Postpartum Hair Loss

Medically Reviewed by Jessica Wu, M.D. on February 22, 2022

If you have postpartum hair loss, or hair loss after pregnancy, you'll notice a sudden shedding — sometimes in clumps — in the six months after you give birth.

What causes postpartum hair loss?

The average person loses about 100 hairs a day, but not all at once, so you don't notice them. When you're expecting, however, your pregnancy hormones keep those hairs from falling out — leaving your hair looking as lush as a supermodel's, or so thick that you can barely get a brush through it.

But all good things must come to an end, and that includes your awesome new 'do. When those hormones drop back to normal, the extra hairs drop, too.

How long does postpartum hair loss last?

Don't freak: You're not going bald, you're just getting back to normal. If you're breastfeeding, some of your extra hair may hang on to your scalp until you wean or start to supplement with formula or solids.

But nursing or not, take comfort in knowing that by the time your baby is ready to blow out the candles on that first birthday cake — and perhaps has plenty of hair of her own — your catch-up hair loss will be finished, and your locks should be back to the way they were before pregnancy too.

Tips for dealing with postpartum hair loss

If you're losing hair since giving birth, there are some things you can do about it:

Get the right nutrients. Keep your hair healthy by eating well and continuing to take your prenatal vitamin supplement.
Go easy on your hair. Be extra gentle to prevent excess hair loss after pregnancy. Shampoo only when necessary (as if you have time to shampoo at all!), and use a good conditioner and a wide-toothed comb to minimize tangling.
Choose the right accessories. Use scrunchies or barrettes to put hair up instead of elastic bands — and don't pull hair into tight ponytails.
Turn down the heat. Skip blow-dryers, curling and flat irons if you can.
Take a break from chemically based treatments. Put off any highlights, perms and straightening sessions until the shedding stops.
Talk to your practitioner if your hair loss is excessive. When it's accompanied by other symptoms, hair loss after pregnancy could be a sign of postpartum thyroiditis.