Many brand new moms find themselves experiencing hair loss after giving birth—and it can be kind of scary. But don’t worry.

Normally, most of the hair on your head is growing; while 5 – 15% isn’t. After a resting period, the 5-15% falls out and new hair grows (on average a woman sheds about 100 hairs a day). When you’re pregnant, higher estrogen prolongs the growing stage. There are fewer hairs in the resting stage and fewer falling out each day, so you have thicker hair. Postpartum, estrogen levels change again and more hair follicles enter the resting stage, causing more hair to fall out (but it is really just the hair that didn’t fall out while you were pregnant…though it does feel like you might go bald sometimes!).

Head or scalp massages

Stimulating the scalp gets blood flowing to the area and boosts the strength of the hair roots. The increased circulation ensures the best starting conditions for every individual hair strand. Adding in an essential oil like peppermint or cinnamon helps to further stimulate the scalp and promote growth. 

Ease up on heavy conditioners

Heavy conditioners can clog the hair follicles, blocking the hair and preventing growth. Apply conditioner to the ends, but avoid applying close to the roots.

Go Hard Core Care

Nioxin is a skincare-inspired treatment that uses custom technologies to deliver thicker, fuller-looking hair without side effects that can come with taking supplements. You can purchase Nioxin online and do it at-home or you can sometimes have it done in a salon. There’s a fantastic salon in Toronto (Parlour Salon) that offers the treatment (that is child and pet-friendly no less!) that we recommend specifically.

Go natural

Almost everything can damage hair. Try to stay away from using heat tools where you can so hair has the opportunity to grow strong.

Eat right

Your hair is still part of your body, so a healthy diet and lifestyle will always help create healthier hair. Opt for foods high in vitamins A, B, C, and E, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, and selenium. Vitamin B-complex and omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, is key for hair growth.