Understanding postpartum hair loss: Why it happens and how to manage it
- Updated Feb 14, 2025
- Published
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Created with Natasha Lowe Osho, MD, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, USA
Postpartum hair loss is a natural and temporary process. During pregnancy, increased estrogen levels prolong the hair growth phase, but these hormone levels drop after delivery, causing the hair cycle to return to normal through excessive shedding. There is no way to prevent postpartum hair loss, but you can manage the process and promote regrowth by implementing gentle hair routines, avoiding stress, getting enough sleep, eating foods rich in omega 3, iron, protein, and vitamin D, and consuming postpartum vitamins.
Experiencing hair loss after pregnancy is temporary and can be considered part of the postpartum recovery process that often includes other symptoms like dizziness, exhaustion, sleep problems, and more. In most cases, normal hair growth restores within 12 months, but the duration can vary depending on factors like overall health, stress, and lifestyle habits. Let’s learn about postpartum hair loss in detail, how it happens, tips to manage hair regrowth, and if there is a way to proactively prevent it.
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What is postpartum hair loss and why does it happen?
Postpartum hair loss, sometimes called postpartum alopecia, means significant hair shedding after a baby is born. Pregnancy involves intense and sudden physiological upheaval, which is directly linked to major hormonal fluctuations. Starting at conception, levels of key female hormones suddenly rise, remaining at very high levels through the entire pregnancy before falling sharply after childbirth.
It’s important to understand that postpartum hair loss is a normal response to hormonal changes during the postpartum period. High levels of estrogen during pregnancy cause decreased hair loss. The effects are compounded by an increase of blood volume and circulation that also makes hair fuller.
But when the baby is born, your hormone levels drop and hair makes up for lost time by falling out in much bigger clumps than normal. The total volume of hair loss after pregnancy often isn’t more than you would have lost over these nine months, but it seems like it because it happens all at once.
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When does postpartum hair loss start and stop?
Postpartum “shedding” won’t just start happening the minute after delivery. In fact, noticeable changes often come as a surprise after most other postpartum symptoms have passed, with a peak around four to five months postpartum. Hair normally grows in several phases:
- The growing phase, medically termed the anagen phase, is when hair is actively getting longer.
- The resting phase, also known as the catagen, or transitional phase, is when hair growth slows and the hair follicle becomes smaller.
- Shedding, or exogen phase, is when individual strands of hair eventually fall out. Soon, new hairs start growing to replace those that were lost.
In the case of postpartum hair loss, you can expect noticeable changes 2-4 months after giving birth. Most also wonder, when does postpartum hair loss stop? It usually resolves within 6-12 months, but it may vary from person to person and depend on factors like overall health, lifestyle, and diet, to name a few.
How long does postpartum hair loss last?
Most women notice shedding between the third and sixth month postpartum, as soon as hormones stabilize and the body adjusts. Normal hair regrowth can usually be expected by the baby’s first birthday, with many women experiencing a return to their pre-pregnancy hair volume.
Now let’s explore some factors affecting the duration of postpartum hair loss:
Overall health, hormonal balance, and lifestyle habits
There are rare cases where postpartum hair loss persists for over a year; it’s recommended to consult a doctor to identify any underlying conditions such as thyroid disorders or nutrient deficiencies.
Genetics
This can also affect the speed and extent of postpartum hair regrowth. Genetics play a key role, since some women are naturally prone to slower or faster hair growth cycles. Stress is also a major trigger that exacerbates hair shedding, even if not linked to pregnancy.
Nutrition
Diet is another crucial factor, as severe deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals like biotin, iron, and vitamin D also slow down hair regrowth. Hormonal imbalances, including those caused by postpartum hormonal fluctuations and thyroid disorders, can also impact hair recovery. Just like with any other disease, inadequate sleep and overall health conditions may worsen or contribute to prolonged hair shedding.
How to manage postpartum hair loss
Postpartum hair loss management should ideally start with:
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle and gentle hair care practices that minimize further damage: Use mild, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to avoid irritating the scalp and causing unnecessary breakage. It’s essential to be gentle when brushing or styling hair, opting for wide-tooth combs and soft hair ties to reduce strain on the scalp.
- Avoid tight hairstyles, such as ponytails or buns: they can add tension and contribute to hair thinning. Similarly, limiting heat styling tools like blow dryers and straighteners can help prevent further stress on fragile hair strands.
- Adopt a balanced, nutrient-rich diet rich in vitamins: such as biotin, iron, and vitamin D as they can support hair health from within.
- Stay hydrated and maintain overall scalp health: using nourishing oils or scalp massages can improve blood circulation and promote regrowth.
Femia offers the most accurate tool for tracking postpartum symptoms,
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How to prevent postpartum hair loss
While there is no single way to stop postpartum hair loss, taking proactive steps may help minimize its severity. Here is the list:
- Set realistic expectations: remember that shedding is a normal part of the postpartum period and, in most cases, is temporary.
- Consider taking postnatal or prenatal vitamins: they have been shown to support hair health by filling up the body with essential nutrients that promote strong hair growth. Eat more products that include protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. Avoiding harsh chemicals and excessive brushing helps prevent unnecessary breakage and thinning.
- Manage mental health: hormones are highly affected by stress, so it’s important to take care of mental health by going to therapy, talking to friends, and adding relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
A combination of a quality night’s rest, gentle hair care, good nutrition, and stress management can support overall hair health during the postpartum period. It can also speed up the overall postpartum recovery process.
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Postpartum hair regrowth
Postpartum hair regrowth will be a gradual process, with the length varying from person to person. Most women will start noticing new hair growth around the edges of their hairline within a few months, but it often takes up to a year for hair to regain its fullness.
It’s important to stay patient and refocus on something pleasant to reduce the stress and sadness related to postpartum hair loss. You can also implement scalp massages with nourishing oils, such as rosemary, coconut, or castor oil. They improve circulation and stimulate hair follicles for healthier regrowth.
Some women may benefit from over-the-counter hair growth treatments, but it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider before trying supplements or treatments. Maintaining a nutritious diet and staying hydrated can also support regrowth from within. Lastly, embracing a healthy hair care routine and avoiding harsh treatments will allow new hair to grow stronger and healthier.
Questions from the Femia community
Is postpartum hair loss a sign of a vitamin deficiency?
Not always, but several vitamin deficiencies like iron, zinc, or vitamin D can make hair shedding more noticeable and last longer.
Can stress make postpartum hair loss worse?
Yes, stress is a huge factor that affects overall health and worsens all conditions, including hair loss and regrowth. You can manage stress by talking to friends, going to therapy, doing breathing exercises, and practicing meditation.
Are hair regrowth shampoos safe during breastfeeding?
Most are safe, but it's important to consult a healthcare professional before using medicated products. Shampoos are less effective compared to leave-in products (lotions or serums) because of the short time of contact.
Will cutting my hair help with postpartum hair loss?
No, but shorter hairstyles can make hair loss after pregnancy less noticeable and easier to manage.
Can breastfeeding make hair loss worse?
Not always and not directly, but prolonged hormonal changes during breastfeeding may delay regrowth.
Will my hair grow back to its pre-pregnancy state?
In most cases, yes, but it is often for texture or thickness to vary. Hormonal changes may sometimes affect the hair growth cycle, so you may notice slight differences in hair texture and curl pattern before and after pregnancy. For example, the curly hair gene may become more pronounced, or previously straight hair may develop a slight wave because of changing hormones.
The bottom line
Postpartum hair loss is a natural and temporary process driven by hormonal changes after childbirth. While it can be concerning, it’s important to remember that shedding is a normal part of postpartum recovery. Although it can’t be entirely prevented, you can manage it effectively with gentle hair care, a nutrient-rich diet, and stress management. Most women see noticeable improvement within 6–12 months. Stay patient, focus on healthy habits, and trust that your hair will gradually return to its pre-pregnancy state.
References
- “Postpartum Hair Loss: Causes, Treatment & What to Expect.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23297-postpartum-hair-loss.
- “What Happens to Your Hormones after Birth?” Www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org, 2 Mar. 2023, www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthu/2023/03/02/what-happens-to-your-hormones-after-birth.
- “Postpartum Hair Loss.” Hopkinsmedicine.org, 12 Dec. 2024, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/postpartum-hair-loss. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
- PA-C, Jennifer Fisher, MMSc. “Vitamins, Minerals, and Hair Loss: Is There a Connection?” Harvard Health, 22 Apr. 2024, www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/vitamins-minerals-and-hair-loss-is-there-a-connection.
- “Can Stress Make You Lose Your Hair?” Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/expert-answers/stress-and-hair-loss/faq-20057820.
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