When we think about how pregnancy affects our bodies, the obvious stuff is the stretch marks and extra wobbly bits. Less talked about is the way having a baby can affect your hair.

When I was pregnant for the first time, my hair was thicker and shinier than it had ever been before. But then when I had the baby, it seemed like the hair was falling out in clumps. When you're coping with the upheaval of a new baby, the last thing you want to deal with is losing your hair as well.

Around half of new mums experience some sort of hair loss. But why does this happen, and what can we do about it? Will the hair definitely grow back?

Philip Kingsley is the UK's leading expert in hair health, having been a practising trichologist for more than 50 years. His clinics in London and New York have treated many A list stars, including Kate Winslet, Cher, Jerry Hall, Barbra Streisand, Sigourney Weaver, Kirsten Dunst and Renee Zellwegger.

This is Philip's advice for any of you who are worried about hair loss after having a baby:



'Post partum hair loss is a hair fall which occurs in 50% of women after having a baby. It usually begins about 8 weeks after the baby is born, and can last until the 7th month. The fall out can be frightening, but I assure you that it will stop and the hair will grow back.

The reason for the fall is that oestrogens (female hormones) increase during pregnancy. Oestrogens can prolong the hair's growth phase, so your hair falls out less when you're pregnant. After having the baby, the hormones revert to normal and the hair that was going to fall out during pregnancy, but didn't, falls out all at once.

We have conducted studies and discovered that 50% (49.8%) of women suffered from post partum fall and 50% didn't. And it was random. Also, what happened with the first child did not influence what happened with the next baby. So just because it happens once doesn't mean it will happen again.

The good news, too, is that post partum fall always regrows – or it should. If it doesn't, which is rare, there would be cause for extra professional advice and various blood tests.

Another factor that should be born in mind is post-natal depression, which can effect hair fall and growth. See your GP if you are concerned about this.

Because post partum hair loss is due to hormonal changes, it is not possible to stop it, but you can encourage faster regrowth by massaging (kneading) the scalp every morning for 1-2 minutes before shampooing. Applying a stimulant Scalp Mask, too, will help even more, I have a Scalp Mask in my range which is perfect for this.

As mentioned you cannot do anything to stop true post partum fall but good hair care habits will make it grow faster and look and feel better. Shampooing and conditioning daily is the simplest way. Use products suitable for your hair type and whatever styling aids you require.

Eat nutritiously with plenty of proteins and take a good all round supplement. You may need an iron supplement, too, as well as Vitamin B12. My PK4Hair supplements are great for post pregnancy as they increase the protein intake and the more protein in the diet the better your hair will be.

The main point is don't panic – your hair will regrow eventually!'


Did your hair fall out after you had your baby?
How long did it take to get back to normal? Leave a comment below