The post baby bubble is often portrayed as a journey of joy and new beginnings. But for many women, who didn’t quite nail the Earth Mother assignment, it also brings unexpected – undesired – physical challenges. With one of the most surprising being significant hair loss. While it’s common for new mums to notice some hair shedding after childbirth, few truly understand the complex science behind postpartum hair loss. And, how much their scalp health can change during this period.
In the latest episode of Growth Bomb’s podcast series, The Growth Diaries, hosted by Sarah Davidson, dermatologist Dr Shammi Theesan sheds light on this widespread yet little-discussed postpartum experience. “Research shows that 80-90% of women postpartum will lose hair,” Dr Shammi reveals. This statistic highlights just how normal and prevalent postpartum hair loss is. And, yet, many women are caught off guard when it happens.
Rather than seeing this hair loss as something to fear, Dr Shammi encourages a deeper understanding of the hair cycle and its hormonal triggers, comparing scalp care after childbirth to the changes experienced during the menstrual cycle. “Just as your hormones change after childbirth, so too does the condition and cycle of your scalp and hair,” she explains.
To appreciate what happens postpartum, it’s essential to understand the four stages of hair growth. Dr Shammi elaborates, “The most important stage you need to learn about is the anogen phase, and that is the growth phase. About 85% of our hair follicles are in the anagen phase.” During pregnancy, two key hormones – estrogen and progesterone – play critical roles in maintaining healthy hair growth. “When you’re pregnant, you’ve got great levels of estrogen, but we also have good levels of something called progesterone. Progesterone stops miniaturisation of the hair follicle because it controls the male hormone expression on the hair follicle. So you have two amazing hormones that are keeping your hair in a longer growth phase.”
However, after childbirth, these hormonal levels drop sharply, causing a “reset” in the hair cycle. “The minute that changes, you get a reset, then you have these growth phase follicles going into that dropping off phase called telogen or exogen,” Dr Shammi explains. This transition results in the noticeable shedding many women experience postpartum.
But hormones aren’t the whole story. Stress, hair care habits, and overall antioxidant capacity can also influence the amount of hair loss. “Depending on how stressed you are, what you’ve put on your hair, and your antioxidant potential, you change and play around with those cycles,” Dr Shammi says. This highlights the delicate balance of internal and external factors that affect scalp health.
One of the most exciting developments in addressing postpartum hair loss comes from Growth Bomb, which has launched the world’s first Post Pregnancy Range. This range thoughtfully meets the unique needs of new mothers’ scalps and hair during this sensitive transition. The multi-targeted, antioxidant-rich formula nourishes the gut microbiome and supports the scalp directly Because, as Dr Shammi reminds us, “everything that’s expressed in our skin and hair starts from within. That’s why your gut microbiome is so important.”
This inside-out philosophy reflects growing scientific understanding that links scalp health to overall body health. The gut-skin axis, a complex interaction between gut microbes and skin function, plays a vital role in inflammation control, nutrient absorption, and ultimately, healthy hair regrowth. By supporting the gut microbiome, the Growth Bomb Post Pregnancy Range helps create the ideal environment for hair follicles to thrive again.
For new mothers navigating the emotional and physical challenges of postpartum hair loss, Dr Shammi’s insights offer reassurance and a practical path forward. Understanding the natural hair growth cycle, the hormonal shifts after childbirth, and the influence of lifestyle factors empowers women to care for their scalp with patience and science-backed solutions.
