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Postpartum Hair Loss: Causes, Timeline & Treatment

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9 min

Author

Sophie Jacquemin

Published on

Updated on

Hair Loss

Content

Key Takeaways

Why Postpartum Hair Loss Happens: The Hormonal Explanation

How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?

Nutrients to Support Hair Regrowth After Pregnancy

Proper Hair Care to Reduce Hair Breakage

When to Seek Medical Help for Postpartum Hair Loss

Safe Hair Loss Treatments While Breastfeeding

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Key Takeaways


  • Postpartum hair loss is a temporary condition called telogen effluvium, triggered by the drop in estrogen after delivery

  • Over 90% of women experience some degree of postpartum hair shedding (6)

  • Shedding typically starts around 2–4 months after birth, peaks around 5 months, and resolves by 8–12 months (6)

  • Nutritional deficiencies, especially iron, can worsen or prolong shedding

  • Hair follicles remain healthy, this is delayed shedding, not permanent damage

  • If hair loss lasts beyond 12-18 months or is patchy, see a provider to rule out other conditions

Many women are surprised to notice increased hair shedding a few months after giving birth. You might see more hair in the shower, on your pillow or in your hair brush. This can be a bit distressing, but don’t worry, it’s a normal postpartum phenomenon and in most cases it’s temporary. In one study of 300 women, 91.8% experienced postpartum hair loss (6).

Learning about the cause, duration and what you can do to help your hair regrow can make this less stressful in an already challenging period.

Key Takeaways


  • Postpartum hair loss is a temporary condition called telogen effluvium, triggered by the drop in estrogen after delivery

  • Over 90% of women experience some degree of postpartum hair shedding (6)

  • Shedding typically starts around 2–4 months after birth, peaks around 5 months, and resolves by 8–12 months (6)

  • Nutritional deficiencies, especially iron, can worsen or prolong shedding

  • Hair follicles remain healthy, this is delayed shedding, not permanent damage

  • If hair loss lasts beyond 12-18 months or is patchy, see a provider to rule out other conditions

Many women are surprised to notice increased hair shedding a few months after giving birth. You might see more hair in the shower, on your pillow or in your hair brush. This can be a bit distressing, but don’t worry, it’s a normal postpartum phenomenon and in most cases it’s temporary. In one study of 300 women, 91.8% experienced postpartum hair loss (6).

Learning about the cause, duration and what you can do to help your hair regrow can make this less stressful in an already challenging period.

Why Postpartum Hair Loss Happens: The Hormonal Explanation

Postpartum hair loss is a temporary condition known as telogen effluvium and it’s caused by the drop in hormone levels after pregnancy. There are 3 phases in the hair growth cycle:

  • Anagen (growth phase): lasts between 2 and 6 years. This is the active phase of hair growth when your hair is growing.

  • Catagen (transition phase): this is a short transitional phase when the hair follicle shrinks

  • Telogen (resting/shedding phase): this phase lasts about 3 months before the hair is released and falls out.

Normally, most of your hair is in the anagen phase at any time. During pregnancy, the high levels of estrogen causes the anagen phase to last longer and keeps more hairs in the growth phase and fewer in the resting phase. This is why many women experience thicker, fuller hair during pregnancy (5).

After giving birth, estrogen and progesterone levels drop rapidly to pre-pregnancy levels. When this hormonal support is withdrawn, the hairs that were in the anagen phase are pushed into the telogen phase at the same time (5).

Because the telogen phase lasts for around 3 months, the hairs don’t fall out immediately. Instead, the excessive hair loss becomes apparent 2-4 months after giving birth when all the hairs in the resting phase are released at the same time (1, 3).

Although this can look dramatic, it’s not actually hair loss where the hair follicle has been damaged, but rather a delay in the normal hair shedding process. Although hormonal changes are the main cause, other factors may contribute to or exacerbate the hair loss (6):

  • Stress of childbirth

  • Nutrient deficiencies, particularly if you’re breastfeeding

  • Iron deficiency

  • Thyroid problems

  • Genetic tendency

The good news is that this is not a destruction of the hair follicles so they remain active and able to regrow hair. As your hormone levels regulate, your hair growth cycle will gradually return to normal (5).

Why Postpartum Hair Loss Happens: The Hormonal Explanation

Postpartum hair loss is a temporary condition known as telogen effluvium and it’s caused by the drop in hormone levels after pregnancy. There are 3 phases in the hair growth cycle:

  • Anagen (growth phase): lasts between 2 and 6 years. This is the active phase of hair growth when your hair is growing.

  • Catagen (transition phase): this is a short transitional phase when the hair follicle shrinks

  • Telogen (resting/shedding phase): this phase lasts about 3 months before the hair is released and falls out.

Normally, most of your hair is in the anagen phase at any time. During pregnancy, the high levels of estrogen causes the anagen phase to last longer and keeps more hairs in the growth phase and fewer in the resting phase. This is why many women experience thicker, fuller hair during pregnancy (5).

After giving birth, estrogen and progesterone levels drop rapidly to pre-pregnancy levels. When this hormonal support is withdrawn, the hairs that were in the anagen phase are pushed into the telogen phase at the same time (5).

Because the telogen phase lasts for around 3 months, the hairs don’t fall out immediately. Instead, the excessive hair loss becomes apparent 2-4 months after giving birth when all the hairs in the resting phase are released at the same time (1, 3).

Although this can look dramatic, it’s not actually hair loss where the hair follicle has been damaged, but rather a delay in the normal hair shedding process. Although hormonal changes are the main cause, other factors may contribute to or exacerbate the hair loss (6):

  • Stress of childbirth

  • Nutrient deficiencies, particularly if you’re breastfeeding

  • Iron deficiency

  • Thyroid problems

  • Genetic tendency

The good news is that this is not a destruction of the hair follicles so they remain active and able to regrow hair. As your hormone levels regulate, your hair growth cycle will gradually return to normal (5).

How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?

Postpartum hair loss generally follows a typical course. In the study mentioned above of 300 women with postpartum hair loss, the average time for hair loss to commence was 2.9 months, peak at 5.1 months and resolve at 8.1 months (6). In general (1, 3, 6):

  • Starts: 2–4 months after delivery

  • Peaks: Around 4–6 months postpartum

  • Improves: 6–12 months postpartum

  • Full recovery: Often by 12–18 months

Normally you lose around 50-100 hairs per day, but during the peak of your hair loss you may lose over 200 hairs per day (7).

Many women also notice:

  • Hair thinning around the temples and hairline

  • Increased shedding in the shower

  • Baby hairs regrowing along the hairline months later

Your hair should return to the density it was before your pregnancy, but it may still seem thinner than during your pregnancy when you had high levels of estrogen in your body (3).

How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?

Postpartum hair loss generally follows a typical course. In the study mentioned above of 300 women with postpartum hair loss, the average time for hair loss to commence was 2.9 months, peak at 5.1 months and resolve at 8.1 months (6). In general (1, 3, 6):

  • Starts: 2–4 months after delivery

  • Peaks: Around 4–6 months postpartum

  • Improves: 6–12 months postpartum

  • Full recovery: Often by 12–18 months

Normally you lose around 50-100 hairs per day, but during the peak of your hair loss you may lose over 200 hairs per day (7).

Many women also notice:

  • Hair thinning around the temples and hairline

  • Increased shedding in the shower

  • Baby hairs regrowing along the hairline months later

Your hair should return to the density it was before your pregnancy, but it may still seem thinner than during your pregnancy when you had high levels of estrogen in your body (3).

Nutrients to Support Hair Regrowth After Pregnancy

Hair follicles are one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body, meaning they require nutrients to function properly. Although postpartum hair loss is mostly a hormonal issue, deficiencies in nutrients can exacerbate it or prolong it (2, 4).

Key nutrients for recovery:

  • Iron: Iron deficiency, which is common in women who experience heavy bleeding during delivery, can slow down hair regrowth. Iron is found in red meat, spinach, lentils, and beans. Consume these with vitamin C to enhance iron absorption. Citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers are all high in vitamin C.

  • Vitamin D: Deficiencies in vitamin D are associated with hair loss. You can get vitamin D from fortified dairy products, fatty fish, and moderate exposure to the sun.

  • Zinc: Zinc helps with protein synthesis and the repair of your hair follicles. You can find zinc in shellfish (particularly oysters), pumpkin seeds, and legumes.

  • Vitamin B12 and B-vitamins: All B-vitamins help with the production of DNA and aid the rapid division of hair cells. B-vitamins are found in eggs, poultry, fish, and fortified breakfast cereals.

  • Protein: Since hair is comprised of keratin, a lack of dietary protein can impede hair regrowth. Protein-rich foods include eggs, fish, poultry, legumes, and dairy.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: They reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. You can get your omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish (salmon and mackerel), chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

Other foods that can aid recovery include leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, which are rich in vitamin A (for the production of sebum on your scalp) and iron, and whole grains, which contain selenium to keep your thyroid healthy (2). Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Your hair follicles need a good flow of blood and enough water to produce hair.

A systematic review published in JAMA Dermatology looked at 30 studies on dietary supplements for hair loss. The review found that although some supplements may help with hair loss, the evidence was not consistent, and adverse effects from the supplements were rare (4). The conclusion of the review was that you should maintain a balanced diet that includes these nutrients rather than taking them as high-dose dietary supplements. You should only address deficiencies because there is no benefit to excessive intake, and it may cause harm (4, 8).

Nutrients to Support Hair Regrowth After Pregnancy

Hair follicles are one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body, meaning they require nutrients to function properly. Although postpartum hair loss is mostly a hormonal issue, deficiencies in nutrients can exacerbate it or prolong it (2, 4).

Key nutrients for recovery:

  • Iron: Iron deficiency, which is common in women who experience heavy bleeding during delivery, can slow down hair regrowth. Iron is found in red meat, spinach, lentils, and beans. Consume these with vitamin C to enhance iron absorption. Citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers are all high in vitamin C.

  • Vitamin D: Deficiencies in vitamin D are associated with hair loss. You can get vitamin D from fortified dairy products, fatty fish, and moderate exposure to the sun.

  • Zinc: Zinc helps with protein synthesis and the repair of your hair follicles. You can find zinc in shellfish (particularly oysters), pumpkin seeds, and legumes.

  • Vitamin B12 and B-vitamins: All B-vitamins help with the production of DNA and aid the rapid division of hair cells. B-vitamins are found in eggs, poultry, fish, and fortified breakfast cereals.

  • Protein: Since hair is comprised of keratin, a lack of dietary protein can impede hair regrowth. Protein-rich foods include eggs, fish, poultry, legumes, and dairy.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: They reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. You can get your omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish (salmon and mackerel), chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

Other foods that can aid recovery include leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, which are rich in vitamin A (for the production of sebum on your scalp) and iron, and whole grains, which contain selenium to keep your thyroid healthy (2). Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Your hair follicles need a good flow of blood and enough water to produce hair.

A systematic review published in JAMA Dermatology looked at 30 studies on dietary supplements for hair loss. The review found that although some supplements may help with hair loss, the evidence was not consistent, and adverse effects from the supplements were rare (4). The conclusion of the review was that you should maintain a balanced diet that includes these nutrients rather than taking them as high-dose dietary supplements. You should only address deficiencies because there is no benefit to excessive intake, and it may cause harm (4, 8).

Proper Hair Care to Reduce Hair Breakage

While there’s no medical “cure” for postpartum telogen effluvium, the following tips can help your hair look thicker and reduce breakage (1):

  • Wash your hair with a volumizing shampoo and condition with a lightweight conditioner

  • Only apply conditioner at the ends of your hair

  • Do not use heavy “intensive” conditioners, which can weigh your hair down

  • Reduce heat styling or lower the temperature setting

  • Do not style your hair in tight ponytails or braids, which put a lot of tension on your hair

  • Consider cutting your hair short to make it look thicker

Some women use scalp massage with various oils like coconut oil or argan oil. Although there’s not enough research on it, gentle massage may help improve circulation and overall scalp health.

When to Seek Medical Help for Postpartum Hair Loss

In most women, postpartum hair loss usually sorts itself out. But you may need to see a doctor if (1, 3, 7):

  • Hair loss lasts longer than 12–18 months. Persistent shedding may indicate another condition.

  • Hair loss is patchy instead of diffused

  • Other symptoms occur, such as severe fatigue, weight changes, cold intolerance, depression, or irregular menstrual cycles.

These symptoms might suggest treatable health issues such as iron deficiency anemia, thyroid disease, chronic telogen effluvium, female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, or a scalp disorder If you are feeling distressed by the hair loss or if it is affecting your self-esteem, it is perfectly fine to talk to your healthcare provider for some reassurance and advice.

Safe Hair Loss Treatments While Breastfeeding

Due to the self-limiting nature of postpartum hair loss, the treatment tends to be conservative (1, 7):

  • Correct nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin D, and others as needed)

  • Gentle hair care (avoid tight hairstyles, limit heat styling, use gentle brushes)

  • Minimize chemical treatments 

  • Maintain overall health (adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, stress management)

Use caution with: 

  • Topical minoxidil: Safety during breastfeeding is not fully established so many physicians recommend avoiding it untill you've stoped nursing.

  • Oral medications: (e.g., finasteride) Not appropriate during breastfeeding

  • Hair supplements: Efficacy varies; always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement

FAQs

Is postpartum hair loss normal?

Yes. Research shows that over 90% of women experience some degree of hair shedding after delivery (6). It's caused by the natural drop in estrogen and progesterone after birth, which shifts a large number of hairs into the resting phase at the same time. It is not a sign of a health problem in most cases.

How long does postpartum hair loss last?

In most women, shedding typically begins around 2-4 months after delivery and peaks around five months. It typically resolves by eight to twelve months. Full recovery of pre-pregnancy density usually occurs by 12-18 months postpartum (1, 3).

Can breastfeeding make postpartum hair loss worse?

There is some evidence that the duration of breastfeeding may be associated with PHL (6). However, breastfeeding offers so many wonderful benefits to both mom and baby that it is not a reason to stop. If you are concerned, talk to your provider.

Should I take biotin or other supplements for postpartum hair loss?

A systematic review published in JAMA Dermatology found that although some nutritional supplements demonstrated a possible efficacy for hair loss, the evidence was not consistent throughout the studies (4). The best course of action is to identify and treat any underxlying nutritional deficiencies (particularly iron and vitamin D) through diet or supplementation as directed by your provider.

When should I see a doctor about postpartum hair loss?

You should consider seeing a provider if your hair loss continues beyond 12–18 months, is patchy rather than diffuse, or is accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or cold intolerance (1, 3, 7). These could indicate an underlying condition like thyroid disease or iron deficiency anemia that needs treatment.

Check Your Eligibility

If you're experiencing hair loss that isn't resolving on its own and want to explore treatment options, a licensed provider through Mochi Health's telehealth platform can help evaluate your situation and recommend the right course of action for your needs. Check your eligibility here.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided does not constitute recommendations for treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific situation, symptoms, and treatment options.


References

  1. American Academy of Dermatology. (2025, October 2). Hair loss in new moms: dermatologist tips. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/new-moms

  2. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, April 16). 8 foods to help you grow longer, healthier hair. Health Essentials. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/food-for-hair-growth

  3. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, June 13). Postpartum hair loss: causes, treatment & what to expect. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23297-postpartum-hair-loss

  4. Drake, L., Reyes-Hadsall, S., Martinez, J., Heinrich, C., Huang, K., & Mostaghimi, A. (2023). Evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of nutritional supplements for treating hair loss: A systematic review. JAMA Dermatology, 159(1), 79–86. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.4867

  5. Gizlenti, S., & Ekmekci, T. R. (2014). The changes in the hair cycle during gestation and the post-partum period. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 28(7), 878–881. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.12188

  6. Hirose, A., Terauchi, M., Odai, T., Fudono, A., Tsurane, K., Sekiguchi, M., Iwata, M., Anzai, T., Takahashi, K., & Miyasaka, N. (2023). Investigation of exacerbating factors for postpartum hair loss: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 9(2), e084. https://doi.org/10.1097/JW9.0000000000000084

  7. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Postpartum hair loss. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/postpartum-hair-loss

  8. Leavitt, A., Hawkins, S. D., Kindred, C., et al. (2025). Addressing the root causes of female hair loss and non-pharmaceutical interventions. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 24(7), 659–662. https://doi.org/10.36849/JDD.8763

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