Hair changes after giving birth
Hair loss after pregnancy is something many women experience, but rest assured - it’s completely normal and temporary. With the right care and a little patience, your hair will bounce back stronger than ever. Here’s what causes postpartum hair loss and how to encourage regrowth.
Pregnancy and postpartum is an extraordinary experience transforming the body in countless ways. From your hormonal balance to your physical appearance, the changes can be surprising and a little daunting. One of the more noticeable shifts for many women involves their hair.
During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels can lead to thicker, shinier and more vibrant hair. It’s often a pleasant surprise to discover how your hair benefits from the surge of oestrogen and progesterone. However, after giving birth, as hormone levels drop, these changes can reverse rapidly. Many new mums experience postpartum hair loss, an unwelcome but common part of the post-pregnancy journey.
In this guide, we’ll explore what causes post-pregnancy hair loss, how long it lasts, and practical postpartum hair growth tips. We’ll also address specific concerns like hair loss while breastfeeding and more extreme postpartum hair thinning.
What causes postpartum hair loss?
During pregnancy, many women notice their hair feels thicker and healthier. This is thanks to high levels of oestrogen and progesterone, which keep hair in its growth phase for longer and reduce the amount you naturally shed.
However, after giving birth, your body experiences a big hormonal shift. Oestrogen and progesterone levels drop quickly, while prolactin (the hormone that helps with milk production) rises. These changes push your hair into the resting phase, leading to shedding a few months later.
It’s undoubtedly alarming to see hair falling out, but unfortunately this is a normal part of your body’s adjustment after pregnancy.
As well as hair falling out after pregnancy, commonly reported postpartum hair changes include:
- Dry scalp: Hormonal shifts after giving birth can reduce the production of sebum (the natural oil that keeps your scalp moisturised). This can lead to a dry, flaky or tight-feeling scalp. External factors, such as increased showering, may also make it worse.
- Itchy scalp: Often linked to dryness or increased sensitivity from fluctuating hormone levels, an itchy scalp may also result from changes in skin pH or irritation from new hair care products. Stress and lack of sleep during postpartum can also contribute to scalp irritation.
- Hair breakage: Postpartum hair is more fragile due to structural changes in the hair shaft caused by fluctuating oestrogen levels. Reduced collagen production and the physical demands of breastfeeding or lack of sleep can further weaken hair, especially when heat styling is involved.
- Hair thinning: Thinning is common after pregnancy due to increased shedding and slower regrowth. Hair that normally falls out gradually during the growth cycle is shed all at once when oestrogen levels return to normal.
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Balding: In more severe cases, small bald patches may develop, particularly around the hairline or temples. Although usually temporary, it can be distressing and may take several months for regrowth to start.
Hair loss while breastfeeding
Some women notice an increase in hair loss while breastfeeding, which can understandably add to the concern. While breastfeeding itself doesn’t directly cause hair loss, it can contribute indirectly due to hormonal and nutritional factors.
Breastfeeding stimulates the production of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. Prolactin can affect hair growth by reducing the activity of hair follicles, which means more hair remains in the resting phase and regrowth slows down.
At the same time, your body prioritises milk production, which can deplete essential nutrients like iron, zinc, biotin and vitamin D, all of which are vital for maintaining healthy hair. If your diet isn’t providing enough of these nutrients, your hair may become weaker, making it more prone to shedding or breakage.
Breastfeeding is also physically demanding, requiring a lot of energy and resources from your body. Combined with the postpartum recovery process and the intensity of caring for a newborn, this can take a toll on your health, including the condition of your hair.
When does postpartum hair loss start?
Postpartum hair loss usually starts about two to four months after giving birth. This timing can catch some women off guard, especially if they’ve enjoyed thicker, fuller hair during pregnancy. The change happens because your oestrogen levels (which kept your hair in its growth phase for longer during pregnancy), drop sharply after giving birth. This shift causes more hair to enter the resting phase, leading to postpartum thinning and shedding.
How long does postpartum hair loss last?
For most women, the postpartum shedding phase lasts a few months and slows down within seven to twelve months of giving birth. By this time, your hair cycle should start returning to normal, and you’ll likely notice new growth coming through.
However, it’s important to remember that every journey is unique. If your postpartum hair loss is more extreme or lasts longer, things like low iron levels, nutritional deficiencies or thyroid issues could be an issue. These are common postpartum challenges and can be addressed with the right support.
When does postpartum hair loss stop?
Most women find hair loss stops within a year of giving birth, and their hair begins to regain its pre-pregnancy fullness. If you’re dealing with significant postpartum hair loss after one year, it’s worth speaking to your GP to explore other factors. Conditions like postpartum thyroiditis or ongoing hormonal imbalances could play a part, and professional advice can help with treatment and reassurance.
The good news is there are plenty of ways to help postpartum hair loss and encourage healthy regrowth, helping you navigate postpartum hair changes with confidence.
How to prevent postpartum hair loss: treatments and hair care
Hair loss after pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but there are proactive steps you can take to support your hair’s recovery and keep it looking its best during this time.
While you can’t stop the natural shedding process entirely, adopting a gentle and supportive hair care routine makes a big difference. The key is focusing on maintaining scalp health, protecting fragile strands and nourishing your hair from within.
Here are some practical steps to reduce postpartum hair loss and keep your hair looking its best.
1. Gentle postpartum hair care
When dealing with postpartum hair loss, simplicity is key. Stick to a gentle routine and avoid products that strip your hair of natural oils.
Look for sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners to keep your hair hydrated, and consider using products with strengthening ingredients like keratin or nourishing oils such as argan oil. These small changes can make a big difference in keeping your hair feeling healthier.
2. Limit heat styling
Heat styling can be hard on hair, especially when it’s already thinner or more fragile. Try to reduce the use of heat-based tools like straighteners, curling irons and hair dryers. Instead, let your hair air-dry or experiment with heatless hairstyles to protect your strands. If you do use heat, apply a heat protectant and use the lowest effective setting to minimise damage.
3. Protective hairstyles
Loose buns, braids or low ponytails are some of the best hairstyles to prevent postpartum hair loss, as they reduce tension on your hair. These styles minimise pulling, especially around the hairline, where postpartum hair loss can be more noticeable.
Steer clear of tight styles, such as high ponytails or tight braids, as they put stress on delicate hair.
4. Scalp massages
A soothing scalp massage with natural oils like coconut or castor oil can help stimulate circulation and wake up your hair follicles, encouraging healthier regrowth. Plus, it’s a relaxing addition to your self-care routine, something every new mum deserves!
5. Postpartum hair loss vitamins
Adding a supplement that includes biotin, iron and zinc to your daily routine can give your hair the nutrients it needs to grow back stronger. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements (especially if you’re breastfeeding), to ensure they’re safe for both you and baby.
6. Balanced diet
Your diet plays a huge role in hair health. Focus on eating nutrient-rich foods like eggs, spinach, nuts and oily fish, which are packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids and essential vitamins. These nutrients don’t just nourish your body, they support stronger, healthier hair from the inside out.
7. Add volume with hair extensions
If postpartum hair loss is impacting your confidence, hair extensions can be a great way to enhance your look while your hair recovers. Our Phoenix Crown range blends seamlessly with your natural hair, offering added volume without complicating your routine.
Made from high-quality Virgin human hair, our extensions are gentle on your scalp and designed to reduce strain. You can choose extensions for overall volume or target specific areas like the crown or temples, giving you a natural, full look.
Excessive postpartum hair loss: postpartum alopecia
For a small proportion of women, postpartum hair loss can be more extreme, leading to noticeable thinning or bald patches. Typically, postpartum alopecia affects the hairline, causing areas of thinning or small bald spots. The good news is that it’s usually temporary, and most women start seeing regrowth within a few months. However, it can take a year or more for hair to return to normal.
Stress can make hair loss worse, so it’s worth exploring stress-relief methods like gentle exercise, meditation or even asking for extra help at home.
If you’re experiencing excessive postpartum hair loss, reaching out to your doctor is a good next step. They can guide you to specialists like dermatologists, nutritionists or trichologists (hair and scalp experts) who’ll explore any underlying issues and suggest the best treatment.
Is postpartum hair loss reversible?
Absolutely. Postpartum hair loss is temporary and entirely reversible for most women. As your body’s hormone levels stabilise, your hair follicles return to their normal growth cycle. The timing varies, but most women notice a significant reduction in shedding within eight to twelve months after giving birth.
That said, patience is key. Hair growth is a slow process - strands grow at a rate of about 0.5-1.7cm per month, so it can take time for regrowth to become noticeable. During this phase, it’s crucial to nurture your hair and scalp with a consistent routine and proper care. Incorporating habits like regular scalp massages, a nutrient-rich diet and gentle hair styling can all support your hair's natural recovery.
Final thoughts: navigating hair loss after giving birth
Postpartum hair loss, while disconcerting, is a normal and temporary phase of your body’s recovery. Remember, this is just one part of the incredible journey of motherhood, and your body is adjusting in remarkable ways. With a little extra care and patience, your hair will regain its strength and vitality over time.
For most women, your hair will return to its pre-pregnancy state. But in the meantime, benefit from our range of luxurious Phoenix Crown clip-in Virgin human hair extensions which are easily applied with a few simple clicks.
Our discrete, barely there flexi-wefts ensure absolute discretion whilst the thick, smooth, luxurious strands blend in seamlessly with your own hair, giving confidence and peace of mind while your hair grows back to its former glory.
