During pregnancy, women go through many physical and emotional changes due to hormones and many other reasons, and these changes continue even after the baby is born. What often changes is that the care and attention women receive during pregnancy changes after the baby is born, leaving new mothers alone.

We all know how challenging it can be to deal with post-pregnancy weight, but many women face another problem: postpartum hair loss. Just as new mothers are adjusting to their new bodies, hair loss can become an additional struggle, which can also take a toll on their mental health.

Celebrities like Anushka Sharma have also struggled with this problem. After the birth of her daughter Vamika, the actress wrote on Instagram, “You appreciate a good haircut even more when you lose hair after childbirth.” Kareena Kapoor Khan also faced the problem of excessive hair fall after the birth of her son Taimur Ali Khan.

If you’re a new mum reading this and thinking ‘I know exactly how this feels’, the experts are here to guide you.

Understanding postpartum hair loss

“Postpartum hair loss is a condition that occurs after delivery, called telogen effluvium. It is a temporary condition caused by hormonal changes after delivery,” explains Dr Chinjita T Davis, Associate Consultant, Dermatology, Manipal Hospital, Goa. india today,

The doctor said that this type of hair fall usually occurs suddenly and happens three months after the child is born.

This condition may seem alarming because of the excessive loss (more than 100-150 hairs per day) compared to normal hair loss (100 hairs per day), but it usually resolves within 6 to 12 months.

Meanwhile, Dr Sandhya Rani, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Aster Women & Children’s Hospital, Bengaluru, explains that high levels of oestrogen during pregnancy contribute to faster hair growth, resulting in thicker and denser hair.

However, estrogen levels drop after delivery, causing the excess hair accumulated during pregnancy to fall. Uncontrolled thyroid problems can also aggravate this problem.

Postpartum hair loss is different from other types of hair loss such as androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness, which results from genetic factors, hormonal imbalances or aging. “This type affects men and women differently depending on their genes and other health factors,” says Dr. Rani.

It is important to note that postpartum hair loss is temporary and resolves on its own once hormones stabilize after pregnancy. However, regular hair loss may require medical treatment or intervention to suppress or reverse the problem.

Moreover, experts say that about 40-80 percent of women suffer from postpartum hair loss, but its severity can vary from woman to woman.

It is reversible

Dr. Shravya C. Tipirneni, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetologist and Trichologist at Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore explains that over time, the hair follicles heal and new hair growth begins.

When estrogen levels decrease and return to pre-pregnancy levels, normal hair growth resumes.

This temporary phase can affect mental health

For some new mothers, postpartum hair loss can cause emotional distress.

“After childbirth, many women face challenges with body image, fatigue, and adjusting to their new role as a mother. Sudden and obvious hair loss can add to this burden, leading to feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem, or even depression,” says Dr. Davis.

Dr Nikhil Nair, a psychiatrist at NCR-based Sharda Hospital, also points out that hair loss after delivery increases the risk of depression and other mental health issues in a new mother as it damages a woman’s self-confidence and changes her self-perception, which can lead to emotional difficulties post-delivery.

“Physically and psychologically, new mothers often feel pressured to get back to their pre-pregnancy state as quickly as possible. Hair loss can make women feel like they have less control over their bodies, adding to the stress of adjusting to motherhood,” she added.

Dr. Rani agrees, “Postpartum hair loss can actually lead to depression and anxiety.” The physical and emotional changes that come with giving birth can be overwhelming, and hair loss makes the situation even worse.

“It’s not uncommon for women to experience depression along with other kinds of emotional distress after motherhood,” she adds.

Women may feel insecure or unattractive, which, combined with hormonal fluctuations, sleep deprivation, and physical recovery after childbirth, can create the perfect storm for mental health problems. In addition, women experiencing all of this may feel isolated or misunderstood by others, who may not fully understand the emotional impact of hair loss. Loneliness alone can contribute significantly to perinatal mood disorders.

It is important for new mothers to understand that postpartum hair loss is a natural process and does not indicate poor health or care.

Dealing with postpartum hair loss

Experts suggest focusing on self-care and making lifestyle adjustments during this time.

• Maintain a healthy dietEating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, biotin and vitamin D helps maintain healthy hair. Include leafy vegetables, nuts and protein sources in your diet.
• Gentle hair careUsing mild shampoos and conditioners can help maintain hair health. Avoid tight hairstyles, excessive heat styling, or rough treatments, as this can worsen hair loss.
• Manage stressStress-relief techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga can help manage the emotional aspects of hair loss.
• Consult a healthcare providerIf hair loss is severe or continues for more than a year, consult a doctor to rule out other underlying conditions.
• Be patientHair loss after childbirth is usually temporary, and hair growth typically resumes within a few months to a year. Understanding that this is part of the recovery process can help reduce psychological distress.
• Get help: Friends, family, or mental health professionals can provide emotional support. Talking about your feelings related to hair loss can help manage anxiety and depression.

And, like Anushka Sharma, you too can consider changing your hairstyle. Keeping short hair makes thinning hair less noticeable and easier to manage.

Dealing with change mentally

“Since postpartum hair loss is often accompanied by other emotional and physical changes, it can be hard to manage mentally,” says Dr. Nair.

By accepting hair loss as a natural part of the body’s healing process, new mothers can overcome their worries by adopting a more positive mindset.

According to Dr. Tipirneni, it’s important to accept that this condition is temporary. “Remind yourself that this is a normal part of the postpartum period, and your hair will eventually grow back,” she advises.

When dealing with postpartum hair loss, it’s also important to challenge negative thoughts about your appearance with positive thoughts.

Remember, postpartum hair loss is a common occurrence and you should be kind to yourself. Do not hesitate to seek help as a supportive environment can make this phase easier. Also, understand that the emotions you are feeling are normal and acknowledging your hair loss fears is an important step in managing it.