In this article
If you’re experiencing hair loss after giving birth, you are not alone. After having a baby, over 90% of postpartum parents experience some hair loss. Still, even though it’s a common phenomenon, postpartum hair loss can be distressing and takes many new parents by surprise.
Postpartum hair loss, “can feel alarming, especially when hair comes out in large amounts,” says Summer Okimoto, certified nurse-midwife at Pediatrix Medical. But, Okimoto assures, “This process is a normal part of the body’s transition after pregnancy.”
Even if you know it’s normal, when you’re experiencing postpartum hair loss, you likely have many questions and concerns, including how long it will last, if there are any proven remedies, and if there’s any way to prevent it. Read on to answers to these questions and more.
Key takeaways
- Postpartum hair loss is characterized by thinning or shedding hair in the months after giving birth. The condition is caused by changing hormones and is temporary; most people will experience hair regrowth within a year after childbirth.
- There are no proven medical treatments for postpartum hair loss, but it can be managed by experimenting with different hair styles, hair products and haircuts. It’s also important to remind yourself it’s temporary.
- If you have hair loss that persists longer than 12 to 18 months or patchy areas of hair loss rather than diffuse shedding, it’s important to see a doctor. They can check for underlying conditions or nutritional deficiencies that may be contributing.
What is postpartum hair loss?
The medical term for postpartum hair loss is postpartum telogen effluvium, and it refers to temporary hair loss that happens after you give birth. You might notice that you lose hair faster than you used to, or that your hair is thinner and has less volume than it did when you were pregnant.
What does postpartum hair loss look like?
Many parents notice less volume in certain areas of their scalp. “I remember noticing it most around my part and near the front,” says Cara Dobbertin, mom of three and physical therapist in Denver, Colorado. “That’s what made it feel more obvious. It wasn’t like I had bald spots or anything, just thinning in areas I don’t usually think about.”
“What you’re seeing isn’t true ‘hair loss’ in the sense of something being wrong — it’s really your body catching up and shedding the hair that was held onto during pregnancy.”
— Dr. Brielle Miles, OB-GYN
Others may notice simply that they are shedding hair more than usual. “It can feel dramatic, especially when you’re seeing hair in the shower or on your brush,” says Dr. Brielle Miles, OB-GYN at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. Still, Miles adds, “This is expected.”
What causes hair loss after giving birth?
Essentially, postpartum hair loss is caused by shifting hormones during and after pregnancy.
“During pregnancy, higher estrogen levels keep more hair in the growth phase,” says Okimoto. In fact, you may have noticed fuller and thicker hair while you were pregnant, and this is why. But after you give birth, your estrogen levels drop quickly and a large number of hairs shift into the shedding phase.
“What you’re seeing isn’t true ‘hair loss’ in the sense of something being wrong — it’s really your body catching up and shedding the hair that was held onto during pregnancy,” explains Miles.
When does postpartum hair loss stop?
The exact timing of postpartum hair loss varies from one person to another. “Postpartum hair loss typically starts a few months after delivery,” says Dr. Ryan Goerig, board-certified dermatologist and author of “Women’s Hair Thinning: A Dermatologist’s Evidence-Based Guide to Understanding Causes, Getting the Right Diagnosis, and Navigating Treatment.”
How long does postpartum hair loss last? “In the vast majority of cases, the hair shedding is temporary and should go back to normal within one year,” says Goerig.
Typical postpartum hair loss pattern
According to Okimoto, postpartum hair loss often follows a predictable pattern:
- Starts about 2-4 months after delivery.
- Becomes most noticeable 3-5 months postpartum.
- Shedding gradually slows over time.
- Typically resolves by 6-12 months postpartum.
Are there any postpartum hair loss remedies?
The number one question many postpartum parents have is: How can I stop postpartum hair loss?
Here’s the good news: Postpartum hair loss tends to resolve on its own in time, without you having to do anything. The not-so-good news? There aren’t any proven methods for regrowing hair during this time.
“There isn’t strong evidence that specific medications or supplements reliably speed up the [regrowth] process,” says Miles. And marketed “treatment” options like biotin or other hair enhancement supplements have inconsistent data behind them, she adds.
Some wonder if well-known hair loss treatments like Rogaine (a brand name for minoxidil) might work. Not only is this type of treatment ineffective, but it can end up causing new problems, the experts say. “Topical minoxidil is typically not recommended for routine postpartum shedding because minoxidil itself can also cause a temporary shedding phenomena, potentially making the situation worse,” Goerig explains.
Care tips to help manage postpartum hair loss
While there are no “cures” for postpartum hair loss, there are some things you can do to manage your thinning hair. Above all else, “be gentle with hair care,” Okimoto recommends. Other care tips for postpartum parents include:
- Avoiding tight hairstyles (ponytails, buns, braids).
- Limiting heat styling and chemical treatments.
- Using volumizing shampoos.
- Using conditioners made for fine hair.
- Experimenting with new haircuts and hairstyles, including shorter haircuts.
“The most important ‘treatment’ here is reassurance. This is a temporary change and your hair will grow back.”
— Dr. Brielle Miles
Do experts know how to prevent postpartum hair loss?
Unfortunately, postpartum hair loss isn’t preventable. But, although there are no proven ways to prevent postpartum hair loss, “it’s important to make sure there aren’t other factors contributing to or prolonging the shedding,” Miles explains. According to Miles, this may include seeking medical evaluation for:
- Iron deficiency.
- Thyroid abnormalities.
- Vitamin D deficiency.
- Inadequate nutrition.
“Addressing these factors, particularly in the postpartum period, can make a meaningful difference,” Miles shares.
How do you know if you’re losing “too much” hair?
Again, it can be alarming, but it’s totally normal to lose a lot of hair postpartum. It’s normal for it to come off as you run your fingers through it, and it’s normal to see a bunch of it on your hair brush. Still, you might be wondering what amount would be “too much.”
“I advise patients to watch for features that don’t follow the typical pattern,” says Miles. This includes:
- Hair loss that persists longer than 12 to 18 months.
- A widening part or more patterned thinning.
- Patchy areas of hair loss rather than diffuse shedding.
- Associated symptoms like fatigue and weight changes that could suggest an underlying thyroid issue.
Should you see a doctor about postpartum hair loss?
Miles recommends following up with your doctor if your hair shedding isn’t improving over time, or if something about it feels different, such as finding bald spots or more concentrated areas of loss.
“A simple evaluation can help look for things like iron deficiency or thyroid changes and ensure there isn’t another underlying cause,” Miles says. “In some cases, the postpartum period can unmask other types of hair loss, and identifying that early allows for more targeted management.”
How to cope with hair loss after giving birth
The best way to manage postpartum hair loss is to try to put it in perspective. Remind yourself that it’s normal, common, and that it will pass in due time. “The most important ‘treatment’ here is reassurance,” Miles says. “This is a temporary change and your hair will grow back.”
As difficult as it may seem, this “wait it out” approach is what worked for Dobbertin. “I didn’t do anything specific to try to fix it,” Dobbertin shares. “I tried not to mess with my hair too much and just waited it out. Once I reminded myself what was causing it, it felt a lot less stressful.”
