Postpartum Hair Loss: Causes, Treatment & What To Expect

Obviously, bringing a tiny human into the world is absolutely MAGICAL, but there are definitely some not-so-glamorous side effects that nobody warns you about! Between the sleepless nights, the healing process, and figuring out how to look after someone other than yourself, some physical changes get swept under the rug. One of the biggest surprises for many new mums is when their luscious pregnancy locks start clogging the shower drain.

Postpartum hair loss can feel like a lot to deal with when you’re already navigating the emotional rollercoaster of new motherhood. But don’t panic! At Lacy Locks, we’ve helped countless new mums through this tricky time. As the leading experts in hair loss solutions in Milton Keynes, we’re using our extensive experience to give you the complete lowdown on postpartum hair shedding – why it happens, when it happens, and most importantly, what you can do about it!

Tackling Postpartum Hair Loss

Hair loss at any stage of your life can be a real blow to your confidence. But when you’re feeling fragile after childbirth, it hits extra hard. Just when you’re trying to adjust to your new role and body, suddenly your hair starts to thin – it’s enough to make anyone feel a bit wobbly! The good news is that this is completely normal, temporary, and there are plenty of ways to manage it while your body recovers.

In this article, we’ll cover absolutely everything you need to know about postpartum hair loss:

• What Is Postpartum Hair Loss?
• When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Start?
• How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?
• When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Stop?
• Postpartum Hair Loss Treatment

What Is Postpartum Hair Loss?

First things first – what everyone calls “postpartum hair loss” isn’t actually hair loss in the traditional sense! Mind-blowing, right? The proper technical term is “postpartum telogen effluvium,” which basically means excessive hair shedding triggered by hormonal changes after giving birth.
Here’s how it works: During pregnancy, your hormones (especially estrogen) go through the roof, which actually pauses your normal hair shedding cycle. All those hairs that would normally fall out (about 100 strands daily) stay put, giving you that luscious, thick pregnancy hair that had everyone jealous! But after delivery, those hormone levels come crashing down, and all those hairs that got a free pass during pregnancy get the message that it’s time to go – all at once!

Studies show that up to 90% of new mums experience some degree of postpartum shedding. For most women, it’s noticeable but manageable, but for some, it can be quite dramatic with thinning around the hairline (sometimes called “postpartum hairline”) or all over the scalp.

What’s super important to understand is that this isn’t permanent hair loss like female pattern baldness – it’s a temporary shedding phase. The hair follicles aren’t damaged; they’re just resetting back to their normal growth cycle after the hormone party of pregnancy. So while it might feel like you’re going bald, we promise you this isn’t forever.

When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Start?

Most new mums notice the shedding beginning somewhere between 2 and 4 months after delivery. It rarely happens immediately after birth – there’s usually that little window where your hormone levels are still adjusting.

The trigger is specifically the drop in estrogen levels after childbirth. During those first few postpartum weeks, you might be too busy figuring out feeds and nappies to notice much hair change. But then one day, you’re washing your hair, and it might feel like the entire top layer is coming out in your hands!

What to look out for? You’ll likely notice more hair on your pillow in the morning, in your brush, on your clothes, and most commonly, clogging the shower drain. Many mums also notice thinning around the temples and hairline first, creating those little baby hairs when regrowth starts (more on that later!).

Interestingly, breastfeeding can sometimes delay the onset of shedding for some women due to hormonal influences. So if you’re nursing and wondering why you haven’t experienced the dreaded shed while your non-breastfeeding friend has, that might be why!

How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?

The active shedding phase typically lasts around 2 to 3 months, which can feel like FOREVER when you’re watching your hair disappear down the drain daily. According to London Gynaecology, most women report that the heaviest shedding occurs within a defined 6-12 week window.

During this peak shedding period, you might lose anywhere from 300 to 500 hairs per day – which sounds terrifying but remember that you have about 100,000 hairs on your head! And the good news? The research shows that for the vast majority of women, hair density returns to normal by their baby’s first birthday.

What many new mums don’t realise is that there’s a difference between the active shedding phase (which lasts a few months) and the total recovery time (which includes regrowth). The shedding will stop long before your hair returns to its pre-pregnancy fullness. That’s because hair grows slowly – only about half an inch per month – so it takes time for those new hairs to catch up with the rest of your locks!

Remember, this is a completely normal process that virtually every mum goes through. You’re definitely not alone in this frustrating phase!

When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Stop?

Most women find that the excessive shedding begins to slow down around the 6-month postpartum mark. By months 9-12 after delivery, your hormone levels should have largely stabilised, and your hair’s growth cycle should return to its pre-pregnancy pattern.

You’ll know the shedding is stopping when you start seeing significantly less hair in your brush, on your clothes, and in the shower drain. Another telltale sign that you’re on the road to recovery? Those adorable baby hairs around your hairline! Yes, those little fuzzy bits that stick up and refuse to behave in any hairstyle are actually good news – they’re the regrowth starting to come in!

Many new mums actually notice these little hairs growing while they’re still experiencing some shedding elsewhere – that’s completely normal. Your hair follicles don’t all reset at exactly the same time, so some are already in regrowth mode while others are still in the shedding phase.

Postpartum Hair Loss Treatment

While there’s no magic wand to stop postpartum shedding entirely (it’s a natural process, after all), there are definitely ways to support your hair health during this frustrating phase and speed up recovery!

Nutrition For Hair Health

What you put in your body plays a HUGE role in hair health. Focus on:

• Iron-rich foods: Your iron stores can take a hit during childbirth, and low iron can worsen hair shedding. Load up on lean red meat, spinach, and legumes.
• Protein: Hair is made of protein! Ensure you’re getting enough through eggs, lean meats, fish, nuts, and legumes.
• Vitamin C: Helps with iron absorption and collagen production. Citrus fruits, berries, and peppers are excellent sources.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, these reduce inflammation and support scalp health.
• Biotin: While the evidence is mixed, many women swear by biotin supplements for hair growth. Biotin gummies are an easy way to get your biotin fix.

Styling Tricks

Some clever styling can work wonders while you’re waiting for regrowth:

• Try a shorter cut – less weight can give the appearance of more volume
• Add layers to create the illusion of thickness
• Experiment with a side part rather than a middle part to cover thinning temples
• Hair extensions for postpartum hair loss can be brilliant when applied by professionals who understand the needs of recovering hair

Gentle Hair Care

Be extra kind to your hair during this fragile time:

• Use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush
• Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the hair
• Skip the heat styling when possible
• Use volumising products (but avoid heavy conditioning treatments that can weigh hair down)
• Try a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and breakage

Professional Solutions

For many new mums, especially those experiencing more significant thinning, professional treatments can be a game-changer:

• Hair integration systems: For those experiencing more dramatic loss, mesh integration systems can be life-changing. These lightweight, breathable mesh systems are integrated with your existing hair to create instant volume and coverage while your natural hair recovers.
• Hair extensions: Extensions can be a total confidence-saver during postpartum hair loss! At Lacy Locks, we specialise in ultra-lightweight methods perfect for fragile postpartum hair.
• Scalp treatments: Professional scalp massages and treatments can stimulate blood flow and create a healthy environment for new growth.
• PRP therapy: This cutting-edge treatment uses platelets from your own blood to stimulate hair follicles.

Combat Postpartum Hair Loss At Lacy Locks

Going through postpartum hair shedding can feel incredibly isolating, but we promise you’re not alone in this journey! As the top specialists in hair loss solutions in Milton Keynes, we’ve helped countless new mums navigate this challenging phase and come out the other side feeling gorgeous and confident again.

At Lacy Locks, we understand that every woman’s postpartum experience is unique. What works for one mum might not work for another, which is why we offer personalised consultations to assess your specific situation and recommend the best course of action. Whether you need nutritional advice, professional treatments, or are interested in exploring our premium hair extensions in Milton Keynes as a temporary solution, our expert team is here to support you.

Our hairdressers in Milton Keynes are specially trained in postpartum hair concerns and can recommend cuts and styles that will maximise your existing hair while encouraging healthy regrowth. From subtle, lightweight extensions to full integration systems, we have solutions for every level of postpartum hair loss.

Ready to take the first step? Book a consultation with our compassionate team at Lacy Locks today. Because you deserve to feel beautiful during every stage of motherhood – even the hair-shedding ones!