass Bottle to stay hydrated all day long! The Apotecari The A Team Kit has everything you might need, and it makes a great gift! This is one our list of go-to products for fast hair growth.
Finally, a few important things to know about the hair supplements mentioned in this article:
- Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have recently had surgery or been in an accident.
- Take your supplements as directed - exceeding the recommended dosage won't get you results faster, but it will cost you more money.
- If you're concerned about hair loss, chat to your health professional for personalised expert advice, because no two heads of hair are the same.
The perfect post-pregnancy tonic for healthy hair and scalp.
Once you have your baby, you’ll soon start noticing how much less time you have on your hands—and you thought you were busy before! If you’re struggling with hair loss and the constant shedding is getting you down, you should try Dr. Hauschka Revitalising Hair and Scalp Tonic. The gentle, cruelty-free formula is free from synthetic fragrances and dyes, and it doesn't contain any parabens, preservatives, mineral oil, or silicones. If your scalp is feeling itchy and flaky, this tonic will work to return your hair to its previously lustrous look. Perfect for controlling excess oil production, the rich, botanical formula invigorates limp hair and nourishes an irritated scalp.
If your scalp is feeling uncomfortable and oily, you’ll love Dr Hauschka Hair Tonic 100ml. The unique formula is dermatologically tested for sensitive skin. With consistent use, this tonic will keep your hair and scalp flake-free and feeling super-fresh. Stimulating blood flow to promote healthy hair growth, this is a great post-pregnancy product to get your hair back to its best. Neem Extract, Stinging Nettles, Birch Bark, and Burdock Root revitalise the hair and scalp. The Horse Chestnut in the formula promotes healthy moisture balance in the hair. And Calendula soothes the scalp to reduce inflammation. This product is suitable for everyone suffering from a dry, irritated scalp. By tending to your scalp, you can help your hair grow long and strong.
Wash your hair daily with this soft and gentle formula
A cruelty-free, sulphate-free formula, KEVIN.MURPHY Angel.Wash has been especially formulated for dry, fine, and coloured hair. The lightweight formula nourishes and cleanses the hair without weighing it down, and it won’t strip the hair of its natural oils. Designed for thinning hair that’s lost its lustre, this formula leaves you feeling cleansed and balanced. If you’re pregnant or postpartum, this gentle blend is a great hair washing option. Made to protect the hair with a blend of botanicals, this formula will keep your tresses long, strong, and squeaky clean.
If you’re been searching for one of the best shampoos for damaged hair, you’ll love this blend from Kevin Murphy. KEVIN.MURPHY Angel Wash 250mL is a weightless formula that boosts volume and body. If you’re suffering with thinning hair that looks way less than its best, this shampoo works to visibly thicken the hair and reduce breakage. If you’re rocking colour-treated hair, this formula won't strip the colour away. The paraben-free, sulphate-free solution keeps your hair in the best condition. Oat Protein provides structure, fullness, and body, while Sunflower Seed Extract shields strands from potential UV damage. Green Tea Extract provides vital antioxidant protection. Hydrolysed Wheat Protein adds fullness, strength, and shine. And Superoxide Dismutase prevents your colour from oxidising. One of the best shampoos for dry and fine hair, this kind formula is gentle enough for daily use or however often you like to wash your hair.
Cleansing your hair with a gentle shampoo is essential, but conditioning it with a nurturing formula will really give it a boost. Aveda Shampure Nurturing Conditioner is a cruelty-free formula that works to nourish your hair and envelop you with a gorgeous, calming scent. When you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or bottle-feeding, it's important you enjoy the moments of quiet when they come. Made with 98% naturally derived ingredients, this conditioner truly cares for your hair and leaves you feeling relaxed for a few precious minutes. The silicone-free formula contains Abyssinian Oil, which works to instantly detangle the hair and keep it soft and shiny.
If you've been looking for a natural conditioner that will help you get your hair back to its best post-pregnancy, you’ll love this soothing formula from Aveda. Made with a blend of detangling ingredients, this conditioner adds shine and provides long-lasting nourishment. AVEDA Shampure Nurturing Conditioner 250ml has been made with 25 pure flower and plant essences, which come to life when you use the formula. Simply massage into wet hair and rinse with cold water after a few minutes. Follow up with some heat-free styling to keep your hair in the best condition possible.
If you’re looking for a hydrating, softening conditioner to help bring your tired, stressed-out hair back to life, you’ll enjoy VIRTUE Recovery Conditioner. The rich formula glides through the hair beautifully and works to enhance softness and keep your locks shiny and healthy. Cruelty-free and sulphate-free, this formula enhances softness and makes even very dry, tangly hair easy to manage. Enriched with leading-edge Alpha-Keratin 60ku, this conditioner effectively treats damaged, dry hair. Your hair will feel softer than ever when you use this shine-enhancing formula. Infusing the hair with nourishment and hydration, it helps repair hair that’s been severely heat-damaged.
VIRTUE Recovery Conditioner 200ml works to enhance the manageability and shine of your hair. Repairing any damage that’s been caused by heat, this conditioner fills in cracks in the hair cuticle with pure Keratin for a smooth, healthy finish. If you hate your post-pregnancy thinning hair, you might enjoy the nourishing benefits of this unique conditioner. Perfect for anyone whose hair is crying out for extra care, this formula heals strands that have been stressed out by heat-styling. Fragranced with a blend of Coconut, Yuzu, and Warm Woods, this Leaping Bunny-certified formula is cruelty-free and free from preservatives and other nasties. Pea Protein protects the hair from daily styling, and Hydrolysed Quinoa helps the hair retain moisture and colour.
*All information contained in this guide is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute advice given by a healthcare professional. If you are pregnant, always consult with your doctor before trying new hair care, body and wellness products.
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
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