Postpartum Hair Loss: Why It Happens, When It Starts, and What You Can Do

Written by Ella, our Cosmetic Formulation Scientist. Lovingly translated from science-speak to real-life (italic call outs) by our other Co-Founder, Maisie 

If you’re a few months into life with a newborn and suddenly noticing more hair in the plughole, on your pillow, or wrapped around your little one’s fingers, don’t panic. Postpartum hair loss is incredibly common.

Yes, it can feel like your hair is falling out in clumps. But the good news? In most cases, postpartum hair shedding isn’t a long-term problem and is simply a sign that your hair cycle is adjusting after pregnancy.

This blog is here to give you a clearer picture of what’s actually going on and a few simple ways you can support your hair and scalp while they find their way back.

What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss and When Does It Start?
Postpartum hair loss, also known as telogen effluvium, is a temporary increase in shedding that usually begins between two to four months after giving birth and is driven by a sudden drop in your hormone levels.

More specifically, during pregnancy, high levels of oestrogen keep more hair in the anagen (growth) phase, which is why hair often feels thicker and fuller. But after giving birth, those hormones fall quickly, and many follicles move into the telogen (resting) and exogen (shedding) phases at the same time leading to visible shedding. For most women, this begins around the three-month mark, and it can take 18 months or more postpartum for the hair cycle to fully rebalance. With factors such as breastfeeding, stress, and overall health having a big impact.

Studies show there can be a difference between breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers, as hormonal changes linked to lactation may delay the return to a normal hair cycle.

Due to a sudden increase of hormones during pregnancy, and then an equally sudden decrease during postpartum, your hair cycle unbalances and sees sharp peaks and troughs in the growth and loss phases. It is a natural cycle that will, eventually, rebalance by itself.

Example of postpartum hair loss
Thinning around the hairline, patchy loss in places, notable areas where shedding has occured

The Science: How Your Hair Cycle Shifts During and After Pregnancy (Prenatal / Postpartum)

Anagen (the growth phase)

During pregnancy, this phase is where the magic happens. Thanks to high levels of oestrogen, your hair stays in anagen, the active growing phase, for much longer than usual. That means less shedding, hair feels thicker, and overall, it just feels healthy. It’s why people often say pregnancy gave them the best hair of their life. But fast forward to postpartum, and things change. Those same hormones drop off, and the follicles that were previously holding tight in anagen begin to move on. That’s when you might notice more of your hair shedding and it may start feeling thinner with growth slowing down.

An increase of hormones means more of your hair than usual continues growing throughout pregnancy. During postpartum, the decrease of the same hormones means that these hairs are pushed out of this growth phase. Many of these hairs would not have stayed in the growth phase for this long, it’s just that your pregnancy hormones didn’t signal them to move through the hair cycle as normal.

Catagen (the transition phase)

This one is short and often skipped over, but it’s important. Catagen is the phase where hair stops actively growing and detaches from its blood supply. Under normal conditions, only a small number of hairs enter this phase at once. But postpartum? The shift is much more dramatic. As hormone levels rebalance after birth, a big group of follicles move from anagen into catagen all at once, a bit like a traffic jam clearing. This sets it up for the shedding that’s just around the corner. You might not feel this phase happening, but it’s quietly kicking things into motion.

During postpartum, an usual number of hairs are in this phase, as they are pushed out of the growth phase at the same time.

Telogen and Exogen (the rest and release phases)

This is where the shedding shows up. During pregnancy, your body is doing everything it can to hold onto hair, so telogen, the resting phase, is kind of put on pause. But after birth, with hormones settling back down, telogen comes rushing back. Hairs that were previously hanging around in growth mode all move into rest, and shortly after, into exogen, the final part where they let go and shed. That’s why you suddenly see more hair in the shower, on the floor, or wrapped around tiny baby fingers. It’s your body resetting.

The same large number of hairs in the transition phase are then pushed into the resting and shedding stages, hence hair loss en masse. After this, the follicles gradually reset and begin returning to the growth phase, so it can take some time to find an even balance of hairs in each stage (growth, transition, resting and shedding). At first, many will return back to the growth phase at the same time (due to being shed at the same time), hence the rapid growth of flyaways around the hair line.

How this looks compared to an average person’s hair cycle:

What are the Signs of Postpartum Hair Shedding?

Wondering if what you’re seeing is normal postpartum shedding? Common signs include:

• Extra hair fall in the shower, on your brush or on your pillow
• Thinning at the temples, crown, or along your parting
• Hair feeling flatter, finer, or generally less voluminous

PSA: Remember, this isn’t permanent.

Other Causes That Can Worsen Hair Loss After Pregnancy

While hormones are the main culprit, other factors can make postpartum hair loss more severe:

• Stress - emotional or physical
• Nutrient deficiencies including iron, vitamin D, zinc, B12, and biotin
• Thyroid issues
• Multiple births or a family history of hair thinning

If you’re noticing extreme hair loss or changes to your hair texture, it’s worth speaking to your GP or a trichologist.

How to Treat Postpartum Hair Loss

While you can’t instantly reset the hair cycle, you don’t have to simply wait it out either. With the right care, you can help reduce shedding, support new growth, and bring your scalp back to balance.

Haircare Tips

Go gentle but consistent - Use a sulphate-free shampoo that cleanses without stripping and a hydrating conditioner that restores softness through the mid-lengths and ends.

Focus on strength and recovery - Ingredients like niacinamide, betaine, and saw palmetto help reinforce the hair fibre, soothe the scalp, and encourage healthy regrowth during the shedding phase.

Encourage circulation - Massage the scalp gently during cleansing or when applying a mask to boost blood flow and help follicles stay active.

Be kind to fragile hair - Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb when hair is damp and minimise heat styling or tight hairstyles that add tension to the roots.

Nutrition and Lifestyle

Support growth from within - A diet rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins D and B complex provides the nutrients hair needs to grow stronger.

Stay hydrated and rest where possible - Both play a part in supporting scalp health and overall recovery.

Take moments for yourself - A quiet coffee, a short walk, or a warm bath can help regulate stress levels and promote hormonal balance, both of which influence the hair cycle.

Talk to your healthcare provider - If you’re concerned about persistent shedding, discuss supplements or blood work to rule out deficiencies.

Styling Help

Add light volume - Use gentle volumising or texturising products to lift the roots and add movement without weighing hair down.

Opt for a soft, flexible cut - Layers, face-framing pieces, or a subtle fringe can make hair appear fuller while new growth catches up.

Protect what’s growing - Choose silk pillowcases, scrunchies, and heat protectants to reduce friction and breakage.

Experiment with accessories or a subtle parting change can refresh your look and help you feel more confident as your hair cycle continues to recover.

Bringing Your Hair Back into Balance

Postpartum hair loss can catch you off guard especially after months of pregnancy hair that felt thick and amazing. Hair shedding after pregnancy is not a flaw in your routine or a sign something has gone wrong, it’s just your hair cycle catching up after months of being on pause. It might take you by surprise, but it’s your body’s way of finding balance again.

So, if you’re in the thick of it right now, know this: it’s not forever and your hair is doing exactly what it’s meant to. Go easy on your routine, keep styles loose and comfortable, and focus on care that feels kind rather than corrective.

Your hair will find its balance again, it just needs consistency and the right support while it does.

Explore the Maze Prenatal & Postpartum range, created to support your hair through one of life’s biggest transitions. Each formula is science-backed and uncomplicated, designed to strengthen, soothe, and bring balance back to both hair and scalp.
Developed by women who understand the changes that come with this stage, the range is here to help you feel a little more like yourself again. One wash, one moment at a time.

Shampoo & Conditioner Bundle | Prenatal & Postpartum (2x250ml)

Shop now

If you're a visual person, why not check out our prenatal & postpartum hair cycle series on Instagram!
Video 1 - Anagen Phase
Video 2 - Catagen Phase
Video 3 - Telogen/ Exogen Phase

References:

1) Malkud, S. (2015). Telogen Effluvium: A Review. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 9(9), WE01–WE03.

2) Hirose A, Terauchi M, Odai T, et al. Investigation of exacerbating factors for postpartum hair loss: a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2023;9(2):e084.

3) Galal SA, El-Sayed SK, Henidy MMH. Postpartum telogen effluvium unmasking additional latent hair loss disorders. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2024;17(5):15-22.

4) Hair Doctors. (2023). Understanding postpartum hair loss: causes, symptoms and recovery tips.

5) Kin Fertility. (2023). What really happens to your hair after birth?

6) Parents.com. (2022). Postpartum hair loss: why it happens and how to cope.