Rihanna shares the thing that surprised her about postpartum hair loss

Even though postpartum hair loss is one of the most common things that happen in the fourth trimester, that period of excessive shedding post-birth can still catch a new mom by surprise, something Rihanna herself learned firsthand. At the launch of her new haircare line, Fenty Hair, the singer shared what surprised her most about the postpartum shed, and it’s something that any new mom will instantly relate to.

Chatting with Refinery29, she joked that losing her hair in patches “was not on the pamphlet,” adding, “I didn’t expect it to happen in waves. I thought it would just happen and grow back. And at that point you’re just like alright enough is enough.”

“But I learned to embrace that in itself,” she continued. “That just actually made me get a little more creative and clever with my hairstyles.”

Commenters were loving the mom of two’s “relatable” response, with one person writing, “I was waiting for this conversation. This is what makes her relatable!” Another person added, “This is so important to share, we need to discuss such things related to pregnancy and postpartum. Women deserve to know what body changes they’ll face, how to prepare for them (if possible) and how to live and find support. Inspiring!” Yet another noted, “Rihanna is so relatable and she embraces her natural body through every stage in her life. It’s remarkable to see. I love it.”

Even though it can be distressing, hair shedding after birth really is so common, typically popping up between three and six months after delivery, resuming to normal “shed” levels anywhere between six and 12 months postpartum. Given that Rihanna welcomed her sons Rza, 2, and Riot, 10 months, so recently, it makes sense why it’s top of mind for her these days.

And it happens to so many women, even if your hair was thick pre-pregnancy or thickened during pregnancy. It’s all thanks to the hormonal changes that occur in the months after birth. During pregnancy, estrogen levels rise, causing a dramatic increase in the ‘growth phase’ of hair, which means you’ll probably notice less hair in your brush or shower drain. After birth, hormones shift yet again, and it’s extremely common to notice thinning, shedding, and changes in texture until things level out, around that 12-month mark.

Luckily, your sudden hair shedding will slow down to its usual shedding rate within 6 to 12 months postpartum. It’s rare that this condition lasts for more than a year. If you’re still noticing significant hair loss at one year postpartum, talk to your doctor, who may need to check your thyroid and other biomarkers.

As you navigate those changes, it can help to reduce heat styling, eat a balanced diet filled with fruits and veggies, and prevent further breakage by gently combing hair instead of roughly brushing or styling. Of course, knowing that it’s all temporary, it’s totally cool to throw on your favorite hat and call it a day.

We have a feeling Rihanna would approve.