Post Pregnancy Hair Loss

What Causes Hair Loss After Pregnancy?

Your hair follows a natural hair growth cycle. Each strand grows for years before resting for 2–3 months and then falling out (to be replaced with new hair). 

Every strand is at a different stage in the cycle at any given time. But when you become pregnant, your hormones shift (hello, oestrogen!) and your hair growth cycle changes. 

This change usually means that hairs stay in the growing phase longer, so less hair falls out than usual. That results in thicker hair at roughly the 15-week mark.

But the celebrations are short-lived. Once you’ve given birth, those hormonal levels plunge back to pre-pregnant levels. 

The extra hair you’ve enjoyed throughout your pregnancy enters the resting phase of the hair growth cycle. That means you’ll start losing more hair than you’re used to. 

It can feel like a hair-raisingly excessive amount of shedding. But just remember: You’re not losing more hair than you had before your pregnancy. Your body is just returning to its pre-preggo levels — usually. 

Sometimes, that’s not always the end of it, and your hair doesn’t return to normal. When that happens, it often means something else is going on — such as a thyroid imbalance, iron deficiency, or an underlying health condition. 

Let’s go into it a little deeper. 

Hormonal Fluctuations

During pregnancy, your oestrogen and progesterone levels surge. 

Oestrogen stimulates specific receptors in hair follicles to prolong the amount of time your hair grows before it sheds (as part of the natural hair growth cycle). 

The more oestrogen you have, the longer the growing (anagen) phase of the hair growth cycle. 

Result: thicker hair. 

Meanwhile, progesterone inhibits the specific enzyme (5-alpha reductase) that turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone known to shrink hair follicles and cause hair loss. 

The hormonal surges in pregnancy delay the part of the hair growth cycle when your hair sheds. But that ends once you’ve given birth. Oestrogen and progesterone levels plummet and a lot of hair suddenly enters the shedding phase of the cycle.  

Result: far more hair on your brush and pillow than usual. 

Thyroid Imbalance

Hair loss after pregnancy may be a sign of a thyroid problem. A change in thyroid hormones during pregnancy can trigger a thyroid disorder, such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).  

Hypothyroidism affects up to 3% of women during early pregnancy and between 5% and 10% of women after childbirth. Symptoms other than hair loss include:

• Sensitivity to cold
• Weight gain
• Constipation
• Muscle cramps
• Intense fatigue

A doctor can order a blood test to determine if you have a thyroid problem and provide you with a range of treatment options.  

Iron Deficiency

Your body always needs iron. The mineral creates the red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout your body. If you don’t have enough iron, you don’t have enough red blood cells and you develop anaemia.  

When you’re pregnant, you’re sharing your blood and oxygen supply with a growing foetus. So it’s fairly common for pregnant women to develop a mild iron deficiency, especially during the second and third trimesters.  

You have an even higher risk of developing iron-deficiency anaemia if you:

• are carrying more than one foetus
• have severe morning sickness
• got pregnant soon after giving birth 

Hair loss is one possible symptom of iron deficiency anaemia. These are the other common symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Headaches
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath

If you develop anaemia, you may need to take iron supplements to restore balance. But it’s best to consult a medical professional to diagnose the anaemia and provide treatment options. 

Once you start treatment and your iron levels are restored, your hair usually returns to its normal thickness. 

Other Underlying Health Conditions

A range of reproductive health conditions may arise during or after pregnancy. Any one of these conditions can be enough to cause the type of stress that triggers telogen effluvium.  

Such conditions include:

• High blood pressure
• Gestational diabetes
• Hyperemesis gravidarum

If you’re concerned about your hair loss or you’re experiencing other symptoms, it’s best to consult your doctor as soon as possible to rule out these underlying causes.

When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Start (and How Long Does It Last)?

A Japanese study of more than 300 women with postpartum hair loss found that, on average, hair loss started almost 3 months after childbirth and peaked at just over 5 months.

In most cases, hormone levels stabilise and hair returns to its normal growth cycle within 6–12 months. For women in the Japanese study, the average duration was just over 8 months. 

But that’s not a given — there are no hard and fast timeframes for postpartum hair loss recovery. The duration and severity of hair loss after pregnancy will vary from woman to woman based on a range of factors. 

For example, thyroid dysfunction or nutritional deficiencies can prolong hair loss, while the effects of early motherhood (hello, sleep deprivation and anxiety!) can elevate stress hormones also linked to hair loss. 

Postpartum hair loss is also known to co-present with androgenic alopecia, a genetic hair condition associated with aging. 

So if you’re concerned about lingering hair loss, it may be worth consulting a doctor, who can detect any underlying reasons why your hair hasn’t bounced back.

Signs and Symptoms That Your Post-Pregnancy Hair Loss Is Not Normal

In general, postpartum hair loss is totally natural — somewhere between 40% and 50% of women experience hair loss after pregnancy. But if it persists or seems particularly severe, there may be something else going on.  

Here are some signs that your post-pregnancy hair loss isn’t normal:

• Shedding goes on for longer than 12 months: If you’re still experiencing significant hair loss after your child’s first birthday, there’s a chance it may be a symptom of another condition (such as androgenic alopecia).
• Excessive shedding: Losing around 400 hairs daily is considered excessive and may be a sign of an underlying health condition. 
• Noticeable bald patches: The appearance of distinct areas with little to no hair can be a sign of a condition like alopecia areata.
• Accompanying symptoms: Fatigue, unexplained weight changes, or irregular menstrual cycles alongside hair loss could indicate a hormonal imbalance, such as with a thyroid disorder.

Recognise any of these symptoms? It may be a good idea to consult a doctor, dermatologist, or trichologist. 

A healthcare professional can perform diagnostic tests to identify the root of the problem and recommend the right course of post-pregnancy hair loss treatment. That may include blood tests to assess thyroid function and scalp examinations to identify any dermatological issues.

Myths About Postpartum Hair Loss

Myths abound when it comes to hair loss during pregnancy, which naturally leads to unnecessary worry. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most common misconceptions and clear up any confusion so that you can start making informed decisions about your haircare, treatment options, and overall health. 

1: Breastfeeding causes increased hair loss

Breastfeeding alone doesn’t cause hair loss. It’s easy to make the connection because breastfeeding coincides with the hormonal fluctuations that cause postpartum hair loss. 

But while it doesn’t directly cause hair loss, it can reduce the production of oestradiol (a type of oestrogen), affecting the levels of hormones that are important for hair growth.

A 2023 Japanese study of more than 300 women with postpartum hair loss found that mothers who breastfed between 6–12 months were about six times more likely to experience hair loss than those who breastfed for less than 6 months. 

The results of that same Tokyo-based study suggest that you can reduce postpartum hair loss if you stop breastfeeding early.  

2. Staying on prenatal vitamins can prevent postpartum hair loss

Prenatal vitamins are packed with a range of nutrients that support foetal development and maternal health, including B vitamins, vitamins C and D,  folic acid, choline, calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. 

It’s unlikely these vitamins will prevent hair loss after pregnancy since they don’t change anything at a hormonal level. But if you continue taking them after childbirth, they may address any nutritional deficiencies caused by breastfeeding and help keep your hair healthy, even if it is thinning. 

3. Avoid washing or brushing your hair

Washing or brushing your hair won’t exacerbate your hair thinning. In fact, these activities can keep your hair healthy and avoid any tangling or matting that can cause hair breakage. 

Of course, it’s always a good idea to be gentle with shedding hair. While your hair is recovering, avoid tight hairstyles and heat tools like hairdryers and straighteners.

Can You Prevent Postpartum Hair Loss?

It may feel as though hair loss after pregnancy is inevitable and untreatable but there are a few things you can do to mitigate its effects.

These practices are mostly about maintaining optimal health, including eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet throughout your pregnancy, exercising regularly, and practising relaxation techniques like meditation. 

Don’t forget, postpartum hair loss is usually temporary; once your hormones rebalance, you’ll start to see a positive change in your hair too. 

But if hair shedding persists beyond a year, a healthcare expert such as a hair loss doctor, dermatologist, or trichologist can recommend a more rigorous postpartum hair loss treatment​ plan. 

Learn more about lifestyle changes for healthy hair growth to think about how you can prevent post-pregnancy hair loss.

Treatment Plans for Managing Postpartum Hair Loss

While it’s temporary, it’s natural that you may want to speed up recovery and regrowth. So let’s look at some post-pregnancy hair loss treatment options. 

Nutrition and Supplements for Hair Regrowth After Pregnancy

Vitamins and minerals strengthen hair follicles and support hair health, so make sure you’re getting enough nutrients through a balanced diet and supplements.

In particular, focus on vitamins and minerals that support hair regrowth, including biotin, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iron, and keratin. 

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein are a good place to start but your doctor may also recommend supplements for hair growth.

For more on this, read our complete guide to the best foods for healthy hair. 

Stress Management and Postpartum Self-Care

Research shows that unusually high or chronic stress levels can trigger or exacerbate hair shedding. 

Take a study led by Dr Ya-Chieh Hsu, a Professor of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University. She and her team found that stress hormones can impair hair follicle stem cells, hindering new growth. 

Of course, it’s hard to keep stress levels low when the new bub doesn’t sleep through the night or take to the nipple — but that just means stress release techniques are doubly important. 

Wherever you can, try some of these common stress management techniques: 

• Take regular, gentle exercise, even if it’s just pushing the stroller around the block or following your favourite yoga instructor on YouTube. 
• Throughout the day, stop to take a few deep breaths.
• Download a meditation app like Headspace, Calm, or Smiling Mind. 
• Reach out to family and friends when you need a little extra support.
• Get as much sleep as you can. We know it’s not easy, but it can help to sleep when your baby does, share night-time duties, and make the most of short naps. 

For more on this, read our comprehensive guide to stress hair loss. 

Best Haircare Practices for Postpartum Hair Loss

There are plenty of ‘night-time routines’ and magical hair growth products that promise faster, thicker hair growth overnight. Most of them are old wives’ tales and gimmicks. 

But there are haircare practices you can try to prevent further damage. 

Haircare practices:

• Avoid tight hairdos like braids or ballerina buns. They can put unnecessary stress on your hair follicles. 
• Avoid heat-styling tools and chemical treatments while your hair is shedding. They can make your hair brittle. 
• Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair and wait for your hair to dry before brushing. 
• Brush from the ends first, then to the roots. 

Recommended products:

• Shampoo — Dermatologist Professor Rodney Sinclair advises asking your hairdresser to recommend a shampoo that’s just right for your hair type and texture. Avoid shampoos with sulfates. 
• Hair-strengthening products — In general, experts recommend products that contain aloe vera, peptides, or glycerin. 

• Deep conditioners — Deep hair conditioning treatments containing healthy oils like jojoba, olive, and coconut oils may help. 

• Medicated hair products — Doctors may advise a medicated hair product with fungicides or anti-yeast agents to treat an itching or flaking scalp. 

Scalp Massage and Blood Circulation Techniques

Turns out that blood flow to the scalp is pivotal to hair growth. After all, blood vessels feed much-needed oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. 

A 2001 study of mice proved that a boost in blood circulation promotes hair growth, while a 2023 review exploring the mechanisms of hair growth concluded that increased blood flow encourages hair follicles to transition from shedding to growing hair again.

Regular scalp massages are an easy way to promote blood circulation to the scalp, done from the comfort of your couch (just like getting The Hairy Pill® hair loss therapy). 

Simply apply pressure to your scalp with your fingers and massage in circles. That’s it! This is enough to open up your blood vessels and stimulate circulation. 

For an extra touch, consider using natural oils that are good for hair growth, such as rosemary or peppermint oil). These oils are believed to help widen the blood vessels and improve circulation. 

Learn more about how to boost blood circulation to the scalp. 

Medical Treatments for Post-Pregnancy Hair Loss

There are a few clinically backed treatments that may help women who experience persistent hair loss, although it’s harder to come across pregnancy-safe hair loss treatments. 

It’s always important to consult with a medical practitioner before starting treatment, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. 

• Minoxidil — Minoxidil is a common hair loss treatment for women but it’s not considered safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If your hair hasn’t returned to its pre-pregnancy state and you’ve finished breastfeeding, it might be a postpartum hair loss treatment​ option for you.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) — LLLT uses red light waves to stimulate hair growth and is safer than certain medications if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections —  This involves a series of treatments where plasma from your blood is injected into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles. It’s generally not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

When to See a Doctor About Postpartum Hair Loss

Postpartum hair loss is usually harmless and temporary but it’s natural to be concerned. 

You may want to consult a doctor if your hair loss hasn’t resolved 12 months after childbirth, you’re experiencing excessive shedding (big clumps of hair falling out or even bald spots), or you have other symptoms (such as fatigue, weight changes, or changes in your menstrual cycle). 

A doctor may simply help ease your concerns but they can also help identify any underlying cause for prolonged or severe postpartum hair loss.

Your doctor may order a blood test to check for nutritional deficiencies or thyroid imbalances. Then, depending on the cause of your hair loss, they can then recommend appropriate treatment options.

FAQs

Are certain hair types (curly, straight, fine, thick) more prone to postpartum hair loss?

You’re not more likely to get postpartum hair loss just because you have straight or curly hair. Remember: post-pregnancy hair shedding is caused by hormonal changes, which have no bearing on the inherent characteristics of your hair and vice versa. 

That said, some types of hair encourage women to use hairstyles (such as braids or dreadlocks) that can put pressure on their hair shafts and follicles, leading to a type of hair thinning called traction alopecia. 

A 2022 review of three case studies suggests that postpartum hair loss may ‘unmask’ underlying traction alopecia. 

Does postpartum hair loss happen differently after a C-section vs. vaginal birth?

No, the way you deliver your baby doesn’t seem to influence the way you experience postpartum hair shedding. That’s likely because caesareans (C-sections) and vaginal births have no impact on the hormonal levels that cause post-pregnancy hair loss. 

On the other hand, a 2023 cross-sectional study in Japan found that factors such as breastfeeding duration and pre-term labour have been associated with an increased incidence of postpartum hair loss.

Can postpartum hair loss affect eyebrow and eyelash hair?

Short story: yes, hair loss during pregnancy can affect eyebrows and eyelashes. Any big hormonal changes can disrupt the hair growth cycle, affecting hair across your entire body. 

Can postpartum hair loss lead to permanent hair thinning in some cases?

In most cases, pregnancy hair loss after childbirth is temporary, caused by the sudden changes in hormonal levels associated with pregnancy. As your hormonal levels return to normal, your hair growth cycle does too. 

But for some women, this new, thinner hair becomes the new norm post-pregnancy. When this happens, there’s typically an underlying cause for your hair loss, such as female pattern hair loss (a genetic condition associated with aging) or a vitamin deficiency. 

If your hair density doesn’t return to pre-pregnancy levels or you continue to lose hair, it’s best to consult a doctor who can assess you for any underlying causes and recommend a personalised postpartum hair loss treatment​ plan. 

Can hair supplements help speed up hair regrowth after pregnancy?

Hair growth supplements don’t contain active ingredients that are proven to stimulate regrowth. But they may help replenish hair-loving nutrients often depleted during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which can support hair growth. 

It’s important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements — especially if you’re breastfeeding — to ensure the supplements are safe and appropriate for your situation.

It’s also worth noting that while these supplements can support hair health, results may vary, and they’re not a guaranteed solution for hair regrowth. 

How does hydration impact postpartum hair recovery?

Water makes up almost 15% of each strand of hair, which means it’s essential to healthy hair growth. But when you’re breastfeeding, you lose, on average, almost 750ml of water per day just through your breast milk. 

That can very quickly lead to dehydration if you’re not replacing the fluid loss. 

Dehydration can cause oxidative stress, which in turn can disrupt the hair growth cycle and damage hair follicles, contributing to weak, brittle hair and hair loss. 

To avoid this, most doctors recommend drinking double the amount of water you normally would while breastfeeding — about 16 cups of water a day (almost 4 litres!).