‘Losing my hair is the stuff of nightmares’ says new mum as experts weighs in

No one promised that the postpartum period would be fun and although I was prepared for my body to change, the difference I’m yet to come to terms with is postpartum hair loss.

I’ve always had what a hairdresser would refer to as “fine hair but lots of it”. During

pregnancy, a head of thicker, shinier, longer hair was a very welcome silver lining to the grey cloud of other symptoms. It also grew at record speed, skimming my waist by the time I was nine months pregnant.

But when my baby reached the four-month mark my hair started falling out by the handful, clogging the plughole, hairbrush and hoover on a daily basis.

A further seven months on, I can see some regrowth – a fuzzy halo of curls has formed. But it’s still thinner around the crown than ever before. It also feels limp and lifeless, no matter what I try. Is this my hair now? Is it just postpartum hair loss, or is something else at play?

Pretty terrified of what lay ahead, I booked in with UKLash trichologist and hair health expert Hannah Gaboardi at the Hair Growth Clinic in Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, to get some answers.

What is postpartum hair loss?

Postpartum hair loss is temporary, starting around three to six months after delivery, and it’s spread evenly across the scalp rather than in specific patterns.

“Pregnancy hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone can prolong the hair’s growth (anagen) phase, resulting in thicker, fuller hair during pregnancy,” Hannah says. “After childbirth, hormone levels decline, causing more hair follicles to enter the resting (telogen) phase and subsequently shed.”

How does it differ from other forms of hair loss?

Postpartum hair loss is usually temporary and resolves itself after six to 12 months after childbirth.

“Other types of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern or female-pattern baldness) or alopecia areata, may be more persistent and require ongoing treatment,” says Hannah.

Genetics may be behind female pattern hair loss, but alopecia areata occurs when the immune system attacks your hair follicles.

While hair is shed evenly across the scalp with postpartum hair loss, other forms of hair loss might manifest in a “receding hairline, thinning at the crown or patches of hair loss,” she says.

Hair loss can also occur during menopause, thanks to falling oestrogen levels, and it can sometimes be a symptom of underlying health issues. “These include thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies or autoimmune conditions,” she says.

“Ignoring these underlying conditions can exacerbate hair loss and prevent effective

treatment so if you’re experiencing significant hair loss, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.”

My diagnosis

Hannah inspected my follicles using digital trichoscopy (a tiny scalp camera).

The good news is that the regrowth at the hairline is my postpartum hair loss finally bouncing back. And, with a renewed focus on diet and relaxation, I can support the process.

The bad bit? I’m dealing with more than a little postpartum hair loss. Hannah spotted that the hair around my hairline and crown is a lot thinner than the rest of my head, and diagnosed me with androgenetic alopecia, or female pattern hair loss. Four words I never wanted to hear.

“It’s a common form of hair loss in women, characterised by a gradual and diffuse thinning of hair over the crown and central part of the scalp,” she says. “The condition is influenced by genetic and hormonal factors, with the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) playing a key role in the miniaturisation of hair follicles.”

It was a shock, to say the least. For so many of us, myself included, hair is so tightly wound to our identity that the thought of losing it is the stuff of nightmares. And unlike a spot, or a new wrinkle, thinning hair is a lot harder to disguise, if we so wish.

It’s not caused by pregnancy – it’s more likely to be something that runs in the family – but perhaps the additional postpartum hair loss made it look all the more noticeable. So safe to say, I’m pretty scared about the future of my follicles. And will be following Hannahs’’s advice to the letter. More on that later…

How to remedy postpartum hair loss

“The best advice I can give is to be patient,” says Hannah. “For most women, hair growth typically returns to normal in six to 12 months after childbirth.”

In the meantime, focusing on nutrition can give your hair the best shot at recovering. “A nutrient-rich diet with vitamins and minerals such as biotin, iron, and vitamins A and E can support hair growth,” she says. “Include foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats.”

Then there’s the issue of stress, which can exacerbate hair loss. Hannah recommends trying relaxation techniques like deep breathing and spending time in nature – it’s a good thing that a daily walk in the park is just as much as any new mum can manage in those early months.

You should also practise gentle hair care. Beware the tightly spun mum-bun; gentle brushing and looser styles will better minimise breakage and further hair loss. Heed Hannah’s sage advice: “Use a wide-toothed comb or a soft-bristled brush, opt for mild, sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners, limit the use of heat styling tools and avoid pulling or tugging on the hair.”

What if you think it’s more than postpartum hair loss?

If you’re concerned about your hair loss, seek advice from a healthcare professional such as your GP, a dermatologist or trichologist.

While I am terrified about the future of my follicles, there is hope. “There are several topical and over-the-counter treatments that have been shown to be effective for certain types of hair loss,” Hannah says.

“While individual responses may vary, these treatments may help promote hair growth, improve hair density, and minimise further hair loss.”

In my case, she recommends minoxidil, which the NHS also advises. “It’s a topical medication available over the counter that is FDA-approved for the treatment of male-pattern and female-pattern hair loss. It is believed to work by increasing blood flow to the scalp and prolonging the hair growth (anagen) phase.”

I now apply 1ml of the serum-like liquid to my scalp everyday, but frustratingly, I can’t expect to see results for several months. So for now, I wait. It’s a good job I have that new-mum patience to see me through…