Having a baby changes almost everything, including your hair. If you’re seeing more strands than usual in your brush, shower or on your pillow, you’re not imagining it. Postpartum hair shedding is very common, usually temporary, and often linked to the hormonal changes that happen after pregnancy.
At Hair Grow Australia, we believe hair care should feel simple, supportive and realistic, especially during a season when your body is already doing a lot. Here’s what causes postpartum hair loss, when it usually settles, and practical ways to care for your hair while it grows back.
What is postpartum hair loss?
Postpartum hair loss, also called postpartum alopecia, is increased shedding after pregnancy and childbirth. It commonly begins around three to four months after giving birth. Most people notice some level of shedding, although the amount can vary.
Postpartum shedding is often most noticeable around the hairline, temples and part. You may also notice short new hairs appearing as your normal growth cycle returns. For many people, hair growth gradually settles by around their baby’s first birthday.
What causes hair loss after pregnancy?
During pregnancy, higher levels of oestrogen and progesterone can keep more hairs in the active growth phase for longer. This is one reason pregnancy hair can appear thicker and fuller.
After birth, these hormone levels drop. Hair that stayed in the growth phase can then move into the resting and shedding phase, leading to more noticeable hair fall. The physical stress of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, illness or poor sleep can also contribute to a temporary shedding pattern known as telogen effluvium.
It can look dramatic, but postpartum hair shedding does not usually mean you are permanently losing your hair. It is a sign that your hair-growth cycle is readjusting.
4 supportive ways to care for postpartum hair
1. Be gentle with your hair
When hair is shedding, focus on protecting the hair you still have and the new growth coming through. Minimise high heat where possible, avoid tight ponytails and buns, and choose loose styles that do not pull on the hairline. Detangle slowly with a wide-toothed comb, starting at the ends and working upwards.
2. Choose a lightweight, volumising routine
A lightweight volumising shampoo can help hair feel fresher and fuller without weighing it down. Look for a routine that cleanses effectively while leaving the scalp and lengths comfortable. Avoid over-washing or harsh scrubbing, and adjust your routine to what your scalp actually needs.
Hair Grow Australia is here to help you build a consistent routine that supports healthier-looking hair without making postpartum care feel complicated.
3. Consider a shorter, fuller-looking cut
A blunt or shorter haircut can make fine or shedding hair look more even and full. It can also reduce tangling and make wash days easier when you have a new baby to care for. The best cut is the one that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
4. Support your body with nourishing food
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can place extra demands on your body. Aim for regular meals with protein, vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts and healthy fats. If you are considering supplements, speak with your doctor or healthcare professional first, especially if you are breastfeeding or taking other medication.
When should you speak with a healthcare professional?
Some shedding after pregnancy is expected, but it is worth speaking with your doctor if hair loss is sudden, severe, causing clearly defined bald patches, continuing well beyond the expected recovery period, or accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, scalp changes or feeling unwell. A healthcare professional can help check for other possible causes.
Your postpartum hair-care reset
Postpartum hair loss can be frustrating, but it is usually a temporary part of your body’s recovery after pregnancy. Gentle handling, a simple consistent routine and good overall nourishment can help you care for your hair while your growth cycle finds its balance again.
Ready to make hair care easier? Explore the Hair Grow Australia range and choose a routine designed to help your hair look and feel its best, one wash day at a time.
Hair Grow Australia. Simple, supportive hair care for every stage of your hair journey.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic. Postpartum Hair Loss. Accessed 18 April 2023.
Malkud S. (2015). Telogen Effluvium: A Review. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 9(9), WE01–WE3.
Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. (2019). The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatology and Therapy, 9(1), 51–70.