- Postpartum hair loss is normal and temporary — a hormonal shift means the hair you kept during pregnancy sheds a few months after birth.
- It usually peaks around 3–4 months postpartum and settles by 6–12 months.
- You can't stop it, but gentle care, good nutrition and patience help — and it grows back.
Around three or four months after birth, many new mums notice alarming amounts of hair in the brush or shower drain. Take a breath — this is normal, expected and temporary. Here's what's happening and how to look after your hair while it settles. (General information, not medical advice.)
Why it happens
During pregnancy, high hormone levels keep hair in its growing phase — so you shed less and hair feels thick. After birth, hormones drop and all that retained hair enters the shedding phase at once. It looks dramatic, but it's your hair simply catching up, not falling out for good.
When it settles
Shedding usually peaks around 3–4 months postpartum and eases by 6–12 months, with regrowth (those little baby-hairs around your hairline) following. It's a phase with a clear end, even though it doesn't feel like it mid-shed.
How to look after your hair meanwhile
- Be gentle — loose styles, a soft brush, no tight ponytails tugging fragile hairline hair.
- Eat well — balanced nutrition and staying hydrated support regrowth (keep up any provider-recommended vitamins).
- Go easy on heat & chemicals — a lighter touch while things settle.
- A volumising cut or products can help it feel fuller in the meantime.
If shedding is severe, patchy, or hasn't settled after a year, mention it to your provider — occasionally it points to something treatable like low iron or thyroid changes.
Is postpartum hair loss normal?
Completely — it's a normal, temporary hormonal shed that typically peaks around 3–4 months after birth and settles by 6–12 months, with regrowth to follow.
How long does postpartum hair loss last?
It usually eases by six months to a year postpartum. The shedding phase feels dramatic but has a clear end, and your hair grows back.
Can I stop postpartum hair loss?
You can't prevent the hormonal shed, but gentle hair care, good nutrition and patience help. See your provider if it's severe, patchy, or hasn't settled after a year.
This guide is informational and is not medical advice — always follow your own healthcare provider. It contains affiliate links; if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.