Hair Loss After Pregnancy and How to Recover
Postpartum hair loss catches many new mothers off guard. During pregnancy, your hair was likely thick, shiny, and fuller than ever. Then, three to six months after giving birth, it starts falling out in alarming quantities, clumps in the shower, strands all over your clothes, and handfuls coming away when you brush.
If you're experiencing this, you're not alone. Roughly 50% of women experience noticeable postpartum hair shedding, and for some, it can be severe enough to cause visible thinning and bald patches. Whilst doctors often reassure you it's "normal" and "temporary," that doesn't make it any less distressing, especially when you're already navigating the physical and emotional demands of new motherhood.
This guide explains why postpartum hair loss happens, when it should resolve, and what you can do to support recovery and potentially accelerate regrowth.
Why Pregnancy and Postpartum Affect Your Hair
Hair grows in cycles, alternating between growth (anagen), transition (catagen), and resting (telogen) phases. At any given time, roughly 85-90% of your scalp hairs are actively growing, whilst 10-15% are resting. After the resting phase, hairs shed to make way for new growth.
During pregnancy, elevated oestrogen levels prolong the anagen phase, keeping more hairs in the growth stage and preventing normal shedding. This is why many women experience thicker, fuller hair during pregnancy. You're not growing more hair, you're just shedding less.
After delivery, oestrogen levels plummet rapidly. The hormonal shift triggers large numbers of hair follicles to enter the telogen (resting) phase simultaneously. Two to three months later, these resting hairs shed all at once, a condition called telogen effluvium. Instead of the normal 50-100 hairs shedding daily, you might lose 300-500 hairs per day for several weeks or months.
The timing varies. Some women notice shedding as early as six weeks postpartum, whilst others don't experience it until four to six months after delivery. The shedding phase typically lasts three to six months before gradually tapering off.
When Postpartum Hair Loss Becomes Concerning
For most women, postpartum hair loss resolves on its own within six to twelve months after delivery. New hair growth begins whilst shedding continues, so you might notice short "baby hairs" along your hairline even as you're still losing length.
However, certain situations warrant professional evaluation.
If shedding continues beyond twelve months postpartum, you may have an underlying issue beyond normal hormonal adjustment. Thyroid dysfunction is particularly common after pregnancy. Postpartum thyroiditis affects roughly 5-10% of women and can cause both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), both of which disrupt the hair growth cycle.
If you're experiencing fatigue, weight changes, mood disturbances, or temperature sensitivity alongside prolonged hair loss, request thyroid function tests (TSH, free T3, free T4) from your GP.
Iron deficiency is another frequent culprit. Blood loss during delivery, breastfeeding, and inadequate dietary iron intake can deplete iron stores. Ferritin levels below 40 ng/mL are associated with increased hair shedding and impaired regrowth. If you're also experiencing fatigue, pale skin, or shortness of breath, ask for a full blood count and ferritin test.
If you notice sudden bald patches (rather than diffuse thinning), you may have developed alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles. This requires evaluation by a dermatologist and treatment with topical or intralesional corticosteroids.
Supporting Hair Recovery Postpartum
Whilst postpartum hair loss typically resolves naturally, certain interventions can support recovery and potentially accelerate regrowth.
Address nutritional deficiencies. Pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding place enormous nutritional demands on your body. Hair follicles are metabolically active and require adequate nutrients to function optimally.
Iron is critical. If your ferritin is low, supplementation (typically 65-100mg of elemental iron daily) can normalise levels within three to six months, supporting hair regrowth. Take iron with vitamin C to enhance absorption and away from calcium, tea, or coffee, which inhibit absorption.
Protein intake matters. Hair is primarily composed of keratin, a protein. Breastfeeding increases protein requirements by roughly 25 grams per day. Aim for at least 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. Good sources include lean meats, fish, eggs, Greek yoghurt, legumes, and tofu.
Vitamin D supports hair follicle cycling. Many postpartum women are deficient, particularly in the UK where sunlight exposure is limited. Request a vitamin D test and supplement if levels are below 75 nmol/L.
B vitamins, particularly biotin and B12, support hair health. However, supplementation only helps if you're deficient. Routine supplementation without confirmed deficiency rarely produces noticeable improvement.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy can accelerate recovery, particularly if hair loss is severe or prolonged. PRP uses concentrated growth factors from your own blood to stimulate dormant hair follicles, prolong the anagen phase, and increase blood supply to the scalp.
The procedure involves drawing a small amount of blood, processing it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and injecting the PRP into areas of thinning. The growth factors trigger cellular repair and follicle reactivation. Because it uses your own blood, allergic reactions are virtually nonexistent, and the treatment is safe during breastfeeding (though always discuss with your practitioner).
Research shows that PRP significantly improves hair density and reduces shedding in women with telogen effluvium. A study published in Dermatologic Surgery found that women receiving PRP injections experienced an average increase of 19 hairs per square centimetre after three treatments, with high patient satisfaction.
Results typically become visible within three months, with continued improvement over six months. Most women require two to three treatments spaced four weeks apart for optimal outcomes.
Topical minoxidil (2% or 5% formulation) can be used postpartum to accelerate regrowth. Minoxidil prolongs the anagen phase and increases blood flow to the scalp. However, it requires consistent daily application, and stopping treatment leads to shedding within a few months. If you're breastfeeding, consult your GP or dermatologist before starting minoxidil, as small amounts can be absorbed systemically.
Gentle hair care practices prevent additional damage and breakage during the recovery phase. Your hair is already fragile from hormonal changes and increased shedding, so avoid further stress.
Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair to prevent breakage. Avoid tight hairstyles (ponytails, braids, buns) that create tension along the hairline, which can worsen traction alopecia. Limit heat styling, and when you do use heat, apply a protective spray and keep temperatures below 180°C.
Wash hair as needed (not necessarily daily) with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Overwashing strips natural oils and can worsen dryness, whilst underwashing allows sebum and product buildup to clog follicles.
Managing the Emotional Impact
Postpartum hair loss is physically distressing, but the emotional toll can be just as significant. You're already navigating sleep deprivation, hormonal fluctuations, and the overwhelming responsibility of caring for a newborn. Adding visible hair loss to the mix can feel like one more thing spiralling out of your control.
It's important to acknowledge these feelings rather than dismissing them. Hair is tied to identity, femininity, and self-confidence. Losing it, especially during a vulnerable period, is genuinely difficult.
Talking to other mothers who've experienced postpartum hair loss can provide reassurance and perspective. Online support groups and forums offer spaces to share concerns and coping strategies. If hair loss is contributing to symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety, speak with your GP or a mental health professional. Addressing your emotional wellbeing is just as important as addressing the physical issue.
When to Expect Recovery
For most women, hair shedding begins to taper off around six to nine months postpartum. New growth starts emerging simultaneously, so you may notice short hairs along the hairline and crown whilst still experiencing some shedding.
By twelve months postpartum, most women see significant improvement, with hair density returning close to pre-pregnancy levels. However, some women find their hair doesn't fully return to its pre-pregnancy thickness or texture. Factors like age, genetics, stress levels, and nutritional status all influence recovery.
If you're still experiencing significant hair loss at twelve months postpartum, seek professional evaluation to rule out thyroid dysfunction, iron deficiency, or other underlying conditions.
Preventing Future Postpartum Hair Loss
If you're planning future pregnancies, certain steps can minimise postpartum hair loss.
Optimise nutrition before and during pregnancy. Ensure iron, vitamin D, and protein intake are adequate throughout pregnancy to avoid depletion. Prenatal vitamins help but aren't a substitute for a balanced diet.
Manage stress. Chronic stress exacerbates telogen effluvium. Prioritise sleep (when possible), accept help from partners or family, and consider gentle stress-reduction practices like postnatal yoga or meditation.
Address thyroid issues promptly. If you have a history of thyroid problems, request regular monitoring during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Early detection and treatment of thyroid dysfunction can prevent prolonged hair loss.
Taking the Next Step
Postpartum hair loss is overwhelming, but it's not permanent. With time, supportive nutrition, and potentially targeted treatment, your hair will recover. If shedding is severe, prolonged, or affecting your confidence significantly, professional intervention can accelerate recovery and restore thickness sooner.
PRP therapy offers a safe, evidence-based option for postpartum women struggling with hair loss. It's minimally invasive, compatible with breastfeeding, and supported by substantial clinical evidence.
For personalised advice and to discuss whether PRP therapy or other interventions are right for your situation, reach out for a consultation. Addressing hair loss early, whilst follicles are still responsive, gives you the best chance of full recovery.
