Postpartum Hair Loss is Real—Here’s What Actually Helps Regrow It (2025)

Noticed more hair in your brush or shower drain after giving birth? You’re not alone. Postpartum hair loss is a totally normal, though frustrating, part of the recovery journey. Thanks to a major shift in hormones, many new moms experience excessive shedding a few months after delivery. The good news: It’s usually temporary, and there are ways to minimize the fallout and encourage healthy regrowth. Here’s what’s really going on with your strands after having a baby and the expert-approved tips that can help you treat this type of hair loss.

What causes postpartum hair loss?

“Postpartum hair loss, known medically as telogen effluvium, is incredibly common and largely driven by the dramatic hormonal shifts that occur after childbirth,” explains Alan J. Bauman, MD, founder, CEO & Medical Director of Bauman Medical Hair Transplant & Hair Loss Treatment Center. “During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels keep hair in the growth phase longer than usual, which is why many women enjoy fuller, thicker hair.”

“But after delivery, as hormone levels drop rapidly, that extra hair synchronously shifts [hair follicles] into the shedding phase, causing noticeable hair fall a few months later,” notes Dr. Bauman. “If a woman is prone to hereditary hair loss, this synchronized shed may reveal the traditional ‘female pattern’ and in some cases requires treatment.”

Factors that can make postpartum hair loss more severe

There are a few factors that can make women more predisposed to losing hair months after giving birth. They include:

1. Your age. Older mothers may experience slower hair regrowth, says Dr. Bauman.
2. The number of pregnancies you’ve had. “Each pregnancy impacts the hair growth cycle differently, and when pregnancies are closely spaced, the body has less time to fully recover hormonally and nutritionally,” says Kimberlee Blakley, a licensed trichologist, cosmetologist and senior director of product development at MAV Beauty. She notes that this can make postpartum shedding feel more intense or prolonged.
3. If you’re breastfeeding. “Women who are breastfeeding may experience prolonged hair loss because of hormonal changes,” notes Sophia Emmanuel, a trichologist, cosmetologist and V&Co. Beauty brand ambassador. “After childbirth, hair loss can be more severe for women who breastfeed. This is because nutritional deficiencies may develop as the body focuses on delivering nutrients for breast milk production.”
4. Your hair texture. “Patients with thinner hair to begin with often feel like the hair loss is more extreme—and they tend to be more concerned, because it’s more visibly pronounced,” says Catie Boucher, DCNP, a board-certified nurse practitioner who specializes in dermatology and family medicine and owner of SavvyDerm in Millville, Delaware. “On the flip side, patients who had extremely thick hair before giving birth may also feel like they’ve lost a lot, but providers sometimes shrug it off because it doesn’t appear severe by comparison. That can be really frustrating for patients who are expressing concern and feel like they’re being dismissed.”

What are the signs of postpartum hair loss?

It’s important to note that postpartum hair loss can show up differently for each person, says Emmanuel. “You may notice more shedding than usual. And the excess hair you lose will appear on your bathroom sink, shoulders, and when you wash, brush, and comb your hair,” she says. “You may notice a thinner hairline, a wider-than-usual part, and your hair will have less volume.”

Dr. Bauman adds that “the shedding can be alarming because it often happens suddenly and in large quantities. Women may notice clumps of hair in the shower drain, increased hair on their brush, or more visible scalp, particularly in the frontal zone, and sometimes around the frontal hairline and temples.”

Curious how postpartum hair loss differs from normal hair shedding? Dr. Bauman says, “while daily shedding of 50–100 hairs is normal, postpartum shedding can far exceed that, sometimes 300 or more hairs per day.”

The emotional toll of postpartum hair loss

Besides just the physical aspect of losing hair after having a baby, there’s often a deep emotional impact as well. “Hair loss is stressful on its own, but when you’re a newly postpartum mom running on little to no sleep, it just adds insult to injury,” says Boucher. And while it might not be life-threatening, she stresses that it absolutely affects mental health.

Dr. Bauman agrees, saying, “postpartum hair loss can be emotionally distressing, especially when new mothers are already adjusting to big changes. The good news is, you’re not alone, and there are safe, effective options to support regrowth and scalp health.”

When does postpartum hair loss begin?

“Most of the shedding occurs 1-3 months post-delivery, with peak shedding occurring before 6 months,” says Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Radiant Dermatology in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

When does postpartum hair loss stop?

Blakely says that postpartum hair loss gradually resolves by 6 to 12 months postpartum. That said, “if hair loss lasts longer than one year, it will be best to consult a dermatologist or your primary doctor,” advises Emmanuel. “After one year, the hair loss may be unrelated to having a baby, and you may need relevant blood tests to rule out any other causes of hair loss.”

“Long-term shedding could signal underlying issues such as thyroid imbalance, iron deficiency, or androgenetic alopecia (hereditary thinning),” adds. Dr. Bauman. “If you have hereditary male or female pattern hair loss in close blood relatives, you may want to consider an evaluation and measurements to determine your risk.”

Is it possible to prevent postpartum hair loss?

“There is nothing you can do to prevent postpartum hair loss since it is a self-correcting type of hair loss that is influenced by hormones,” explains Emmanuel. But there are a few things that can help manage this type of hair loss (plus ways to reverse it—more on that to come below).

Emmanuel recommends using gentle styling when handling your hair and having a consistent hair care routine that involves shampooing and conditioning your hair. “While experiencing postpartum hair loss, do not stop washing and caring for your hair in an effort to avoid seeing your hair shed.” During this time, it’s also a good idea to reach for volumizing shampoos and conditioners, like V&Co. Beauty Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner Set, that can give hair some instant oomph.

Boucher adds, “that having realistic expectations—and knowing that it’s not permanent—can really help reduce some of the anxiety around postpartum hair loss.”

How to treat postpartum hair loss

Even though you can’t prevent this type of hair loss, there are many options to help reverse it and thicken hair. Here, recommendations from the pros that we spoke with. Plus, all are safe for those who are breastfeeding—but Boucher mentions that it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before beginning a new treatment (topical or oral).

Consider adding vitamins to your routine and making diet tweaks

“Continuing to take prenatal vitamins during the postpartum period may curb some hair shedding,” says Dr. Spearman. If you’re interested in adding a growth-encouraging supplement to your routine, she recommends biotin and iron “if deficient [in these nutrients] to prevent further hair loss.”

Another supplement Dr. Spearman likes is Nutrafol’s Postpartum formula. “It is specially formulated for women in the first year after giving birth or breastfeeding,” she says. “Not only does it reduce shedding, but it also allows for faster growing, longer and stronger hair. Women also reported reduced feelings of stress and improved sleep quality while taking it.”

Also smart? “A nutrient-rich, healthy diet will also help the hair recover more quickly during the postpartum period, think of foods rich in protein, iron, zinc and vitamin D,” adds Dr. Spearman.

Apply a natural hair oil

“Rosemary oil has been scientifically shown to promote hair growth and decrease shedding, says Dr. Spearman. Studies have also reported rosemary oil to be as effective as minoxidil when it comes to regrowing hair.

Blakley says she’s a fan of keeping things as natural as possible when caring for postpartum hair. “Using nourishing ingredients can make a big difference, especially when your scalp and hair are more delicate.”

She recommends applying organic castor oil. “It’s great for massaging into the scalp a couple of times a week to boost circulation and support healthy regrowth.” Another one of her favorites is a coconut and vitamin E oil blend. “This one’s perfect for keeping the rest of your hair soft and moisturized, especially the areas that haven’t been affected by shedding.”

Reach for minoxidil

There’s a reason hair experts are always suggesting minoxidil treatments to regrow hair. “Minoxidil has strong scientific evidence of improving hair growth and decreasing the effects of shedding,” says Dr. Spearman.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)

Dr. Bauman likes treating hair loss patients with LLLT. While it used to be that LLLT could only be done in-office with sessions ranging from $50-$200 each, at-home devices work just as well. He recommends his Turbo LaserCap, which helps stimulate follicles and improve hair density without medications.

Things to avoid when dealing with postpartum hair loss

Overdoing it on heat styling

Taking a break from hot tools or limiting the number of times you use them a week is a good idea, says Blakely. “Excessive heat styling weakens already fragile strands.”

And the same can be said for going overboard with styling products. “Heavy products or [product] buildup can clog follicles and weigh the hair down,” notes Blakely.

Wearing tight hairstyles

The hairstyles we put our hair in general and especially postpartum, can do more harm than good. Avoid wearing tight hairstyles like tight ponytails, braids and buns that place tension on your scalp and can worsen postpartum hair loss, says Emmanuel. Additionally, extensions can also tug on locks and lead to hair loss.

Using harsh chemicals on hair

As mentioned, hair tends to be in a fragile state after giving birth and chemical treatments can weaken hair even more. That’s why Blakely advises, “postponing chemical treatments like coloring, relaxing, or keratin straightening if possible.”

Forgoing haircuts

“Do not skip trims or haircuts,” advises Emmanuel. “This will help prevent split ends from traveling up hair strands, making your hair look unhealthy and hard to style.”