Postpartum Hair Loss: Why It's Happening and What You Can Do About It
If you're finding clumps of hair in your shower drain, on your pillow, or wrapped around your fingers a few months after giving birth, take a deep breath. You're not going bald, and you're definitely not alone, Momma.
Postpartum hair loss is one of the most common changes new moms experience after pregnancy. While it can feel alarming, it's usually temporary and simply part of your body's natural recovery.
The good news? Your hair isn't permanently damaged. What you're experiencing is your body's way of returning to its normal rhythm after months of incredible change.
Let's walk through why postpartum hair loss happens, what you can expect, and how to support your body as it recovers.
What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?
If your hair felt thicker, fuller, or shinier during pregnancy, you can thank your hormones.
During pregnancy, higher estrogen levels keep more hairs in their active growth phase for longer than usual. Instead of shedding at their normal rate, those hairs stay in place, giving you that coveted "pregnancy hair."
After delivery, estrogen levels naturally begin to drop. As your hormones return to their pre-pregnancy levels, many of those extra hairs enter the shedding phase around the same time. This temporary increase in hair shedding is called telogen effluvium1, and it's one of the most common postpartum changes.
Here's the reassuring part: this isn't permanent hair loss. Your hair follicles are still healthy. What you're seeing is your body shedding the hair that would have naturally fallen out over the previous several months. At the same time, new hairs are already beginning to grow beneath the surface.
When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Start and How Long Does It Last?
While every postpartum journey is unique, hair shedding usually follows a fairly predictable timeline:
- 0–2 months postpartum: Most women notice little to no extra shedding.
- 2–4 months postpartum: Hair shedding typically begins.
- Around 4–6 months postpartum: Shedding is often at its heaviest.
- 6–12 months postpartum: The shedding gradually slows, and you'll likely begin to notice short "baby hairs" growing along your hairline.
Hair grows slowly—about half an inch each month2—so it can take time before your hair feels as full as it did before pregnancy.
Every woman's experience is different. Some notice only mild shedding, while others feel like they're losing handfuls of hair. Both experiences can be completely normal.
What's Normal and When Should You See a Doctor?
Although postpartum hair loss can feel dramatic, it usually looks different from other types of hair loss. The shedding is typically spread evenly across your scalp rather than appearing as bald patches.
It's completely normal to notice:
- More hair than usual in your shower, brush, or on your pillow
- A ponytail that feels thinner than it used to
- Slight thinning around your temples or hairline
- Short new hairs appearing as your hair begins to regrow
However, postpartum shedding isn't the only reason someone may lose hair after pregnancy.
It's a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider if you notice:
- Hair loss continuing beyond your baby's first birthday
- Bald patches instead of overall thinning
- A painful, itchy, or inflamed scalp
- Severe fatigue, dizziness, unexplained weight changes, or other symptoms that don't feel like typical postpartum recovery
In some cases, excessive hair shedding may be linked to iron deficiency3 or postpartum thyroid disorders4, both of which are relatively common after pregnancy and can often be identified with a simple blood test.
Remember, asking questions doesn't mean something is wrong. If you're worried about your hair—or anything else during postpartum recovery—your healthcare provider can help determine whether what you're experiencing is part of the normal healing process.
Supporting Healthy Hair Regrowth From the Inside Out
Although postpartum hair loss is driven primarily by hormones, your body still needs the right nutrients to support healthy new hair growth and overall recovery.*
Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding place significant demands on your nutrient stores. Nutrients like protein, iron, folate, vitamin B12, biotin, choline, zinc, and DHA all play important roles*5 in your body's healing process and the normal cycle of healthy hair growth. While no single nutrient can prevent postpartum shedding, getting enough of these nutrients helps support your body's natural recovery.*
Rather than looking for a quick "hair fix", focus on giving your body the nourishment it needs to heal.
Eating a balanced diet filled with protein, healthy fats, colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and iron-rich foods can help support your postpartum recovery. Staying hydrated is just as important, especially if you're breastfeeding, since your fluid needs remain elevated during this time.
It's also worth continuing your prenatal vitamin after delivery. A lot of mommas simply stick with the same prenatal they took during pregnancy, especially while breastfeeding, since it may help refill the nutrient stores your body drew on over the past nine months.* If you're thinking of switching to a postnatal, though, we recommend reading this first before you buy — it might save you the extra cost. 😉
Root'd Prenatal Multi which includes biotin along with essential vitamins and minerals, and Root'd Essential DHA are designed to complement a balanced diet by helping support your nutritional needs during pregnancy and postpartum.*
While no supplement can stop hormonally driven postpartum hair shedding, maintaining good nutrition gives your body the building blocks it needs for overall recovery—including healthy hair regrowth.*
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Hair Care Tips During Postpartum Shedding
While your hair works through its natural growth cycle, a few simple habits can help minimize breakage and keep it looking its best.
Be Gentle With Your Hair
Wet hair is more fragile than dry hair, so handle it with extra care.
Use a wide-tooth comb or a gentle brush, start detangling from the ends, and pat your hair dry with a towel instead of rubbing it vigorously.
Skip Tight Hairstyles
High ponytails, sleek buns, and tight braids can put extra tension on your hair.
Whenever possible, opt for loose hairstyles or use soft scrunchies and claw clips that are gentler on your scalp.
Go Easy on Heat Styling
If you regularly use curling irons or straighteners, consider taking a break while your hair is regrowing. Air-drying when possible and lowering the temperature on styling tools can help reduce unnecessary breakage.
Don't Be Afraid to Wash Your Hair
Some moms avoid washing their hair because they think it will make the shedding worse.
It won't.
Shampooing simply removes hairs that have already reached the end of their natural growth cycle. You're not causing the shedding—you're just noticing the hairs that were already ready to fall.
Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Your body has spent months growing and delivering your baby, and recovery takes time.
Beware of Hair Tourniquets
You should also watch out for hair tourniquets.
This happens when a loose strand of hair wraps tightly around a baby's finger, toe, or another small body part. Although it's very uncommon, it can restrict blood flow if it's not removed promptly.
The good news is that hair tourniquets are rare, and there's no need to worry unnecessarily. Simply make it a habit to check your baby's fingers and toes during diaper changes, bath time, or when getting them dressed.
If you notice a strand of hair wrapped around your baby's finger or toe:
- Check for a loose end first and try unwinding it gently.
- If there's no loose end to grab, use something like small scissors or a blunt knife to carefully snip the strand.
- If the hair is embedded in the skin or wound too tight to remove safely, don't try to force it — call your pediatrician or head to the ER. A doctor may need to remove it.
The Bottom Line
Losing hair after having a baby can feel discouraging, especially during a season when so much already feels different.
But postpartum hair loss is usually a sign that your body is doing exactly what it's designed to do: recovering after pregnancy. 😊
For most women, shedding begins a few months after birth, peaks around four to six months postpartum, and gradually improves as the normal hair growth cycle returns.
In the meantime, focus on caring for yourself the same way you care for your baby. Nourish your body with wholesome foods, stay hydrated, rest whenever you can, and remember that healing doesn't happen overnight.
Before long, those tiny baby hairs around your hairline will be a quiet reminder of everything your body has accomplished!
FAQs
Postpartum hair loss questions we hear most
For most women, shedding begins around two to four months postpartum. You'll typically notice little to no extra shedding in the first couple of months.
It usually peaks around four to six months postpartum and gradually improves from there, with short "baby hairs" appearing along your hairline between six and twelve months as your normal growth cycle returns.
No. Your hair follicles are still healthy—you're simply shedding hairs that would have naturally fallen out over the previous several months, while new hairs are already growing beneath the surface.
It won't. Shampooing and gentle brushing simply remove hairs that have already reached the end of their growth cycle—you're noticing them, not causing them. Just be gentle, especially with wet hair.
No supplement can stop hormonally driven shedding. But good nutrition—protein, iron, folate, B12, biotin, choline, zinc, and DHA—gives your body the building blocks it needs for overall recovery and healthy regrowth.*
Check in with your healthcare provider if hair loss continues past your baby's first birthday, you see bald patches instead of overall thinning, your scalp is painful or inflamed, or you have symptoms like severe fatigue or unexplained weight changes.
