You finally made it through pregnancy and childbirth, and just when you thought your body was settling down, you start noticing clumps of hair in the shower drain. It’s frustrating, and the last thing you want to deal with when you’re already running on little sleep and endless baby feeds. But before you panic, take a deep breath — postpartum hair loss is completely normal.
Many new mums experience excessive hair shedding a few months after giving birth, and while it might feel alarming, it’s just your body adjusting after months of hormonal shifts. The good news? It’s temporary. The not-so-good news? It can feel like it lasts forever when you’re the one losing handfuls of hair.
If you’re wondering why this is happening, how long it will last, and, most importantly, what you can do about it, you’re in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about postpartum hair loss, from effective treatments to simple hair care tips that can help you feel more in control.
Understanding Postpartum Hair Loss
Postpartum hair loss, also known as postpartum telogen effluvium, is a completely natural and expected part of the postpartum journey. It’s not a disease, it’s not permanent, and it’s not a sign that something is wrong with you. Before you panic, know this: it’s a temporary phase caused by hormonal shifts related to childbirth, and it happens to most new mums. Let’s break it down.
What is Postpartum Hair Loss?
Hair follows a natural growth cycle with three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting and shedding). At any given time, most of your hair is actively growing, while a small percentage are in the resting phase before naturally falling out. However, pregnancy disrupts this balance. The surge of oestrogen during pregnancy extends the growth phase, meaning fewer hairs enter the shedding phase. This is why many soon-to-be mothers notice their hair feeling thicker and fuller — it’s not that they’re growing more hair; they’re just losing less.
After childbirth, oestrogen levels drop sharply, and all the hair that was “held back” finally shifts into the telogen phase, leading to a sudden and noticeable increase in shedding [1]. This phenomenon, known as postpartum telogen effluvium, typically starts around 2 to 4 months postpartum. The shedding tends to peak between 3 and 4 months, which makes it feel as though you’re losing far more hair than usual. In reality, your body is simply resetting its normal hair cycle.
Causes of Postpartum Hair Loss
The primary reason for postpartum hair loss is hormonal changes, but other factors can contribute to the severity and duration of shedding.
- Hormonal Changes — as mentioned earlier, hormones are the biggest trigger behind postpartum hair loss. After pregnancy, the hair that should have shed gradually over nine months starts falling out over a short period, leading to what feels like excessive hair loss.
- Nutritional Deficiencies — if your body isn’t getting the essential nutrients needed for hair growth, this can result in weaker hair strands, slower regrowth, and prolonged shedding, which makes postpartum hair loss more noticeable and longer-lasting [2]. Pregnancy and breastfeeding deplete key vitamins and minerals, and if these aren’t replenished through diet or supplements, hair health can suffer. Low levels of iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D, and protein are commonly linked to weak, thinning hair [3]. Since the body prioritises essential nutrients for recovery and, if applicable, milk production, hair follicles can be deprived of what they need to grow strong, healthy hair.
- Stress and sleep deprivation — these are an inevitable part of new motherhood, but they can also prolong and worsen postpartum hair loss. The stress of adjusting to a newborn, along with disrupted sleep patterns, raises cortisol levels (the hormone responsible for the body’s stress response). High cortisol levels can interfere with the hair growth cycle, keeping hair in the shedding phase for longer. Lack of sleep also affects overall hormonal balance, which slows down the natural recovery process and makes it harder for the body to regulate hair growth [4].
- Thyroid imbalances — some women develop postpartum thyroiditis, a temporary thyroid condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid after childbirth. This can result in either an overactive or underactive thyroid, both of which can trigger significant hair loss [5]. If hair shedding persists beyond a year, or if it’s accompanied by fatigue, weight fluctuations, mood swings, or dry skin, it’s worth consulting a doctor to rule out an underlying thyroid disorder.
How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?
The good news is that postpartum hair loss isn’t permanent — this process is normally self-limiting. For most women, excessive shedding peaks around the 3 to 4-month mark and gradually slows down. By the time their baby is 6 to 12 months old, hair growth typically returns to normal. However, some women experience prolonged shedding, especially if nutritional deficiencies, high stress levels, or hormonal imbalances are involved.
If hair loss continues past a year or appears patchy and severe, it’s important to seek medical advice. Persistent or extreme shedding could be a sign of anaemia, prolonged hormonal imbalance, or other underlying health issues that need attention.
Thankfully, despite postpartum hair loss being largely unavoidable, there are ways to support hair regrowth and minimise excessive shedding.
How to Restore Hair Loss After Pregnancy
From nutritional supplements to medical-grade scalp treatments, several options can help strengthen hair follicles and encourage new growth. That being said, before adopting any solution, it is crucial to remember that every individual responds differently to treatments, and consulting a medical professional is essential — especially for breastfeeding mothers — to ensure safety and effectiveness.
1. Supplements for Hair Regrowth
Hair relies on a steady supply of essential nutrients to grow, and deficiencies in iron, biotin, vitamin D, zinc, and protein can contribute to prolonged postpartum shedding. Many women experience depleted nutrient levels after pregnancy and childbirth, especially if they are breastfeeding, which can slow down hair regrowth.
- Biotin (Vitamin B7) — Biotin supports keratin production, which strengthens hair and promotes thickness [6].
- Iron — prevents iron-deficiency anaemia, a common cause of excessive hair loss in postpartum women [7].
- Vitamin D — plays a role in stimulating hair follicles and promoting new growth [8].
- Zinc — Zinc is essential for hair tissue repair and overall scalp health [9].
- Collagen & Protein — provide the building blocks for strong, healthy hair strands [10].
Terra Medical’s hair restoration doctors developed the Golden Ratio Nutraceutical for Women, designed to improve scalp health and increase hair volume. Specially formulated for women, with a blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and botanical extracts, this nutraceutical addresses multiple hair growth factors, including hormonal balance and cellular repair.
2. TrichoPAT: Enhanced Microneedling Scalp Therapy for Hair Restoration
TrichoPAT is a scalp revitalisation treatment that uses a combination of microneedling and targeted serums to stimulate hair follicles and encourage regrowth. This treatment helps with postpartum hair recovery by enhancing blood circulation, improving scalp health, and strengthening hair roots.
Terra’s TrichoPAT is a minimally invasive treatment that utilises a specialised acoustic shockwave therapy to create microchannels in the scalp. This process helps increase the absorption of a tailored hair growth serum, which nourishes the hair follicles and supports the transition back to the growth phase. Studies have shown that microneedling can enhance hair density and thickness, especially in cases of hair thinning due to telogen effluvium [11]. This is accompanied by low-level laser therapy, which utilises targeted infrared light to stimulate hair follicles and activate dormant ones, further boosting serum absorption and scalp healing.
3. Scalpbooster: A Nourishing Hair Regeneration Treatment
Scalpbooster is another ideal treatment designed to restore hair health by delivering a concentrated blend of nutrients, peptides, and growth factors directly to the scalp. Unlike topical hair products that sit on the surface, Scalpbooster penetrates deeper into the scalp layers to nourish hair follicles at the root level.
This treatment is particularly beneficial for postpartum women experiencing weakened hair follicles and slowed regrowth due to hormonal fluctuations. By stimulating the scalp and providing targeted nourishment, Scalpbooster helps improve hair density, reduce excessive shedding, and promote stronger, healthier hair.
Practical Hair Care Tips for New Mothers
Since hair health is deeply connected to nutrition, scalp care, and gentle hair-handling practices, adopting the right approach can help minimise excessive shedding and promote healthy regrowth.
Maintain a Well-Balanced Diet for Hair Recovery
Your body has just gone through pregnancy and childbirth, and if you’re breastfeeding, you’re still losing essential nutrients every day as your body prioritises milk production. This can leave little room for nourishing your hair, making a nutrient-rich diet critical for postpartum hair recovery.
Several key nutrients play an essential role in hair strength and regrowth:
- Biotin (Vitamin B7) – supports keratin production, helping to strengthen hair and prevent excessive breakage. Found in eggs, nuts, whole grains, and avocados.
- Vitamin D – helps stimulate hair follicles, encouraging regrowth. Many new mothers experience vitamin D deficiency, which can contribute to prolonged shedding. Sun exposure, fatty fish, and fortified dairy products are good sources.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – essential for scalp health and reducing inflammation, which can help promote hair growth. Found in salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
- Iron & Zinc –help prevent excessive hair loss by supporting healthy hair follicles. Lean meats, lentils, spinach, and pumpkin seeds are excellent sources.
- Protein – hair is primarily made of protein, so ensuring adequate intake is crucial for regrowth. Incorporate chicken, fish, tofu, eggs, and dairy products into your diet.
For breastfeeding mothers, nutrient intake is even more important, as deficiencies can affect both the mother’s recovery and the baby’s nourishment.
Use Gentle, Fragrance-Free Shampoos for Scalp Health
Many commercial shampoos contain harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances that can irritate the scalp and strip away natural oils, which makes hair more prone to breakage. Switching to a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo helps maintain scalp balance and prevents further stress on hair follicles.
One excellent option is Aromase, a scalp-friendly shampoo brand known for its paraben-free, silicone-free, and sulphate-free formulations. Designed to support scalp health, Aromase shampoos help cleanse the scalp without causing irritation, which makes them ideal for postpartum mothers experiencing increased hair sensitivity.
When choosing a shampoo, look for products that contain:
- Mild, plant-based surfactants instead of sulfates to prevent over-drying.
- Aloe vera or tea tree oil to soothe the scalp.
- Biotin, keratin, or caffeine to strengthen hair strands.
A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair, and postpartum hair loss can be worsened if the scalp is inflamed, dry, or irritated. Massaging the scalp gently while shampooing can help increase blood circulation, encouraging better nutrient delivery to hair follicles.
Additionally, avoiding over-washing hair (washing every 2-3 days instead of daily) can help maintain the scalp’s natural oils, which are essential for protecting hair and preventing further dryness.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Postpartum recovery is different for every mother, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another. Whether considering supplements, TrichoPAT, or Scalpbooster, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment. This ensures that the chosen approach is safe, effective, and tailored to individual health needs — especially if the mother is breastfeeding, as certain supplements and treatments may not be suitable during this period.
Additionally, in some cases, hair loss may signal an underlying issue that requires medical attention. While shedding a noticeable amount of hair after childbirth is normal, there are certain signs that indicate it might be more than just postpartum telogen effluvium.
It’s important to pay attention to your body. If you’re experiencing the following hair loss abnormalities below, schedule a consultation with us for a detailed assessment of your condition. Rest assured, with the right approach, patience, and proper care, your hair will gradually regain its natural fullness.
Identifying Abnormal Hair Loss
If your hair loss seems excessive even beyond the typical postpartum period, it’s important to assess whether what you are experiencing falls outside the expected pattern.
- No signs of hair regrowth — One key red flag is hair loss that continues beyond a year postpartum without any signs of regrowth. While postpartum shedding generally subsides by the time your baby’s first birthday approaches, persistent, ongoing hair loss may point to an underlying condition rather than just hormonal adjustment.
- Patchy or uneven hair loss — Postpartum shedding usually affects the entire scalp fairly evenly, meaning you might notice thinning all over rather than specific bald spots. If you’re experiencing distinct bald patches or receding hairlines, it could indicate conditions like alopecia areata or traction alopecia (caused by excessive tension from tight hairstyles).
- Irritated scalp or excessive shedding — An inflamed, itchy, or painful scalp or if you notice excessive shedding when simply running your fingers through your hair, it might be time to seek professional advice.
- Other unusual symptoms — Hair thinning accompanied by other unusual symptoms such as extreme fatigue, brittle nails, dry skin, or sudden weight fluctuations could point to an underlying health issue that needs medical evaluation.
Potential Underlying Conditions
Although postpartum hormonal changes are the most common cause of hair loss after pregnancy, certain medical conditions can either mimic or worsen the shedding process. If hair loss is prolonged, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, it may be worth discussing the following possibilities with a healthcare provider.
1. Thyroid Disorders
Pregnancy and childbirth can sometimes trigger thyroid dysfunction, particularly postpartum thyroiditis — a condition where the thyroid gland becomes inflamed after pregnancy. This can result in either hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), both of which can contribute to excessive hair loss. Signs of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and sluggishness, while hyperthyroidism may cause rapid weight loss, anxiety, and heart palpitations. A simple thyroid function test can determine whether your thyroid hormones are within a normal range.
2. Iron Deficiency & Anaemia
Pregnancy depletes iron stores, and many new mothers experience iron deficiency or even anaemia — especially if they lost a significant amount of blood during childbirth. Iron plays a crucial role in delivering oxygen to hair follicles, and low iron levels can lead to increased hair shedding, fatigue, dizziness, and pale skin. A blood test can help determine whether iron supplementation is needed.
3. Androgenic Alopecia (Female Pattern Hair Loss)
If you have a family history of hair thinning, postpartum shedding might unmask an underlying predisposition to female pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). Unlike temporary postpartum shedding, which resolves on its own, androgenic alopecia leads to progressive thinning, particularly at the crown and parting line. If you suspect this, early intervention is key, and treatments like minoxidil may help slow hair loss and promote regrowth.
Embracing the Journey to Hair Recovery
Your body has undergone immense changes to bring life into the world, and as it recalibrates, your hair will too. Adopting gentle hair care practices, nourishing your body with the right nutrients, and avoiding unnecessary stress on your hair can all help in managing the transition. Though it may take time, with the right treatments and hair care practices, your hair will regain its natural fullness — and before you know it, this phase will be behind you.
However, if your hair loss persists beyond a year, occurs in distinct bald patches, or comes with other concerning symptoms like severe fatigue, weight fluctuations, or noticeable scalp irritation, it’s always best to seek advice from a healthcare professional. Sometimes, underlying conditions like thyroid imbalances or nutritional deficiencies may be contributing factors, and addressing them early can make a difference.
References
- Hair loss in new moms. Retrieved March 11, 2025, from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/new-moms
- Guo, E. L., & Katta, R. (2017). Diet and hair loss: Effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 7(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.0701a01
- PA-C, J. F., MMSc. (2024, April 22). Vitamins, minerals, and hair loss: Is there a connection? Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/vitamins-minerals-and-hair-loss-is-there-a-connection
- Does lack of sleep cause hair loss? (n.d.). Hims. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://www.hims.com/blog/lack-of-sleep-hair-loss
- Groer, M., & Jevitt, C. (2014). Symptoms and signs associated with postpartum thyroiditis. Journal of Thyroid Research, 2014, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/531969
- Biotin for hair growth. (2017, April 6). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/biotin-hair-growth
- Trost, L. B., Bergfeld, W. F., & Calogeras, E. (2006). The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and its potential relationship to hair loss. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 54(5), 824–844. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2005.11.1104
- Vitamin D and hair loss: What to know. (2018, April 30). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321673
- LALOSEVIC, J., GAJIC-VELJIC, M., LALOSEVIC MISOVIC, J., & NIKOLIC, M. (2023). Serum zinc concentration in patients with alopecia areata. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 103, 13358. https://doi.org/10.2340/actadv.v103.13358
- 5 evidence-based ways collagen may improve your hair. (2019, January 23). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-for-hair
- English, R. S., Ruiz, S., & DoAmaral, P. (2021). Microneedling and its use in hair loss disorders: A systematic review. Dermatology and Therapy, 12(1), 41–60. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-021-00653-2
