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Becoming a mother changes a lot about you, like your schedule, your body, your emotions, and yes, even your hair. Postpartum hair loss is something many new moms notice a few months after giving birth, and it can feel scary when you see clumps of hair falling out. The good news is that it’s a natural part of your body adjusting after pregnancy.
After having a baby, the sudden drop in hormones can make hair move from the growing phase to the shedding phase, which is why you see more hair in your brush or shower drain. Most moms find that with time, care, and a little patience, their hair grows back to normal.
If you want to understand why this happens, what you can do to care for your hair, and when to worry, keep reading.
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Key Takeaways:
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What is Postpartum Hair Loss?
Postpartum hair loss happens when you lose more hair than usual a few months after giving birth. It happens because your hormones change, and it’s only for a short time.
When you are pregnant, your body has high estrogen levels that keep your hair in the growth phase, so it looks thicker and fuller. After you have your baby, your estrogen level drops, and many hairs move into the resting phase. This is called telogen effluvium.
A few months later, those resting hairs fall out around the same time, so it feels like you are losing too much hair. In reality, it’s just your hair going back to its normal cycle.
When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Start, and How Long Does It Last?
Post-pregnancy hair shedding usually starts about 3 to 4 months after having your baby and can last up to 6 months, sometimes a little longer. For most moms, this follows the natural hair growth cycle.
Most hair falls out around 4 to 5 months after birth. By the time your baby turns one, most women’s hair is back to how it was before, though for some, it may stay just a bit thinner than before pregnancy.
Timeline Chart:
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Stage |
Time After Birth |
What Happens |
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0–2 months |
Minimal change |
Hair still looks full from pregnancy |
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3–5 months |
Shedding starts |
Hair loss becomes noticeable |
|
6–9 months |
Regrowth phase |
Baby hairs start to appear |
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10–12 months |
Recovery |
Hair returns to normal thickness |
Is Postpartum Hair Shedding Normal? What the Experts Say
The official websites of the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic confirm that postpartum hair shedding is super common.
It’s not because you are sick or not taking care of yourself. It simply happens because your hormones are changing back to normal. Even moms who adopted or women who had a miscarriage can go through it if their bodies have undergone big hormonal changes.
What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?
The main cause of Postpartum hair shedding is the sudden drop in estrogen after birth.
Other contributing factors include:
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Physical stress from childbirth
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Nutrient deficiencies (especially if breastfeeding)
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Thyroid changes after pregnancy
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Genetic predisposition
Hormonal Shift Table:
|
Hormone |
Pregnancy Level |
Post-birth Level |
Effect on Hair |
|
Estrogen |
Very high |
Drops sharply |
Triggers shedding |
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Progesterone |
High |
Drops |
Minor role |
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Prolactin |
High (if breastfeeding) |
Stays high |
May prolong shedding |
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Cortisol |
May rise |
Fluctuates |
Can affect hair cycle |
Plus, traveling with a baby can be hectic, and stress sometimes makes hair shedding feel worse. These tips for flying with a baby make it a little easier.
How Much Hair Will I Lose?
Normally, we shed about 50 to 100 hairs a day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. After having a baby, it can go up to 200 to 300 hairs daily.
Your scalp has around 80,000 to 120,000 hairs. Losing a few hundred a day for a few months won’t make you bald. It just feels like a lot because you notice it in clumps on your pillow, in the shower, or on your brush.
Can Postpartum Hair Loss be Prevented?
There is no way to completely stop post-pregnancy hair loss, but you can reduce hair breakage and help it grow back faster.
The hormone drop after birth is natural and unavoidable, so hair shedding will happen. However, taking care of your hair gently and eating well can make your hair recover smoothly and a bit quicker.
Let’s show you some Postpartum hair loss remedies.
What Actually Helps Postpartum Hair Regrowth?
Gentle care, scalp stimulation, and proper nutrition can definitely help Postpartum hair regrowth.
Here’s a detailed hair regrowth process based on medical advice and real moms’ tips.
Daily Gentle Brushing
Brushing every day, especially before your shower, keeps your scalp’s blood flow active and helps loose hairs come out in a controlled way. As per Reddit data, one mom’s version is, “Brushing daily helped. It felt like a chore, but it made a difference.”
Scalp Massage (Rosemary Oil Optional)
Massaging your scalp feels amazing and wakes up your hair follicles. Some moms use rosemary oil for an extra boost. One mom shared, “Rosemary oil and scalp massage helped soothe my itchy scalp.”
Wide-tooth Combs and Silk Pillowcases
These are small changes that make a big difference. A wide-tooth comb is gentle and stops you from pulling on weak hair. A silk pillowcase reduces friction while you sleep, so you lose less hair overnight.
Avoiding Tight Hairstyles and Heat Tools
Pulling your hair back too tightly or using heat styling every day stresses your already fragile hair. Looser styles and air-drying are your hair’s best friends right now.
Balanced Diet and Supplements
Hair grows from the inside out. Eating a mix of protein, healthy fats, and Postpartum hair loss vitamins (like biotin, collagen, iron, and omega-3) helps give your hair the building blocks it needs to grow stronger and faster.
Volumizing Shampoo
While this doesn’t make your hair grow faster, it makes what you have look fuller, which can help you feel better in the mirror. Also, a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo with biotin or keratin can be the best shampoo for Postpartum hair loss because it cleans without stripping and helps hair feel stronger.
When you’re dealing with postpartum hair shedding, a little self-care goes a long way. You can check out some thoughtful gifts for new mums that help moms feel pampered and supported.
Is an Itchy Scalp Normal During Postpartum Hair Loss?
Yes, many women notice their scalp feels itchy while they are losing hair.
This happens because new hairs are starting to grow while old hairs are falling out. A gentle scalp massage with oil or a soft silicone scalp brush can help reduce itchiness and improve blood flow to your scalp.
Should I Cut My Hair Short?
It’s really up to you. Not something you have to do for health reasons.
Some moms find long hair helps hide the little baby hairs coming in, while others feel a shorter haircut makes their hair look fuller and is easier to manage with a newborn. Pick what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Can Postpartum Hair Loss Affect My Baby?
No, it won’t affect your baby’s health, but loose hairs can be a safety concern.
Loose hairs can wrap around a baby’s fingers, toes, or genitals, which can cut off blood flow. This is called a hair tourniquet. So, you should always check bedding, clothes, and the baby’s fingers for stray hairs.
When Should I See a Doctor for Postpartum Hair Shedding?
If hair loss continues for more than a year or comes with tiredness, mood changes, or weight changes, you should consult with your doctor.
Hair loss that lasts too long or is very heavy might indicate thyroid issues, anemia, or other hormonal problems. A dermatologist or your OB-GYN can run tests and suggest Postpartum hair loss treatment.
Will My Hair Go Back to Normal After Post-Pregnancy Hair Loss Stops?
Yes, most women get their hair back, but it takes time.
New hair starts growing within a few months, but it can take up to a year for hair to feel like it did before pregnancy. A few women notice small changes in thickness or texture, which is completely normal.
Making Outings Easier with the Swaddle Tote During the Postpartum Stage
When you’re already dealing with postpartum hair loss, sleepless nights, and a baby who needs you every minute, the last thing you want is to juggle a messy, heavy bag. That’s where the Swaddle Tote diaper bag makes life simpler.
The Parent Bag handles all-day trips with space for diapers, bottles, clothes, and even your laptop, while the Sidekick Bag is perfect for quick errands. No more digging for pacifiers or snacks.
Everything has its place, and you still look stylish doing it.
For instance, keeping hair care essentials handy is easier if you pack smart. Here’s a guide on what to pack in your diaper bag for those busy days with a newborn.
Final Reassurance
Postpartum hair loss can be shocking, even scary, especially when your confidence is already fragile after giving birth. But remember that this is a temporary phase. Your hair will recover, and so will you.
Until then, treat your hair gently, take care of your body, and know you’re not alone.
FAQs
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