Postpartum hair loss: when it starts, peaks and stops

Many new mothers are shocked to find clumps of hair in the shower or on the pillow a few months after having a baby. It is very common, it is almost always temporary, and it is caused by hormone changes, not by anything you did wrong.

Quick answer: After birth, estrogen levels fall and many hairs that were held in their growing phase during pregnancy move into the resting phase together, then shed. Shedding usually starts 2–4 months after birth, peaks around month 4 and settles over the following months. Most women are back to normal fullness by about their baby's first birthday. See a doctor if it lasts longer.

Why does hair fall out after pregnancy?

Normally, a small share of your scalp hairs rest and shed at any time, and we lose roughly 50 to 100 hairs a day. During pregnancy, many people shed fewer hairs than usual, so the hair can feel thicker.

After the baby is born, estrogen levels drop. Many hairs then move into the resting phase at the same time, and they fall out a few months later. Dermatologists call this telogen effluvium, which simply means a period of increased shedding. It is not true baldness, and the hair follicles are not damaged. New hairs grow in underneath.

Other things that can add to shedding at the same time are blood loss at delivery, low iron, a thyroid problem, poor sleep, stress, and a crash diet.

Postpartum hair loss timeline

Everyone is different, but a common pattern looks like this:

You may see short new hairs standing up along your hairline. These are regrowth, and they are a good sign. Hair can look uneven for a while because the new hairs are still short.

What helps while you wait?

No treatment is needed for the hair to recover. These simple steps can make your hair look and feel better in the meantime:

• Be gentle. Use a wide-tooth comb, brush gently, and avoid tight ponytails, buns and braids that pull on weak hairs.
• Choose lightweight products. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests a volumizing shampoo, which often contains protein that coats the hair and makes it look fuller. Use a light conditioner mainly on the ends, and avoid heavy "intensive" products that weigh hair down. See shampoos and conditioners.
• Add volume. A shorter cut, a side parting, or a dry shampoo at the roots can make hair look thicker. For more ideas, see fine, flat hair and styling products.
• Go easy on heat and bleach. Straighteners, hot tools and bleaching can make hair more fragile while it is thinning. See heat damage and breakage.
• Eat well and rest when you can. Enough protein, iron and a varied diet support healthy hair. If your doctor advised a prenatal or postnatal vitamin, keep taking it.

Scalp serums and "hair growth" supplements are heavily marketed to new mothers, but the shedding usually stops by itself, so you often do not need them. Some scalp and hair-growth actives are sold as cosmetics, but they are not proven to speed up recovery after birth.

Tests worth asking about

If shedding is heavy, lasts a long time, or comes with other symptoms, your doctor may check for causes that are treatable:

• Iron levels (ferritin and a blood count). Childbirth blood loss and heavy periods can lower iron. Low iron can add to hair shedding.
• Thyroid function (TSH). Thyroid problems are common after pregnancy and can cause shedding, tiredness, a racing or slow heart, weight change, and low mood. Cleveland Clinic notes that people often assume these symptoms are a normal part of recovery, so they delay seeing a provider.
• Other nutrients, such as vitamin D, vitamin B12 or folate, if your doctor thinks they are relevant.

Taking supplements without a proven deficiency is not recommended. Be careful with biotin in particular. The FDA has warned that biotin supplements can interfere with some lab tests, including tests used to diagnose heart attacks. Tell the lab and your doctor if you take it.

Can I use medicines like minoxidil?

Most women do not need any treatment, because the hair regrows by itself. Minoxidil is a medicine that is sometimes used for hair loss. If you are breastfeeding or planning another pregnancy, do not start it without asking your doctor first. DermNet says no specific drug treatment is needed for this kind of shedding. The focus is on correcting any underlying problem, such as low iron or a thyroid issue.

What not to do

• Avoid tight styles that pull on weak hairs at the hairline.
• Do not take large doses of supplements "just in case". They can be unnecessary, and some interfere with tests.
• Avoid harsh chemical treatments or bleaching during heavy shedding.
• Do not compare your hair with anyone else's. The amount and length of shedding vary a lot.

Will my hair grow back?

In most cases, yes. Dermatology sources say hair usually regrows once the trigger has passed, and the scalp density generally returns to normal, although it can take several months and recovery may be incomplete in some people. Fullness often returns slowly, so you may need to be patient through the first year.

Postpartum shedding can sometimes uncover an underlying tendency toward female pattern hair loss, which is why it is worth getting checked if your hair does not recover. See thinning hair and shedding for more on other causes.

When to see a doctor

• Shedding continues, or your hair has not regained its usual fullness, after about 12 months.
• You see bald patches, a widening part, or a painful, itchy, red or scaly scalp.
• You have fatigue, a fast or slow heartbeat, weight change, feeling very cold or hot, or low mood alongside the hair loss.
• You feel persistently sad, anxious or hopeless. This is common after birth and treatable, and your doctor can help.
• You are very worried about the amount of hair you are losing.

FAQ

Does breastfeeding cause hair loss?

The shedding is triggered by hormone changes after birth. It also happens in women who do not breastfeed. Eating well and getting enough rest while breastfeeding can help.

Is it normal to lose clumps of hair?

Yes. It can look dramatic because many hairs fall at the same time. It does not cause complete baldness.

Can I prevent postpartum hair loss?

Not really. Gentle care can reduce extra breakage on top of the shedding.

Will it happen again after my next baby?

It can happen after any pregnancy, though the amount of shedding varies.

How is it different from other hair loss?

Postpartum shedding is spread across the whole scalp and has a clear start after birth. Patchy loss, scalp pain or loss that continues beyond a year needs a check.

Sources

• New moms: is your hair falling out? (American Academy of Dermatology)
• Telogen effluvium (DermNet)
• Telogen effluvium (StatPearls, NIH)
• Hair loss (NHS)
• Postpartum thyroiditis: causes, symptoms and treatment (Cleveland Clinic)
• Biotin interference with troponin lab tests (FDA)