Postpartum Hair Loss: Why It Happens and How to Recover

For many new mothers, the weeks and months following childbirth bring an unexpected challenge: significant hair loss. After nine months of thick, lustrous pregnancy hair, the sudden increase in shedding can feel alarming. Rest assured — postpartum hair loss is extremely common, affecting up to half of all new mothers, and in the vast majority of cases it is entirely temporary.

Why postpartum hair loss happens

During pregnancy, elevated oestrogen and progesterone levels extend the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, reducing the normal rate of shedding. As a result, pregnant women retain more hairs than usual, which is why hair often appears thicker and more voluminous during this period. After delivery, hormone levels drop rapidly — sometimes within days — triggering a synchronised shift of retained hairs into the telogen (shedding) phase. This mass shedding typically begins around three months postpartum and can last for several months.

Is it normal to lose this much hair?

The volume of shedding can feel extreme — it is not unusual for new mothers to lose several times the normal daily amount of 50 to 100 hairs. Clumps in the shower, noticeable thinning at the temples and parting, and hair collecting on pillows and clothing are all common experiences. Provided there are no underlying medical factors, this is a normal physiological response rather than a sign of pathological hair loss.

When will it stop?

For most women, postpartum shedding peaks around four to five months after delivery and begins to slow by six months. By twelve months postpartum, the majority of women have returned to their pre-pregnancy hair density. Breastfeeding can extend the period of hormonal fluctuation slightly, which may prolong the shedding phase, but this is not universal.

What you can do to support recovery

While postpartum hair loss largely resolves on its own, there are steps you can take to support scalp health and encourage faster recovery:

• Maintain adequate nutrition, particularly iron and vitamin D, which are often depleted after childbirth.
• Avoid tight hairstyles and excessive heat styling, which place additional stress on already-vulnerable follicles.
• Incorporate a nourishing scalp treatment into your routine. ZenGold Hair Growth Oil is a safe, 100% natural formula that can be applied to the scalp to support follicle recovery and create an optimal environment for regrowth during this period.
• Be gentle when brushing, and opt for wide-toothed combs on wet hair to minimise additional breakage.

When to seek medical advice

If your hair loss is still significant at twelve months postpartum, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, or mood disturbances, it is worth speaking to your GP to rule out thyroid dysfunction or anaemia — both of which are more common in the postpartum period. You can also explore SkinOne’s natural skin care range for additional self-care support during your recovery.

Related guide: For a comprehensive overview, read our complete guide: The Best Hair Growth Oil for Women in the UK: A Complete Guide

Also useful: Can Stress Cause Hair Loss? The Link Between Cortisol and Hair Health — stress often compounds postpartum hair loss.