A few months after birth, many new moms notice more hair in the shower drain, on the pillow, or wrapped around their brush. It can feel alarming, especially when you are already running on very little sleep. Here is the reassuring part: postpartum shedding is common, it is temporary, and for most women hair returns to its usual fullness by baby's first birthday.

Below, we walk through why it happens, what to expect, and a few gentle ways to care for your hair in the meantime.

What causes postpartum hair loss?

Postpartum hair loss comes down to estrogen. During pregnancy, high estrogen keeps more of your hair in its growth phase, so you shed less than usual. That is why many women notice thicker, fuller hair while pregnant.

After delivery, estrogen drops back to pre-pregnancy levels. The hair that was held in place then moves into its resting phase and falls out together, often all at once. Dermatologists call this telogen effluvium, which simply means excessive shedding.

The American Academy of Dermatology notes that this is not true hair loss. Your follicles are fine; they are simply resetting after pregnancy.

When does postpartum hair loss start and stop?

Shedding usually shows up around three months after birth and peaks at about four months. Most people shed 50 to 100 hairs a day; in the postpartum months, it can be several times that.

• Around 3 months: many moms first notice the thinning.
• Around 4 months: shedding typically peaks.
• 9 to 12 months: most women see their hair return to its normal fullness, often by baby's first birthday, and many even sooner.

As your hair recovers, you may notice short, fluffy new hairs along your hairline. That regrowth is a good sign.

Gentle ways to care for your hair

We asked Dr. Aegean Chan (mom to 3 kids, dermatologist, dermatopathologist & founder of More Than Nine skincare) for her best advice for new moms going through postpartum shedding.

You cannot prevent postpartum shedding, but you can make your hair look fuller and treat it kindly while it recovers.‍

• ‍Choose a volumizing shampoo. Skip heavy "conditioning shampoos," which can weigh fine hair down.‍
• Condition the ends only. Use a lightweight conditioner made for fine hair, and avoid intensive formulas.‍
• Go easy on styling. Limit heat tools and harsh treatments like straighteners, color and perms, and skip the extra brushing.‍
• Loosen up. Tight ponytails, braids and buns pull on fragile strands.‍
• Try a fresh cut. A shorter style can look fuller and saves time on busy mornings.‍
• Nourish yourself. Eat a balanced diet with whole grains, lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and stay hydrated, especially if you are breastfeeding. University of Utah Health also suggests continuing your prenatal vitamin for up to a year after delivery.‍
• Check baby's fingers and toes. A shed hair can wrap tightly around a tiny finger or toe (a "hair tourniquet"). Gently remove it, or call your pediatrician if you cannot.

"One day, you'll notice less hair on your pillowcase and your bathroom floor. I promise," says Dr. Chan. In the meantime, she suggests adding some cute headband options to your wardrobe to help you get through the baby hair phase.

When to check in with your doctor

Postpartum shedding should ease on its own. Reach out to your provider or a board-certified dermatologist if:

• Your hair has not returned to its usual fullness by about one year postpartum
• You continue having shedding for more than six months
• You notice bald patches
• You are losing hair from other parts of your body

These can point to another cause, such as a thyroid condition or a nutritional issue, and are worth a closer look.

You do not have to navigate this season alone

The fourth trimester brings a lot of changes at once, and hair shedding is just one of them. At Ahma & Co, our postnatal retreats and in-home doula support are designed to give you rest, nourishment and expert guidance while your body recovers.

If you would like support during your postpartum season, we would love to hear from you. Explore our postnatal care or reach out to our team to learn more. Ahma & Co offers luxury babymoons with massage therapy and proactive learning, postnatal retreats with round-the-clock doula support, meals, and holistic care in a serene setting, and in-home doula care that's flexible and customized to you.

Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology, Hair loss in new moms: Dermatologist tips
• UPMC HealthBeat, Dealing With Postpartum Hair Loss
• University of Utah Health, The Scoop on Postpartum Hair Loss: Why It Occurs and How to Cope

Disclaimer: This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please chat with your healthcare provider about any concerns.