Save this story Save this story. Instagram content This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. Korin is a former New Yorker who now lives at the beach. She received a double B. in Interactive Journalism from American University. Korin has been published in Read more.

Topics hair growth hair Hair loss Pregnancy news. Is it stress? Something else entirely? Here are the most common culprits behind a thinning ponytail. Why Do I Get Ridiculously Horny Around My Period?

Time to break out the sex towels. The actor, who is in remission from MS, talked candidly about living with chronic pain and fatigue.

The early days of pregnancy are a wild ride. I Was Diagnosed With Colon Cancer at Here Are the First Symptoms I Had. When I told my doctor about my stomach issues, she said it sounded like I had anxiety.

How to Use Retinol Without Turning Into a Dry, Flaky Mess. Try the rule to save yourself from the hell that is flaking and peeling. For Black pregnant people, the pregnancy hormones can also mean a change in hair texture during and post-pregnancy.

As Parents previously reported, some pregnant people who previously had 4a hair reported that their hair changed to 3b, with looser curls; others experienced changes in how their curls retained moisture. This can mean that during pregnancy and the postpartum period, while navigating other parts of their bodies changing, they might also need to totally reconsider their haircare routines.

It takes about three months for that hair to shed out, she adds, which is why most people notice postpartum hair loss around three months after delivery.

As doctorate-prepared board-certified nurse midwife Dr. Chanelle Nsangou Njoya previously told Parents in a story about Black pregnant people's hair, the birthing process itself can be traumatic and trigger the start of hair loss paired with the rapid reduction in estrogen.

Njoya says. A commentary on Black-centered care also noted the importance of acknowledging the specific changes that can happen with Black postpartum individuals.

Hair might fall out all around your head, or clumps may come loose when you brush it or shower. Some postpartum people simply lose some strands around their hairline, so their hair looks very fine in the front as if they're balding, says Stephanie Scuoppo, a hairstylist at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon and Spa in New York City.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG , most of the time, hair will start to grow back after three to six months postpartum.

While there are exceptions, Dr. Shah reassures that most of the time, hair loss will spontaneously normalize. In some people it's three months, in some people it's six months. Occasionally it can last a year," Dr. Shah says. Postpartum hair loss is a temporary phase, and it's unlikely that your hair will go from extra-thick to barely there.

Don't fret if your hair starts feeling extra thin. That said, everyone's hormonal shift will manifest differently. Can you stop postpartum hair loss? Probably not, but you might be able to control it.

According to Dr. Shah, good nutrition is essential after giving birth, and it can help keep your hair strong, healthy, and intact at least to some degree. Don't skimp on your protein and iron intake! That said, if the shedding seems out of the ordinary, you may want to check with a doctor.

They may test you for thyroid disorders or other health issues. Are you desperate for a postpartum hair loss treatment? Here's how to keep your mane looking its best during this strange transition. First and foremost, visit a stylist for professional advice, says Scuoppo.

You can find someone who has experience with your hair texture either pre- or postpartum and walk them through the changes you experienced. They may recommend a different hairstyle that incorporates those fine hairs in the front or covers spots where you might be experiencing shedding or warn you of styles that won't help your hair recover well.

If you previously had long hair, or a layered cut with pieces that came down to the chin in the front, you may need to shorten it into long bangs that frame the face.

You also may be advised to hold off on certain styles that might put more pressure on your hair e. Celebrity stylist Oribe whose clients include Jennifer Lopez and Gwyneth Paltrow agrees that it's a good idea to go shorter in the front.

Sexy, short-in-the-middle, longer-at-the-sides bangs would look amazing, says Oribe. In some cases, layering your hair all over will also give you more fullness. Coloring your hair can also give it body, says Scuoppo.

If you feel that your hairline is receding and you have dark hair, highlighting the front can act as camouflage. Or try glossing, a treatment that gives hair an all-over shine. Oribe also says that using the right products can give the illusion of fullness. Look for a volumizing mousse at the drugstore or salon.

Always use a conditioner or a leave-in hair moisturizer after shampooing. Drinking water and prioritizing your vitamins in your diet is another great tool for taking care of your tresses and keeping your hair texture from becoming too dry, according to Dr.

Iron deficiency is a well-known cause of hair loss and vitamin D contributes to hair follicle cycling. If you normally part your hair in the middle, try a side part to disguise thinning hair at the temples.

Sleek, straight hairstyles make thinning hair more obvious. If you usually blow out your curly or wavy hair, consider going with your natural curl. If you have straight hair, try using Velcro rollers or a curling iron to give your locks some oomph, says Scuoppo.

Headbands, scarves, bandanas, and even wigs are fun and stylish ways to disguise postpartum hair loss—and they can take the pressure off your wallet if a pricey salon visit isn't in the cards right now. They're especially popular with new parents who have little time to devote to hair care.

Gizlenti S, Ekmekci TR. The changes in the hair cycle during gestation and the post-partum period. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol.

Mills lives in New Jersey with her husband, two insanely energetic sons, and a very cute mini goldendoodle. Community Getting Pregnant Pregnancy Baby Names Baby Toddler Child Health Family Courses Registry Builder Baby Products Advertisement.

How to cope with postpartum hair loss Postpartum hair loss is totally normal — but that doesn't mean it's not annoying. Medically reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.

Photo credit: iStock. In this article Is it normal to start losing your hair after giving birth? How long does postpartum hair loss last?

What can I do about postpartum hair loss? What else can I do to keep my hair as healthy as possible? What if my hair loss continues? Is it normal to start losing your hair after giving birth?

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Latest update: See more. Here's what causes a new mother to lose her hair — even when she's not pulling it out — and what she can do about postpartum hair loss. Back to Top. In This Article. What causes postpartum hair loss?

How long does postpartum hair loss last? Tips for dealing with postpartum hair loss. If you have postpartum hair loss, or hair loss after pregnancy, you'll notice a sudden shedding — sometimes in clumps — in the six months after you give birth.

The average person loses about hairs a day, but not all at once, so you don't notice them. When you're expecting, however, your pregnancy hormones keep those hairs from falling out — leaving your hair looking as lush as a supermodel's, or so thick that you can barely get a brush through it.

Read This Next. Postpartum Sweating. Your 4-Month-Old's Sleep Schedule. From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting.

What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

View Sources. Most women find that pregnancy makes their hair thicker. One of the first to spike is human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. Pregnancy also causes several other hormone levels to rise, including estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin, and prolactin. Your blood volume also rose during pregnancy, to as much as 50 percent greater volume than normal by your due date.

Immediately after your baby is born, several of your hormone levels drop quickly, including estrogen and progesterone.

Your blood volume also decreases, but its drop is more gradual. It gets back to normal a few weeks after your baby arrives. Hormones are the biggest reason for your pregnancy hair changes and postpartum hair loss.

During pregnancy, your high levels of estrogen prevented your usual rate of hair loss. Normally, your hair falls out in small amounts every day. During pregnancy, your hair loss decreases. The effect is compounded by your increased blood volume and circulation, which also causes your hair to fall out less than normal.

So after your baby arrives and your hormone levels drop, your hair makes up for lost time by falling out in much bigger clumps than it normally does. Postpartum hair loss can set in any day after your baby arrives, and it sometimes continues as long as a year.

And, unfortunately, there is nothing that has been shown to prevent or slow postpartum hair loss. But if your hair loss is bothering you, there are treatments you can try to make your hair appear fuller and healthier. Heating your hair with a dryer or curling iron may make it look thinner.

Try to hold off on fancy styling and let your hair air-dry till the thinning tapers out. You can use the extra time to cuddle your baby or catch up on sleep! Including a variety of fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins in your diet is the best way to make sure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs.

Foods that are suggested by some to improve hair health include dark leafy greens for the iron and vitamin C , sweet potatoes and carrots for the beta carotene , eggs for the vitamin D , and fish for omega-3s and magnesium.

But they may help as a supplement if your diet is not well-balanced. While no specific vitamins have been shown to affect hair loss, they are important for overall health.

It is often recommended to continue your prenatal vitamins after your baby is born, especially if you are breast-feeding. Volumizers may add body to your hair and help you maintain a lustrous look. In most cases, your postpartum hair loss is totally normal and not anything to worry about.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.