Around three to six months following childbirth, many women notice a significant increase in hair shedding. This phenomenon, clinically known as telogen effluvium, is a direct consequence of the dramatic hormonal shifts that occur after delivery.
During pregnancy, elevated oestrogen levels prolong the anagen, or growth, phase of the hair cycle. This accounts for the often thicker, fuller hair observed by expectant mothers.
Once the baby is born, oestrogen levels plummet sharply. This rapid decrease signals a large number of hair follicles to simultaneously enter the telogen, or resting, phase.
Hair typically remains in the telogen phase for approximately three months before being shed. This explains the characteristic delay between childbirth and the onset of noticeable hair loss.
The intensity of shedding varies, but it commonly peaks around four to five months postpartum. For most, this period of increased hair fall can last for up to six months, gradually subsiding as hormone levels stabilise.
While many conventional haircare approaches focus on superficial volume, a plant-led philosophy considers the scalp’s micro-environment. Evera’s formulations, for example, prioritise ingredients that support scalp health, which is crucial during periods of hormonal flux.
Supporting the scalp with gentle, nourishing ingredients can aid recovery. Botanicals rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids help maintain the skin barrier and foster an optimal environment for hair regrowth.
It is important to remember that postpartum shedding is a temporary condition. The hair cycle will eventually normalise as the body recalibrates its hormonal balance.
Patience and a consistent, kind approach to hair and scalp care are key during this natural, albeit sometimes unsettling, biological process.
