Pregnancy brings about a multitude of changes in a woman’s body, and it turns out the effects don’t stop after childbirth. One such change is postpartum hair loss, a phenomenon that many new mothers experience. While you might expect to see just a few strands on your bathroom floor, a viral video by hairstylist Sarah Jenkins of Blissful Mane Salon in Utah showcases just how dramatic this hair loss can be. “After giving birth, it’s like a hair apocalypse! Four months postpartum, and that drain is just filled!” she captioned her eye-opening video. In the clip, Sarah gently pulls on her client’s hair, revealing what appears to be enough hair to fill a small doll.
It’s a shocking sight, but Sarah assures viewers that this hair shedding is completely normal. “I often joke with my clients that I’ll be pulling out their hair after they give birth,” she explains. The client in the video had delivered her baby just four months prior, which is typically when postpartum hair loss begins. The American Pregnancy Association confirms this, identifying the condition as telogen effluvium, which affects about 40 to 50% of women within one to five months after giving birth.
The reason behind this sudden hair loss lies in the hormonal shifts that occur during and after pregnancy. Normally, 85-95% of hair is in the growth phase, while the rest is resting and susceptible to shedding. During pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels keep more strands in the growth phase, leading to thicker, lustrous hair. However, after childbirth, estrogen levels drop, prompting a greater number of hairs to enter the resting phase, explaining the large clumps of hair that often appear in the shower drain.
Fortunately, this hair loss is usually temporary and does not typically lead to bald spots. Most women will notice their hair returning to its pre-pregnancy state—though perhaps not as voluminous as it was during pregnancy—by their baby’s first birthday.
Interestingly, the visibility of hair loss can vary depending on hair type. Sarah notes that those with curly hair may experience more noticeable shedding since curls tend to tangle and come out in clumps rather than as individual strands. The video has racked up over three million views, resonating with mothers who recall similar experiences after childbirth. Many expectant mothers appreciate the honest portrayal of postpartum hair loss, as it can be an unexpected and emotional experience.
Sarah, who welcomed her son just five months ago, is currently navigating her own postpartum hair loss journey. “It’s everywhere in my bathroom,” she admits, sharing the relatable struggle of new moms.
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In summary, while postpartum hair loss can be alarming, it is a common and temporary change experienced by many new mothers. Understanding the hormonal causes behind this shedding can help ease concerns about your hair’s health postpartum.