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How to Combat Postpartum Hair Loss (and Why It Happens)

  • Writer: Thaysia Bradburn
    Thaysia Bradburn
  • Apr 7
  • 3 min read

Let’s face it: you’ve housed & protected a tiny human for 9+ months, only to give birth & still have to give more of yourself. If you’re a few months postpartum and noticing a lot more hair in the shower drain, on your brush, or all over the house - take a deep breath! You’re not alone and you’re not going bald. Postpartum hair loss is incredibly common, temporary and a very easy fix with the right care and expectations.

Let’s break down what’s happening and what you can do about it.


hair

Why Postpartum Hair Loss Happens

During pregnancy, estrogen levels are high, which keeps your hair in the growth phase longer than usual. That’s why so many people notice thicker and fuller hair while pregnant.

After birth, estrogen levels drop; drastically! All that hair that should’ve shed over the past 9 months decides to leave all at once. This is called telogen effluvium and it usually starts around 3-4 months postpartum.

The good news? This shedding phase is temporary and more often than not, we can regain the hair that’s been lost.



How Long Does It Last?

For most people, shedding peaks around 4-6 months postpartum. By months 6-9 you’ll start to notice a lot less shedding. Hair growth starts to normalize around 12 months postpartum.

Regrowth often shows up as little prickly “baby hairs” around your hairline. Annoying? Yes. Encouraging? Also yes.

woman holding baby

What You Can Do to Combat Postpartum Hair Loss

While you can’t stop postpartum hair loss completely, you can support healthy regrowth and minimize breakage.

Here’s some things that we can do:

1. Be Gentle With Your Hair

Your hair is more fragile right now, so treat it kindly.

  • Avoid tight ponytails, buns and braids.

  • Use a wide-tooth comb instead of aggressive brushing.

  • Skip heat styling when possible.

  • Pat hair dry instead of rubbing with a towel.

Think: less tension, less trauma.

2. Focus on Nutrition (Especially If You’re Breastfeeding)

Hair growth depends heavily on nutrients. Try to prioritize:

  • Protein (eggs, chicken, beans, Greek yogurt)

  • Iron (leafy greens, red meat, lentils)

  • Omega-3s (salmon, chia seeds, walnuts)

  • Biotin & zinc (nuts, seeds, whole grains)

If your doctor approves, continuing your prenatal vitamin postpartum can help fill nutritional gaps.

3. Support Your Scalp

Healthy hair starts at the scalp.

4. Be Careful With “Miracle” Products

There’s no product that can override hormones overnight. Be wary of anything that promises instant regrowth or “stops shedding completely.”

That said, products with ingredients like caffeine, niacinamide and peptides can support scalp health and regrowth over time.

Here are a few products/oils that I’ve found to be my favorite when combatting postpartum hair loss:

Jute note than consistency matters way more than hype!

5. Manage Stress (Easier Said Than Done)

Stress can make shedding worse. Just think, postpartum life is already intense. The last thing we want to do is add unnecessary stress to our daily lives.

Even small habits help:

  • take short walks

  • practice deep breathing

  • ask for help

  • rest when you can

Your body has done something huge and recovery is going to take time.

6. Try a New Haircut or Style

Sometimes the easiest confidence boost is a strategic haircut.

  • A blunt cut can make hair look fuller.

  • Layers can reduce the appearance of thinning.

  • Curtain bangs can camouflage regrowth around the hairline.

It’s not giving up! it’s simply working with the phase you’re in.

When to Talk to a Doctor

Postpartum hair loss is normal, but you should check in with a healthcare provider if:

  • shedding lasts longer than 12-15 months

  • hair loss is patchy or extreme

  • you have symptoms of thyroid imbalance (fatigue, weight changes, cold sensitivity)

Sometimes an underlying issue like iron deficiency or thyroid changes is involved and those things are treatable.

The Bottom Line

Postpartum hair loss is completely normal, temporary and absolutely NOT your fault!

With gentle care, good nutrition and patience, your hair will recover. In the meantime, be kind to yourself. You’re in a season of healing, not loss. For goodness sake; you just birthed a living being!








 
 
 

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