Managing Postpartum Hair Loss

The postpartum period can be a challenging time for so many women. You've been through the incredible journey of pregnancy and birth, your body is working hard to recover, and your hormones are fluctuating dramatically.

Then, just when you think you're getting the hang of things, you notice more hair than usual in your shower drain or on your hairbrush. And it all might feel a bit too much to handle.

If you're experiencing hair loss after having your baby, you're not alone. Most new mums go through this. It’s completely normal, and more importantly, it's temporary. Your hair will grow back.

Understanding what's happening and why can make this phase feel far less scary. That's why we've written this guide to help you navigate postpartum hair loss with confidence.

Three key takeaways

1. Postpartum hair loss is incredibly common, affecting up to 90% of new mums.
2. It's temporary and typically starts around three months postpartum and resolves within six to 12 months as your hair cycle resets.
3. While usually normal, speak to your GP if your hair loss continues beyond 12 months, you notice bald patches, or you have other symptoms like fatigue or weight changes.

How common is postpartum hair loss?

Studies show that up to 90% of women experience some degree of hair shedding after having a baby. That means in a room of ten new mums, nine are likely dealing with the same extra hair in their brush as you are.

It's so common that healthcare professionals consider it a completely normal part of your body's postpartum adjustment, not a medical concern. You haven't done anything wrong, and there's nothing wrong with you; this is simply part of how most women's bodies recover from pregnancy.

What causes postpartum hair loss?

The main culprit behind postpartum hair loss is the dramatic drop in oestrogen that happens after you give birth. During pregnancy, your oestrogen levels are exceptionally high, which keeps your hair in its active growing phase for longer than usual. This is why many women notice thicker, fuller hair during pregnancy: you're simply not shedding as much as normal.

Once your baby arrives, your oestrogen levels plummet back to pre-pregnancy levels. This sudden shift triggers all that 'extra' hair to move into the resting, or shedding, phase at the same time. After about three months, it begins to fall out, which is why most women notice increased shedding around the three-month mark postpartum.

Other factors can contribute too. The physical stress of childbirth, blood loss during delivery, low levels of nutrients like iron, and the exhaustion of caring for a newborn can all play a role. But fundamentally, it's your hormones shifting back to their regular state.

Symptoms of postpartum hair loss

Postpartum hair loss can look different for every woman, but there are some common signs that distinguish it from other types of hair loss:

• Overall thinning rather than bald patches. You'll notice general shedding all over your scalp rather than specific bare spots. Your hair might feel thinner or less voluminous, too.
• Extra hair everywhere. You may find more hair than usual on your pillow, in the shower drain, on your clothes, and in your hairbrush. Some women report what feels like clumps coming out when washing or brushing.
• Thinning around your hairline. Many women notice the hair around their temples and forehead seems particularly affected, sometimes creating small wispy regrowth (often called 'baby hairs') as it starts coming back.
• Your ponytail feels smaller. If you usually wear your hair up, you might notice your hair tie wraps around more times than before, or your ponytail feels noticeably thinner.
• Texture changes. As your hair regrows, you might notice different textures appearing, with new growth sometimes being finer or coarser than before.

Unlike other forms of hair loss, postpartum shedding happens fairly evenly across your scalp and doesn't cause inflammation, itching, or irritation.

If you're experiencing patchy hair loss, scalp pain, or complete bald spots, it's worth speaking to your GP as this might indicate a different condition.

Does postpartum hair loss grow back?

Yes, your hair will grow back. This is perhaps the most important thing to remember about postpartum hair loss: it's temporary, and for the vast majority of women, hair returns to its normal fullness without any treatment needed.

The timeline typically looks like this:

• Shedding usually peaks around three to four months postpartum.
• Gradually slows down over the following months.
• Most women see their hair return to pre-pregnancy thickness by their baby's first birthday.
• New growth appears as short, wispy hairs around the hairline before full recovery.

Your hair texture might be slightly different when it grows back, but these changes usually settle as your hormones stabilise.

Treating postpartum hair loss

While you can't prevent postpartum hair loss entirely, you can support your hair's recovery with simple lifestyle adjustments:

• Focus on eating protein-rich foods and staying hydrated.
• Continue prenatal vitamins if recommended by your doctor.
• Use a soft brush or wide-toothed comb and avoid heat styling when possible.
• Skip tight hairstyles that pull at your hairline.
• Consider a shorter haircut to help hair look fuller during this phase.
• Try volumising products to create the appearance of thicker hair while you wait for regrowth.
• Consider lightweight leave-in treatments with ingredients like keratin to help strengthen hair and prevent breakage.
• Talk to your doctor about minoxidil: in some cases, they may recommend 5% minoxidil foam, though this is typically for more persistent, permanent hair loss.

When to talk to your GP about postpartum hair loss

“See your GP if your hair loss continues beyond 12 months postpartum, you develop bald patches, or you have other symptoms like extreme fatigue, weight changes, or irregular periods.

“Your GP can run blood tests to check for thyroid problems or an iron deficiency. If needed, they might recommend iron supplements or, in rare cases, topical minoxidil (which is generally considered safe during breastfeeding).

“Remember, if hair loss is significantly affecting your mental well-being, that's also a valid reason to seek support.”

Ayesha Bashir, Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U

FAQs

How much hair is normal to lose postpartum?

Losing up to 300-400 hairs per day during postpartum shedding is normal (compared to the typical 50-100 hairs daily). As long as you're not developing bald patches, the amount you're shedding is likely within the normal range.

When does postpartum hair loss start?

Most women begin noticing increased hair shedding around two to four months after giving birth, with three months postpartum being the most common starting point. Some women might notice it earlier or later, and breastfeeding mothers sometimes find that shedding is delayed until they begin weaning.

When does postpartum hair loss stop?

Postpartum hair loss typically begins to slow around six months after birth and usually resolves by your baby's first birthday. If you're still experiencing significant hair loss beyond 12-15 months postpartum, it's worth checking with your GP to rule out other causes.

Which vitamins are good for postpartum hair loss?

Iron, biotin, vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc all support healthy hair regrowth. Many women continue taking prenatal vitamins during this time. However, speak with your GP before starting new supplements, particularly if you're breastfeeding, to ensure they're appropriate for you.

Sources

1. Postpartum Hair Loss. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed 24th October 2025.
2. Postpartum Hair Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PMC. NCBI. Accessed 24th October 2025.