Postpartum and Over 40 Hair - What I’m Trying

When Your Hair Stops Listening

I thought I was ready for postpartum hair loss. I’d read the blogs, stocked up on silk pillowcases and microfiber wraps, and mentally prepared for a little extra shedding.

What I wasn’t ready for was watching my hair thin, dry out, and refuse to cooperate - at 40, with hormones clearly writing their own plot. My hair was still growing, technically, but it wasn’t behaving. I tried new cuts, balayage, even switching my part, hoping to trick it into looking fuller.

Here’s the truth: I’m not a hairstylist - not even close. My signature look has always been the lazy-girl beach wave: loosely curled, slightly messy, and somehow “put together.” I used to be able to fake volume; now, no style will hold, my roots are oily, and my ends are dry. The glamorous combo no one asked for.

The Emotional Part No One Talks About

Hair loss isn’t vanity - it’s identity. Every strand that fell reminded me I wasn’t the same person I’d been before pregnancy. Every time I tried to “look good,” I caught myself thinking, okay, I guess that’s good enough.

But I didn’t want to settle. So I started experimenting - not from desperation, but from curiosity. I wanted to get to the root of the problem (pun intended).

What I’m Trying

1️⃣ Building Growth

Healthy hair starts at the root - literally. I began massaging my scalp every night (okay, almost every night; sometimes life wins) using a 5% minoxidil spray. I just started using Monat's IR Clinical Hair Thinning Defense Serum, too early to confirm changes, but I do like that it doesn't make my hair oily or greasy when I apply it.

2️⃣ Feeding My Hair from the Inside

Protein, iron, and collagen are my holy trinity. I add collagen peptides to my morning coffee and focus on iron-rich meals. Is collagen the secret to hair growth? The science is mixed - but I’m giving it time. I’ve read a few peer-reviewed studies (linked below) and so far, my hair feels a little stronger…and to be honest...I think it helps my joints too.

3️⃣ Ingredient Swaps

When I started paying attention to my wash routine, I realized most shampoos were too harsh. Now, I focus on gentle, sulfate-free products that don’t strip my scalp - and I’ve fallen in love with Monat’s formulas for that reason. They clean without leaving my hair squeaky or flat, and the moisture balance finally feels right.

4️⃣ Gentle Styling & Protection

Loose buns, silk scrunchies, and heat protection - the basics that we all know but rarely keep up with. I’ve made peace with skipping daily heat styling and started consistently using a thermal spray when I do. Turns out, “lazy” can be a love language for your hair.

What I’m Learning

Regrowth is slow, but it’s happening. My hair may never be exactly what it was, but it’s healthier, shinier, and...slowly...coming back to life.

Patience is the hardest part. But I’m learning to focus less on perfection and more on nourishment - and those baby hairs look like progress to me!