Postpartum Hair Loss

Losing more hair than usual after childbirth? Hair coming out in large clumps? Don’t fret. 

Postpartum hair loss is a common experience for new mothers. While it can be distressing to see clumps of hair on your pillow or in the shower, this type of hair loss is usually temporary and reversible with the right treatment.

Table of Contents

Toggle

What Causes Post-Partum Hair Loss?

Approximately 40% to 50% of women experience postpartum hair loss, according to the American Pregnancy Association. During pregnancy, elevated oestrogen levels keep hair in the growth phase (anagen) longer, giving many women thicker, fuller hair. After childbirth, oestrogen hormone levels rapidly drop, causing many hair follicles to enter the resting (telogen) phase and fall out. Most mothers notice this around 2–4 months after delivery, and it can affect different areas of the scalp, particularly the parting, hairline and temples. Besides hormonal changes, other contributing factors include stress, nutritional deficiencies (eg iron deficiency), pre-existing female pattern hair loss and medical conditions causing hair loss (eg hypothyroidism, anaemia).

Signs of Post-Partum Hair Loss

Here are some common symptoms patients report while going through postpartum hair loss.

• Sudden shedding or clumps of hair falling out when brushing or washing.
• Noticeable thinning of hair along the hairline, crown and temples.
• Increased visibility of the scalp in areas of hair thinning
• Weak and broken hair strands

Typically, postpartum hair loss develops 2-4 months after childbirth and resolves 9-12 months after childbirth, although a minority of women experience permanent hair thinning. Unlike other types of hair loss, postpartum hair loss is characterised by diffuse thinning rather than patchy bald spots

How We Diagnose Postpartum Hair Loss

Hair loss is a medical diagnosis and requires a detailed evaluation by a medical professional. The diagnosis is clinical, based on medical history and symptoms, with blood tests used to exclude hair loss caused by medical conditions or nutritional deficiencies.

During the consultation, your doctor will usually check the following

• When your hair loss started (usually 2-4 months after childbirth)
• Any accompanying symptoms (e.g. fatigue, weight gain, difficulty breathing)
• Family history of hair loss
• Dietary habits and current medications

Physical examination would usually show diffuse hair loss affecting the entire scalp, with thinning of the hair along the hairline, parting and temples.

Treatment for Postpartum Hair Loss in Singapore

Postpartum hair loss is a self-resolving condition and usually recovers fully in time (6-12 months) even without any treatment. However, hair loss is often distressing to an individual and affects self-confidence, driving many patients to seek treatment to expedite recovery. Patients with postpartum hair loss and pre-existing female pattern hair loss should also consider treatment to prevent the progression of hair loss.

Scalp Health & Hair Care

Use gentle, sulphate-free shampoos. Avoid tight hairstyles or harsh treatments such as bleaching. Dry Scalp: Use hydrating shampoos, conditioners, and natural oils like argan oil or coconut oil. Oily Scalp: Wash your hair less frequently, use a balancing shampoo, and consider scalp exfoliation. Sensitive Scalp: Use gentle, fragrance-free products and avoid harsh chemicals. 

Nutritional & Hair Growth Supplements

A balanced diet rich in iron, zinc, biotin, and protein can strengthen hair from the inside out. Any nutritional deficiency identified by the screening blood tests can be corrected with nutraceuticals and hair growth supplements such as Miriqa Hair Extra Strength or Noukrin Hair Growth +.

Hair Growth sprays

Minoxidil hair growth sprays are the first-line treatment for all forms of hair loss. Minoxidil promotes hair regrowth by primarily increasing blood flow to hair follicles and stimulating them to transition into the growth phase. It also helps to lengthen the growth phase and shorten the resting phase of hair follicles. At Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medispa, we recommend compounded Minoxidil 5% + tretinoin 0.01% spray, which is preservative-free.

In Clinic treatments

Stem cell hair regrowth treatment (Calecim Hair)

Calecim Advanced Hair System (AHS) is a Mesenchymal stem cell regrowth serum that is used for the treatment of hair loss in men and women in Singapore. It contains multiple growth factors and cytokines. The Stem Cell Hair Regrowth Treatment (Calecim Hair) is a proprietary treatment protocol of weekly treatments with Calecim Advanced Hair System, with scalp micro needling and Low Level Laser Therapy. Results are typically seen in 3-4 months, with patients experiencing improved hair density and volume with less hair fall.

FUE Hair Transplant

For severe cases, a hair transplant is a surgical procedure that grafts healthy hair follicles into areas of hair loss. This provides a long-term solution to hair loss that does not respond to medications and stem cell hair growth therapy.

Suffering from postpartum hair loss? We are here to help!

At Bay Aesthetics Clinic, Medical Directors Dr Bernard Tan and Dr Hoe Ying Min are both experienced doctors with over 20 years of combined experience and thousands of patients. With their steady hands and a keen eye for beauty, they have accumulated a strong following of loyal patients. They have significant experience in treating patients with postpartum hair loss and will recommend a customised treatment plan that addresses key concerns and delivers optimal results with minimal downtime or risk. To see their portfolio of before and after cases, please contact the clinic.

Book a consultation with us today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)