Postpartum Hair Loss: What’s Normal and What Helps
A Gentle Guide to One of the Less Talked-About Parts of Life After Birth
You expect sleepless nights, endless nappy changes, and round-the-clock feeding after having a baby. But for many new parents, one surprise comes a few months in — clumps of hair in the shower drain or a hairbrush that fills quicker than ever.
Postpartum hair loss is common, completely normal, and (thankfully) temporary. Understanding why it happens can make it easier to navigate without panic.
Why Postpartum Hair Loss Happens
During pregnancy, high oestrogen levels keep hair in the growth phase for longer. This means:
Less shedding
Thicker, fuller hair than usual
After birth, your hormone levels drop back to pre-pregnancy levels. All those hairs that stayed put during pregnancy now shed at the same time — which can feel alarming, but is simply your body returning to its normal rhythm.
When Does It Start and Stop?
Timing: Usually begins around 2–4 months postpartum.
Duration: Most people notice improvement by 6–12 months after birth.
Pattern: You might see more hair fall around your hairline, temples, or crown.
If your hair loss continues past a year or you notice bald patches, it’s worth speaking to your GP or health visitor to check for underlying causes like thyroid changes or low iron.
What You Can Do to Support Your Hair
You can’t stop postpartum shedding completely — it’s a hormonal process — but you can help keep your scalp and new growth healthy.
1. Be Gentle With Styling
Avoid tight ponytails, braids, or buns that pull on the hair.
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle.
Pat hair dry instead of rubbing with a towel.
2. Focus on Nutrition
Postnatal recovery and breastfeeding can increase your body’s nutritional needs. Include:
Protein-rich foods (eggs, fish, beans)
Healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil)
Iron-rich foods (leafy greens, red meat, lentils)
Vitamin C (helps iron absorption)
If you’re unsure, a postnatal multivitamin can help cover gaps — but speak to your healthcare provider first.
3. Keep Scalp Healthy
Use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo.
Massage your scalp to boost blood flow.
Avoid heavy product build-up that can weigh hair down.
4. Choose a Low-Maintenance Cut
Some parents opt for a shorter style to make shedding less noticeable and reduce tangles.
5. Manage Stress Where You Can
Stress can worsen hair shedding. Small daily moments — a walk outside, slow breathing, or a warm cup of tea — can help lower stress levels.
When to Seek Extra Support
See your GP or midwife if:
Hair loss is severe or sudden
You notice bald patches or scarring
You have symptoms of thyroid issues (fatigue, weight changes, feeling unusually cold or hot)
You’re experiencing low mood or anxiety alongside the changes
Final Thoughts
Postpartum hair loss is one of those “hidden” parts of recovery that can catch you off guard. But it’s not a sign of ill health or poor care — it’s a temporary stage that almost always resolves.
Your body has been through an incredible transformation, and just like your emotions, sleep patterns, and daily routines, your hair is adjusting too.
At Neutral Nest, we’re here to remind you: you’re not alone, you’re not doing anything wrong, and this is just another chapter in your postnatal journey.