I don’t know a single mom who at some point in the months after delivery doesn’t contemplate cutting their hair. Not a one.
Maybe it’s the fluctuating hormones, or the postpartum hair loss, or the grabby hands of an infant with a death-grip that’s set on eliminating your strands.
Then, there's the fact that new mothers often experience the growth of short, wispy hairs around the hairline, known as 'baby bangs,' due to hormonal changes after childbirth.
Whatever the reason, it’s highly likely that around 3-4 months postpartum your google search will include images for haircut inspo.
Understanding Postpartum Hair Loss
Experiencing postpartum hair loss can be quite a shock, but rest assured, it’s a common phenomenon for many new mothers.
Understanding why it happens can help you manage it better. During pregnancy, your body produces more estrogen, which keeps your hair in the growth phase longer, resulting in that luscious, fuller hair.
However, after childbirth, your hormone levels plummet, causing your hair to enter the shedding phase.
This sudden shift can lead to noticeable hair loss.
Other factors like nutritional deficiencies, stress, genetics, and certain medical conditions can also contribute to postpartum hair loss. To minimize these additional factors I highly recommend adding a supplement during this time:
The baby blues passion fruit postpartum hair vitamin gummies quickly became my favorite to support healthy/faster hair growth and shine.
While you can't fully prevent that postpartum hormone change, you can keep the period minimal and get your hair growing back faster.
Knowing the root causes can make this phase a bit more manageable and less alarming.
Managing Postpartum Hair Loss
Managing postpartum hair loss involves a mix of gentle hair care, a nutritious diet, and stress management.
Start by being kind to your hair—avoid harsh chemicals and excessive heat styling.
A balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and essential nutrients is crucial for healthy hair growth. Supplements with biotin, collagen like the baby blues postpartum hair vitamins + vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids can also support hair growth.
Regular scalp massages can stimulate hair follicles and promote growth.
Don’t forget the importance of sleep and stress-reducing techniques like meditation.
With these steps, you can support your hair’s health and manage postpartum hair loss more effectively.
Will cutting my hair help with postpartum hair loss?
Postpartum hair loss is undoubtedly annoying and looking at a reflection of increasingly thinning hair is a blow no mom deserves. Getting a cut does have its benefits.
1.Get rid of dead/breaking ends: While trimming your hair and split ends won’t make it stop shedding, it will encourage growth by removing dead skin cells through regular washing and scalp exfoliation.
Once you have a split end, it will continue to split which results in breakage. Hair without splits will appear thicker, healthier, and shinier.
After a cut is the best time to put healthy hair habits in place too.
Establishing a consistent hair care routine that includes gentle handling of hair and regular use of appropriate products is crucial.
This includes using heat protectants when styling and taking hair vitamins.
2. Give the illusion of fuller hair: A good stylist will be able to give you recommendations on how to create the illusion of fullness with your face shape.
Shorter hair tends to look fuller without much effort. Angled, tossled, or blunt bobs are other ultra full producing haircuts.
3. Less tangles: Shorter hair tends not to knot up as easily. Trying to get a brush through tangled hair is a stressor and can definitely lead to more breakage. More breakage= faster hair fall.
Hormonal shed isn’t coming from breakage though, so while a haircut can give the illusion of fullness and get rid of dead ends it wouldn’t eliminate the shedding that comes from TE (telogen effluvium).
Baby Hercules learned to pull: baby hairs
Babies learn to pull (hair) basically from birth.
You are their security blanket, and they are making sure you are still there… you know… with the always annoying “ouch” hair pull test.
As they get older you may find them communicating by pulling your hair. “I don’t want to get put down” PUUUUUUULL. ”Nap time? No way!” YAAAAANK
Your little baby genius may be the reason you consider a chop.
Additionally, the presence of baby hairs around the hairline can be a key consideration for hairstylists when offering solutions for new mothers.
Something new for YOU
This could be really great or really devastating. There is no in between with a hair cut when emotions are running high.
Postpartum is a wild ride and honestly before you decide to change your look drastically make sure you are in an ok place.
The hair journey that new mothers go through involves emotional and physical challenges, especially with postpartum hair changes like hair loss and regrowth.
That said a new fun or sassy cut can be just what you need to feel fresh and reenergized and more than ….just a mom. Because you are so so much more!
It’s too easy to fall into a funk of being hard on yourself and just truly run down.
A little “me time” and that scalp massage … (you know the one), might be the pick-me-up you need to start feeling like yourself again.
This first one gives me serious "I'm still a sexy mom" vibes.
Holy fullness. If you are trying to give that fuller hair illusion the image above might be for you. Give me all the layers.
Ultra chic and classy. This is a style that gives thin hair life.
The side-part and waves deliver a double dose of volume
Curls of my dreams with a cut that delivers volume and I'm a cool mom aura.
Side part and imperfectly straight hair.. #goals
This chopped textured look delivers personality even if all you are feeling is tired mommy.
It's so beautiful and looks incredibly on any face shape! A great transition chop if you aren't sure how short you want to commit to. Hair looks healthy and you can still pull back (with a soft srunchie to minimize damage).
If you aren't already inspired, here the ultimate cool mom Kourtney Kardashian debuts her new short hair and honestly she's never looked happier... ok that might be love, but it might not NOT be the hair. =)
Styling Tips for Thinning Hair
Styling thinning hair can be a bit tricky, but with the right tips, you can create the illusion of fuller hair.
Opt for haircuts that add volume, like a blunt cut or a long bob. Volumizing products can also work wonders by adding texture and lift.
Steer clear of tight hairstyles that can cause further hair loss and breakage; instead, go for loose, effortless styles that look natural and relaxed.
Hair accessories like headbands, scarves, and hats can add a fun pop of color and distract from thinning areas.
Experimenting with different hair partings can also create the appearance of thicker hair.
With these styling tips, you can feel confident and beautiful, even with thinning hair.
So should you be calling your stylist STAT?
Well, I just wrote a blog about "should you cut your hair after having a new baby" and had to stop mid-way through to book myself a haircut.
Not an exaggeration...
The truth is postpartum is rough and the baby blues are a real thing.
If you've been growing your hair for years and are feeling like you are in a rut, it might be bigger than your hair.
However, if you are looking for a pick me up and have dead ends that have goooot to go, then let this be your sign.
Postpartum hair loss socks and this could be a great way to get rid of some dead ends and give illusion of a thicker, healthier head of hair.
...and of course if you do get the chop and instantly regret it... there's always super delicious passion fruit hair vitamins to take the edge off and grow it back faster =).
