Can you believe that people lose 80-100 hairs everyday? That might sound like a lot, but with about 100,000 hairs on your head, it's really just a drop in the bucket. The more shocking news, is that new parents lose up to... wait for it...

400 hairs per day!

Before you freak out, let's examine the facts. The official name of this phenomenon is postpartum alopecia and about 90% of birthing parents will experience it. It may seem more prominent after some pregnancies than others, but it doesn't necessarily get worse with each pregnancy. Contrary to popular belief, it is not caused by breastfeeding.

Thinning and shedding is completely normal. It usually peaks about 3 months after giving birth when hormone levels are beginning to level out. 

So why does this happen? Because estrogen levels rise during pregnancy, the “growth phase” of the life cycle of your hair is prolonged. When estrogen levels drop after birth, all the hair that didn’t shed because of the prolonged growth phase, begins to fall out.

How long can I expect it to last? Typically, hair loss lasts 6 months to a year. By the time your baby celebrates their first birthday, you should notice your hair is looking full and luxurious again! 

What can I do to stop it? Not much. The research hasn't found anything substantially effective. Try to keep your stress levels to a minimum (which is so easy with a new baby, right?!), eat a balanced diet, comb your hair carefully and avoid brushing it while wet.

Embrace wearing headbands and experimenting with new hairstyles for the time being... it's happened to the best of us! By the time that 1st birthday party comes (and it comes quickly!), your hair will be looking fabulous again for all those adorable pictures with the birthday girl/boy!