One day your pregnancy hair is thick, glossy and fuller than ever. The next, it feels as though you’re losing handfuls of it in the shower.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Why hair loss happens after pregnancy
Many new mums experience postpartum hair shedding in the months after giving birth, and while it can be alarming, it’s usually a normal part of the body’s adjustment after pregnancy.
“During pregnancy, oestrogen is very high in the body, which is why many women notice thicker hair and glowing skin,” explains Christchurch trichologist Dr Padmaja Redekar.
“As soon as the baby arrives, oestrogen levels drop and the hormonal balance shifts. It’s like the foundation has changed, and the body needs time to rebuild.”
The result is often a noticeable increase in shedding.
“Hair has a growth cycle, a resting cycle and a falling cycle,” she explains. “Throughout pregnancy, hair isn’t falling as much. Once the baby arrives, we start to see that shedding.”
Why gentle hair care matters
One reader told us she started noticing excess hair in her brush and shower drain not long after becoming a mum, and worried she could see thinning near her hairline.
Fortunately, Dr Redekar says postpartum hair loss is typically temporary, with regrowth often beginning within months.
During this time, she recommends focusing on good nutrition, gentle hair care and consistency rather than quick fixes.
“For hair that looks visibly fuller while it’s growing back, using the right products can help support both the scalp and the appearance of the hair,” she says.
The OGX ProGrowth + Peptide Shampoo and Conditioner are formulated with peptides and mandelic acid to help support scalp health while helping hair appear thicker and fuller.
Gentleness is equally important.
“Don’t be too vigorous or intensely massage your scalp,” says Dr Redekar. “Being gentle, just like you’d be gentle with your baby, be gentle with yourself.”
While new parenthood often leaves little time for self-care, she encourages mums not to neglect their scalp health altogether.
“We see a lot of new mums throw their hair into a bun and go, which is completely understandable,” she says. “But brushing gently and maintaining a simple routine can make a difference.”
An easy addition is the OGX ProGrowth + Peptide Serum Mist, a lightweight finishing product that can be used while styling.
“I’d encourage mums to take five minutes for themselves when they can,” says Dr Redekar. “It’s amazing how much better you can feel when you’ve taken a small moment for yourself.”
Shop the OGX ProGrowth range
OGX ProGrowth + Peptide Shampoo
$15.99 from Chemist Warehouse
This thickening shampoo combines peptides with 1.5% mandelic acid to gently exfoliate the scalp, remove build-up and reinforce the hair fibre from within for visibly thicker, fullerlooking hair.
OGX ProGrowth + Peptide Conditioner
$15.99 from Chemist Warehouse
Infused with peptides and Lipi Pro Shield Technology, this conditioner helps strengthen strands, reduce breakage and maintain healthylooking lengths.
OGX ProGrowth + Peptide Scalp Serum
$20.99 from Chemist Warehouse
A lightweight, fast-absorbing serum formulated with a 9% Long7vity Complex™, peptides and rice protein, this hydrates the scalp, reinforces the roots and supports natural hair growth for visibly thicker, fuller hair.
OGX ProGrowth + Peptide Serum Mist
$21.99 from Chemist Warehouse
This lightweight finishing mist helps protect hair from heat styling up to 230°C, while reducing breakage, instantly leaving strands looking fuller from root to tip.
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