Postpartum Hair Loss: What’s Going On—and Why It’s Totally Normal
The Science of Hair Growth and Shedding
Your hair goes through a natural, repeating cycle:
Anagen (growth phase) – lasting years, where most hair resides.
Catagen (transition phase) – a brief period where growth slows.
Telogen (resting phase) – lasting about 3 months before hair sheds (Cleveland Clinic).
During pregnancy, your estrogen levels rise dramatically. This keeps more hairs in the anagen phase, meaning less shedding—hence that luscious, thick hair you’ve seen in the mirror (Lily Nichols, RDN).
After birth, estrogen levels plummet. The result? A synchronized shift of many hairs into the telogen phase, culminating in noticeable shedding a few months later—what experts call telogen effluvium or “postpartum hair loss” (Cleveland Clinic).
When It Happens & How Long It Lasts
Onset: Typically begins 2–4 months after giving birth (Lily Nichols, RDN, Pampers, Health.com, Allure).
Peak shedding: Often occurs around 3–5 months postpartum (Allure).
Duration: Usually resolves within 6–12 months, although in some cases, it can last up to 15 months (Hopkins Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Health, Verywell Health, Health.com, Allure).
One source highlights that the most intense shedding typically peaks in the fourth month, then tapers off—though hair may bounce back much sooner (Cleveland Clinic Health).
It’s More Common Than You Think
Some research shows 40–50% of new mothers experience this shedding (Acquire Publications).
Another source cites an even higher figure: up to 68% of women report noticeable hair loss postpartum (Allure).
According to a July 2025 FAQ, between 50–80% of new mothers experience some degree of hair loss after childbirth (Pampers).
One survey even found that two-thirds of moms were shocked by how much hair they lost postpartum (For Hers).
Beyond Hormones: What Else Contributes?
While the hormonal shift is the main trigger, other factors may exacerbate shedding:
Physical and emotional stress, including childbirth and caring for a newborn (Hopkins Medicine).
Nutritional deficiencies, especially in iron, vitamin D, and B12—often common in the postpartum period (The Australian).
Genetic predispositions, such as inherited hair thinning or prior Telogen Effluvium (TE) episodes (Dermatology Times).
Underlying health issues, including thyroid imbalances like postpartum thyroiditis or anemia (BMHSC).
So What Can You Do?
Reassure Yourself:
This hair loss is completely normal and almost always temporary (Cleveland Clinic).
Hair typically regains fullness by your child's first birthday (Cleveland Clinic).
Gentle Hair Care Tips:
Use volumizing shampoo and avoid heavy conditioners that might weigh down thinning hair (AAD).
Be gentle—minimize brushing, avoid tight hairstyles, and limit heat styling (Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic Health, Allure).
Support Your Hair from the Inside:
Maintain a nutrient-rich diet—focus on iron, vitamin C, vitamin D, omega-3s, and protein (BMHSC).
Continue taking prenatal vitamins, especially those with folic acid and zinc, through at least six months postpartum (Lily Nichols, RDN).
Mind Your Health:
If shedding persists beyond a year or feels excessive, consult a healthcare provider to check for thyroid issues or anemia (Verywell Health).
In rare cases, postpartum TE may reveal underlying hair loss disorders, like female pattern hair loss—ask a dermatologist for evaluation if concerned (JCAD Online).
Self-Care Matters:
Acknowledge the emotional impact. Hair is tied to self-esteem, and sudden shedding can feel jarring (Dermatology Times, For Hers).
Practices like meditation, rest, gentle scalp massage, and nurturing self-talk can help emotionally weather this phase (Allure).
Tender.ly Takeaway
Postpartum hair loss is:
Normal – a natural reset of your hair growth cycle.
Temporary – most hair regrows within 6–12 months.
Manageable – through gentle care, good nutrition, and patience.
While it’s understandable to feel unsettled by the shedding, remember—this is just a temporary chapter in your postpartum journey. Your hair, like you, is resilient—and your body is doing exactly what it was designed to do.
This blog was written by Alix, a dedicated doula in Montreal, Canada, and the founder of TENDER.LY. She provides expert pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and infant feeding support to help families feel confident and cared for. Whether you're preparing for birth, navigating the fourth trimester, or looking for feeding guidance, Alix offers compassionate, personalized support.ut
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic. Postpartum Hair Loss (Telogen Effluvium). my.clevelandclinic.org
Johns Hopkins Medicine. Postpartum Hair Loss. hopkinsmedicine.org
Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. Postpartum Hair Loss: What to Expect and How to Cope. health.clevelandclinic.org
Lily Nichols, RDN. The Truth About Postpartum Hair Loss. lilynicholsrdn.com
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). New Moms and Hair Loss: What to Expect. aad.org
Verywell Health. Postpartum Hair Loss: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. verywellhealth.com
Health.com. Postpartum Hair Loss: What You Should Know. health.com
Allure. The Reality of Post-Pregnancy Hair Loss. allure.com
Pampers. Postpartum Hair Loss: What’s Normal and How to Handle It. pampers.com
For Hers. The Shock of Postpartum Hair Loss. forhers.com
Dermatology Times. Expert Advice: Don’t Shrug Off Postpartum Hair Loss. dermatologytimes.com
BMHSC. The Science Behind Postpartum Hair Loss. bmhsc.org
Acquire Publications. Case Reports in Medicine and Health. acquirepublications.org
JCAD Online. Case-Based Review of Postpartum Telogen Effluvium. jcadonline.com
The Australian. Combing Through the Causes of Postpartum Hair Loss. theaustralian.com.au