Imagine you’ve just welcomed a new baby into your life. You expected sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, but you might not have expected to see clumps of hair in the shower.
If you have faced such problems, you’re not alone – about 50% of new mothers notice hair loss after childbirth, and postpartum hair loss is common. It can be surprising to see your thick and healthy hair start to thin after pregnancy, but don’t worry – this is normal and temporary.
Let’s discuss why some new moms lose their hair after having a baby. We’ll also look at when this usually happens and what can be done to help. Let’s get started!
The Science Behind Postpartum Hair Loss
When you’re pregnant, you’ve got extra oestrogen floating around, which makes your hair hang onto its growth phase longer. That’s why many pregnant women find their hair feels thicker and looks super healthy. But once your baby arrives, those hormone levels settle back down.
This shift makes your hair return to its usual cycle, and all those hairs that were holding on to growth mode decide to jump ship simultaneously. This is called telogen effluvium – basically, it’s temporary hair loss, but it can be pretty noticeable!
According to a report from the National Institutes of Health, more than 90% of women go through this, usually noticing their hair falling out about 2.9 months after giving birth. It typically hits its worst around 5.1 months and wraps up by 8.1 months.
For most mothers, losing hair after having a baby is expected. But if it feels too much or doesn’t get better, chatting with a doctor is a good idea. They can check if something else, like low iron or a lopsided thyroid, might be happening.
When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Peak?
You won’t see your hair falling out right after you give birth. It usually starts to happen around two to three months after you have your baby, and it can go on for a good few months afterwards.
According to hair loss specialists at Maitland Clinic, postpartum hair shedding typically peaks around four months after birth. While it’s a natural process, there are proactive steps moms can take to reduce shedding and support healthier regrowth.
Some women experience just a bit of shedding, but others might see a lot more hair falling out, especially around the front of their hairline and near the temples. You can’t stop this from happening altogether, but there are things you can do to make it less noticeable and help your hair grow back stronger.
Expert-Backed Tips to Manage Postpartum Hair Loss
While you won’t stop postpartum hair loss completely, you can give your hair and scalp some extra love and care during this change. Here are a few ways you can do that:
Tip 1: Nourish Your Body for Hair Health
Your hair’s condition often mirrors your general well-being, and eating right is essential for helping your hair grow.
- Eat healthy foods like eggs, nuts, leafy greens, and salmon to aid your hair grow strong.
- Take your postnatal vitamins to get the nutrients you need after a baby.
- Drink plenty of water because it keeps your scalp healthy and helps your hair grow faster.
Tip 2: Use Gentle Hair Care to Reduce Breakage
After giving birth, your hair tends to be more delicate. Switching to a gentler hair care routine can help you avoid extra breakage.
- Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner that doesn’t have sulfates to keep your scalp healthy and your hair nice.
- Don’t wear ponytails or buns because they can hurt your hairline.
- Be careful when you brush your hair. Use a wide comb and start from the ends to avoid breaking your hair.
Tip 3: Stimulate Hair Growth with Scalp Massage
Massaging your scalp is one easy yet effective way to help your hair grow back. Studies show that the scalp massagers market in the UK was valued at $46.2 million in 2024, and it is expected to reach $70.1 million by 2030. This demonstrates the rising attention being paid to scalp health and hair growth remedies.
- Massaging your head for a few minutes daily helps blood flow, which is good for your hair.
- You can also use castor or rosemary oil to help your hair grow better.
Tip 4: Manage Stress & Prioritise Self-Care
Since stress can exacerbate hair loss, it’s just as crucial to care for your mental health as your body.
- Do some easy exercises like yoga or walking to feel better.
- Try meditation or deep breathing to help you relax.
- Get plenty of rest. Even short naps can help you feel good after having a baby.
When to Seek Professional Help
Although postpartum hair loss typically clears up on its own, there are circumstances in which it’s a good idea to seek advice from a healthcare provider.
Consider getting professional help if:
- Your hair doesn’t get better after 6-12 months.
- You should pay attention if you see bald spots or if your hair is fragile.
- You also feel exhausted, have weak nails, or suddenly gain or lose weight, this might mean something’s wrong with your health.
A hair and scalp specialist, also known as a trichologist, can examine the problem and suggest specific treatments. These might include therapies for the scalp or supplements to help the hair grow back.
Conclusion
If your hair is falling out after giving birth, don’t worry as this is normal as your body adapts to its pre-pregnancy state. You can’t completely stop the hair loss, but the good news is that your hair will eventually regain its thickness.
Currently, focus on eating nutritious foods, caring for your hair, and finding time to relax. These simple actions will help your hair grow back and improve your health.
Remember, you’ve just achieved something remarkable by bringing a new baby into the world. Losing some hair doesn’t change that. Embrace this new phase, trust that things will improve, and you and your hair will soon be doing well again.
