Postpartum Dry Hair: Tips & Guide For Dry Hair After A Baby

What Causes Dry Hair Postpartum?

During pregnancy, we’re treated to a huge hike up in oestrogen which prolongs the growth stage of hair and creates thicker shinier hair. When we hit postpartum, we get a sudden and significant drop in oestrogen. In addition to this, feeding depletes us of a lot of the essential nutrients we need to maintain things like hair, such as zinc and iron. Throw in exhaustion and poor diet from grabbing snacks when you can, and we’ve got a recipe for poor hair conditions. 

Common Signs of Postpartum Dry Hair

You may notice your hair becoming more brittle when these changes occur, which will lead to it being more prone to snap and break. You’ll likely also notice increased shedding which can be really upsetting and quite shocking at first. Please be reassured that this can be a normal part of postpartum and with time and the right nutrition, your hair should return to a good condition. 

Tips to Revive Postpartum Dry Hair

Your hair health, like all of the other parts of your body, starts with what you're putting into yourself. Hydration is key and you’re going to need to significantly increase your water intake if you’re breastfeeding as well. Eating foods that are nutrient-rich and include omega 3 fatty acids are also going to help, alongside biotin and vitamin E. You can also get some great biotin supplements - always check you can take them alongside feeding though.
Deep conditioning treatments can be helpful but make sure to opt for sulphate-free shampoos.

Home Remedies for Dry Hair

There are a few interesting concoctions on the internet around home remedies for dry hair. Our favourite though is anything that has coconut oil as a base - deeply nourishing and easy to grab from the super market. 

When to Consult a Professional

If you find that your hair loss is persistent and you’re concerned about your hormonal levels, with associated additional symptoms alongside shedding, then be sure to contact your GP.

Final Thoughts

I feel like hair loss in the postpartum period can be somewhat trivialised sometimes, with social media quips or clickbait articles. The reality though is that the postpartum period can be one of the most emotionally challenging experiences of our lives. We question our identity, we’re exhausted and we are meeting ourselves for the first time in this completely new role. Hair loss can be the last straw for a lot of women who feel lost from who they thought they were. So I would encourage you all to have compassion for yourselves, and above all, patience. This season will pass and you’re not alone with these feelings.