If you've recently had a baby and noticed clumps of hair coming out in the shower, on your pillow, or when you’re brushing, you're not imagining it, and you're definitely not the only one. Postpartum hair loss affects up to around 50% of new mums, and while it can be frightening, the good news is that it almost always stops by itself.
Here's everything you need to know about why it happens, when it ends, and what you can do to support your hair in the meantime.
Why Does Postpartum Hair Loss Happen?
During pregnancy, high levels of oestrogen keep your hair in its growth phase (called the anagen phase) for longer than usual. This is why many pregnant women notice their hair looking fuller and thicker; fewer strands are falling out at any given time.
After you give birth, oestrogen levels drop sharply. This sends a large number of hair follicles into the resting phase (telogen phase) all at once. A few months later, those follicles shed and because so many go through this cycle simultaneously, the shedding can feel dramatic and sudden.
This is called telogen effluvium, and it's a completely normal physiological response to childbirth.
"I've been using this oil for a month now, and it's amazing, going through post-partum hair loss, this has reduced it and promoted hair growth." Julie, Hair Loving customer
When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Start?
Most women begin to notice hair shedding between 2 and 4 months after giving birth. For some it starts earlier, for others a little later — but the 3-month mark is the most common point of onset.
It can feel sudden and alarming, particularly if your hair was thick during pregnancy. You might notice:
• More hair than usual in the shower drain
• Hair on your pillow in the morning
• Thinning around the hairline or temples
• Noticeably less volume when styling
This is all part of the same process. The shedding is catching up to what would have fallen out gradually during pregnancy.
When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Stop?
This is the question every new mum wants answered. For most women, postpartum hair loss peaks around the 3–4 month mark after birth and begins to slow down by month 6.
By 12 months postpartum, the majority of women see their hair return to its pre-pregnancy thickness. So while it can feel like it goes on forever in the middle of it, there is a natural endpoint.
What to Expect Month by Month
• Months 1–2: Little to no shedding. Hair may still look full from pregnancy.
• Months 2–4: Shedding begins. This is the most common window for onset.
• Months 3–5: Shedding peaks. This is often the most distressing period.
• Months 5–8: Shedding begins to slow down. Baby hairs may start appearing.
• Months 9–12: Hair gradually returns to its normal density.
Every woman's experience is slightly different depending on factors like genetics, nutrition, stress, and breastfeeding — but this is a reliable general guide.
Does Breastfeeding Make It Last Longer?
This is a common concern, and the answer is: possibly, but not dramatically. Breastfeeding keeps prolactin levels elevated and oestrogen lower, which can prolong the shedding phase for some women. However, the effect is relatively minor, and the hair loss associated with breastfeeding is mild compared to the initial postpartum shed.
If you're breastfeeding and noticing extended shedding, make sure you're getting enough iron, zinc, and protein — nutritional depletion from nursing can contribute to hair thinning.
What Can You Do to Help Your Hair Recover?
While postpartum hair loss is largely hormonally driven and will resolve on its own, there are things you can do to support your scalp and encourage healthy regrowth.
1. Use a Nourishing Scalp Oil
Scalp oils rich in natural botanicals help nourish the follicle environment and support the regrowth cycle. Our New Beginnings Hair & Scalp Oil is specifically formulated for postpartum hair loss — it's fragrance-free (safe for those sensitive moments with your newborn) and contains avocado oil, which helps seal the hair cuticle and reduce breakage.
2. Try a Derma Roller
Derma rolling (also called microneedling) on the scalp increases blood circulation to the hair follicles and can stimulate regrowth. Used once a week, it's a simple but effective addition to your postpartum hair routine. Our Derma Roller is designed specifically for scalp use.
3. Eat for Hair Health
Your body prioritises vital organs over hair growth, so if you're depleted nutritionally — which is very common postpartum and while breastfeeding — your hair will feel it. Focus on:
• Iron-rich foods (leafy greens, lentils, red meat)
• Protein (eggs, fish, legumes)
• Biotin (eggs, nuts, sweet potato)
• Zinc (pumpkin seeds, chickpeas)
4. Be Gentle with Your Hair
Avoid tight ponytails, harsh heat, and aggressive brushing. When hair is in a fragile, shedding state, mechanical stress can worsen breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or a gentle paddle brush, and try to air-dry when possible.
5. Switch to a Gentle, Supportive Shampoo
Heavy shampoos can weigh fine, post-shedding hair down. Our Silk Renewal Shampoo contains biotin and rosemary to support a healthy scalp without stripping or over-cleansing.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Postpartum hair loss is normal, but there are some signs that it's worth speaking to your GP about:
• Hair loss continues beyond 12 months with no sign of slowing
• You have significant bald patches (rather than general thinning)
• You're experiencing other symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or feeling cold all the time (this could indicate a thyroid issue, which is common postpartum)
• Hair loss is accompanied by scalp pain, itching, or redness
A simple blood test can check for thyroid function, iron levels, and other potential contributing factors.
The Bottom Line
Postpartum hair loss is one of those things nobody warns you about but almost everyone experiences. It starts around 2–4 months after birth, peaks around month 3–5, and typically resolves by the time your baby turns one.
You're not losing your hair permanently. Your follicles are healthy — they're just catching up on a delayed shed. With the right support, nourishment, and a little patience, your hair will come back.
If you're in the thick of postpartum shedding right now, know this: it is temporary. Thousands of women have been exactly where you are and come out the other side with full, healthy hair.
Ready to support your hair recovery? Explore our Postpartum Hair Collection at hairloving.com
