Postpartum hair loss is a challenge that many new mothers face. It’s a natural, temporary part of the postpartum experience, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. Whether you're dealing with thinning hair, shedding, or breakage, it's important to remember that you're not alone in this. Postpartum hair loss affects nearly every new mother to some degree, but the good news is that it’s usually temporary, and with the right approach, your hair will eventually return to its former fullness.
Here’s your ultimate guide to understanding the postpartum hair loss timeline, what to expect month by month, and how to nourish and care for your hair during this phase.
Why Does Postpartum Hair Loss Happen?
The primary cause of postpartum hair loss is hormonal fluctuations. During pregnancy, higher levels of estrogen prolong the growth phase of your hair, leading to thicker, fuller hair. After childbirth, as estrogen levels drop, your hair enters the shedding phase, which can cause noticeable hair loss. Stress, lack of sleep, and physical changes associated with childbirth also play a role in hair thinning.
Understanding why it happens is the first step in accepting the process and taking action. Your hair loss is normal, temporary, and will eventually resolve. In the meantime, here's a breakdown of what to expect, what to do, what nutrients to take, and which vitamins can help in each phase of postpartum hair loss.
Before diving into the timeline, it’s important to understand why postpartum hair loss happens in the first place. Your body undergoes major hormonal changes after giving birth, and these changes play a significant role in hair health.
Hormonal Changes
During pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels help keep hair in its growth phase. This means that your hair stays fuller and thicker throughout pregnancy. However, after delivery, estrogen levels drop, and this triggers a shift back into the shedding phase. Essentially, your body goes through a “post-pregnancy hair reset,” which can lead to significant hair loss. This shedding is typically known as "telogen effluvium."
Stress and Lifestyle
Being a new mom is stressful, and that stress can contribute to hair loss. Lack of sleep, new routines, and emotional adjustments all play a role. It's normal for stress to exacerbate hair shedding in the postpartum period.
Medical Conditions
If hair loss seems excessive or persists beyond the typical timeline, it’s important to rule out medical conditions. Thyroid imbalances, nutrient deficiencies (such as vitamin D), and other factors can influence hair health. If you're worried, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor.
Month-by-Month Postpartum Hair Loss Breakdown
Let’s take a look at what you can expect from 0 to 12 months postpartum. Every mom’s journey is different, but this general timeline can help you understand what’s going on with your hair and how to care for it.
| Month | What to Expect | Key Changes | Helpful Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 3 Months | Fullness and no noticeable shedding | Pregnancy hormones help hair stay thicker | Focus on nutrition, hydration, and sleep. Consider Baby Blues Postpartum Hair Vitamins to support hair health. |
| 3 to 6 Months | Shedding begins | Increased shedding due to estrogen drop | Use gentle hair care routines and consider Baby Blues Hair Vitamins to nourish hair from within. |
| 6 to 9 Months | Peak shedding | Maximum hair loss, thinning of hairline, emotional toll | Stress management and gentle styling are key. Continue using Baby Blues Postpartum Hair Vitamins to help with regrowth. |
| 9 to 12 Months | Regrowth begins | New baby hairs start to appear | Your hair will start regrowing—keep using postpartum vitamins and support hair growth with healthy habits. |
| Beyond 12 Months | Ongoing recovery or prolonged shedding | Some moms may continue shedding, but regrowth becomes more noticeable | Seek professional advice if shedding persists. Use Baby Blues Complete Parental Vitamins for overall health support. |
0 to 3 Months: Fullness and Adjustment
What to Expect:
In the first few weeks after delivery, most new mothers actually experience fuller, thicker hair due to lingering pregnancy hormones. You might not see much shedding during this time, and your hair could even look healthier than it did pre-pregnancy. This is because your hair is still benefiting from the higher estrogen levels during pregnancy.
However, the body is beginning to adjust to its new hormonal balance, and you may not notice any shedding just yet. While the immediate postpartum period is not usually associated with noticeable hair loss, this is the calm before the shedding begins.
What to Do:
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration helps your body recover from childbirth, which in turn supports overall hair health. Drink plenty of water.
- Eat Nutritious Meals: Focus on nutrient-dense meals with lots of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E will support hair health during this time.
- Take Prenatal Vitamins: While you're not pregnant anymore, continuing with prenatal Multivitamins, like Baby Blues Complete Prenatal Gummies, can help replenish essential nutrients that are critical during the postpartum phase.
Nutrients to Take:
- Vitamin C: Helps with the absorption of nutrients and supports collagen production, which is important for hair health.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in foods like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, omega-3s support scalp health and hydration.
What Vitamins Can Help:
- Baby Blues Postpartum Hair Vitamins: Start taking these during the first three months to prepare for the shedding phase ahead. They provide biotin, collagen, and other nutrients to support overall hair health.
3 to 6 Months: The Shedding Phase Begins
What to Expect:
This is when most new mothers start to notice significant hair shedding, often around the 3-month mark. Estrogen levels drop after childbirth, and this causes your hair to shift from its growth phase to its resting phase, followed by shedding. It can be alarming to see more hair falling out than usual, but rest assured this is entirely normal. You may notice strands of hair on your pillow, in your brush, and in the shower.
By the time you hit 6 months postpartum, the shedding phase will be in full swing, and you might see more noticeable thinning in certain areas.
What to Do:
- Avoid Tight Hairstyles: Tight ponytails, buns, or braids can contribute to hair breakage, so opt for looser hairstyles.
- Gentle Hair Care: Be gentle with your hair when washing and brushing. Use a wide-toothed comb to avoid pulling and tugging.
- Use a Scalp Treatment: Try massaging your scalp with nourishing oils like argan oil or coconut oil to boost circulation and promote healthy hair growth.
Nutrients to Take:
Biotin: Biotin is a B-vitamin that supports hair health and is often recommended during the postpartum period to help with regrowth.
Zinc: Zinc deficiency is associated with hair loss, so make sure you include zinc-rich foods like seeds, nuts, and legumes in your diet.
Vitamin D: Vital for overall health, Vitamin D also plays a role in the hair growth cycle.
What Vitamins Can Help:
Baby Blues Postpartum Hair Vitamins: Now is the perfect time to continue taking your Postpartum Hair Vitamins, which are packed with biotin, collagen, and other nutrients essential for hair regrowth.
6 to 9 Months: Peak Shedding and Emotional Impact
What to Expect:
The shedding will likely peak around 6 months postpartum. You might notice your hairline thinning, and your ponytail might feel noticeably thinner. This is the toughest phase for many women because the shedding is at its highest. During this time, it’s common for new mothers to feel emotionally affected by their hair loss, especially when they see a lot of hair in their brush or shower drain.
- But here's the bright side: You may also start to notice tiny "baby hairs" regrowing, a sign that your hair is beginning to recover. Although it’s still shedding heavily, your body is working hard to restore balance, and regrowth is on the horizon.
What to Do:
- Support Your Scalp: Use a scalp massager to stimulate hair follicles and improve blood circulation.
- Protect Your Hair: Wear a hat or scarf when you’re out in the sun or when swimming to protect your hair from damage and UV rays.
- Be Gentle: Minimize heat styling and excessive brushing to avoid causing breakage.
Nutrients to Take:
Collagen: Collagen is vital for hair strength and elasticity, and it’s a key protein that helps hair regrow after shedding.
Vitamin A: Vitamin A supports healthy cell turnover, which is essential for the regrowth process. Include foods like sweet potatoes, spinach, and carrots.
What Vitamins Can Help:
Continue taking Baby Blues collagen vitamins for hair, which provide the perfect combination of biotin and collagen to support hair regrowth during this challenging time.
9 to 12 Months: Regrowth Begins
What to Expect:
By the time you reach 9 months postpartum, you’ll likely begin seeing regrowth. Baby hairs will start to sprout around your hairline, and the shedding phase will slow down. However, many moms still experience some shedding during this period, although the intensity will decrease. The texture of your hair will begin to resemble what it was like pre-pregnancy, though it may take a little longer to fully regain volume.
What to Do:
- Nourish and Hydrate: Continue using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner that supports hair health.
- Mind Your Stress: Postpartum is a stressful time, but finding ways to manage your stress (like yoga or meditation) can help promote healthy hair growth.
- Use Hair Masks: Hydrating hair masks once a week can restore moisture and give your hair a much-needed boost.
Nutrients to Take:
- Magnesium: Stress can affect hair health, and magnesium helps to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. Add magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens and avocados to your diet.
- Protein: Hair is made of protein, so ensuring you're getting enough protein in your diet is essential for supporting healthy hair regrowth.
What Vitamins Can Help:
By now, your regrowth should be visible. Keep supporting your hair with Baby Blues Postpartum Hair loss Vitamins, as they continue to supply essential nutrients like biotin and collagen to keep your hair healthy.
Beyond 12 Months: Ongoing Maintenance and Support
What to Expect:
For many moms, hair shedding begins to subside by 12 months postpartum, though some may still experience minor thinning. At this point, hair regrowth is much more visible, and your hair should be nearly back to its pre-pregnancy state.
If you find that shedding continues beyond a year, consider consulting your healthcare provider to rule out underlying medical conditions. However, for the majority of women, this phase marks the end of postpartum hair loss.
What to Do:
- Maintain Healthy Hair Habits: Continue with a gentle hair care routine, and avoid stress-inducing activities as much as possible.
- Stay on Top of Nutrition: Even as the shedding slows, continue taking vitamins and eating a nutrient-rich diet.
Nutrients to Take:
- Vitamin B12: Vital for overall health and energy, Vitamin B12 helps support healthy hair growth. Include foods like eggs, fish, and dairy in your meals.
What Vitamins Can Help:
If you're still breastfeeding after 12 months, we recommend continuing with a Complete prenatal vitamin gummies for optimal support before transitioning to the Mom's Multi for overall wellness and hair health.
How to Support Healthy Hair Growth Postpartum
Nutritional Support
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in promoting healthy hair growth postpartum. After giving birth, your body requires specific nutrients to help restore balance and support the natural hair regrowth cycle. Here are some of the most essential nutrients you should focus on:
- Biotin: This B-vitamin is essential for maintaining hair health and is often referred to as the "hair growth vitamin." Biotin supports keratin production, a protein that makes up the hair, skin, and nails. In fact, research shows that biotin deficiency can lead to hair thinning or hair loss. To support postpartum hair regrowth, include biotin-rich foods such as eggs, almonds, and avocados in your diet, or consider taking a high-quality supplement.
- Vitamin D: Known as the "sunshine vitamin," Vitamin D plays an essential role in the hair growth cycle. It helps regulate the production of new hair follicles and supports the transition from the shedding phase to the growth phase. A deficiency in Vitamin D is linked to hair thinning, so be sure to get enough of it by spending time in the sun, consuming foods like fatty fish, fortified dairy, and mushrooms, or taking a Vitamin D supplement.
- Collagen: Collagen is a vital protein that plays a crucial role in hair strength and elasticity. It supports the hair structure by helping to maintain its strength and prevent breakage. Collagen also aids in skin elasticity and promotes healthy scalp conditions for optimal hair growth. As you age, collagen production naturally declines, which is why supplementation may help support hair regrowth. You can find collagen in foods like bone broth, chicken skin, and collagen peptides or use a collagen supplement.
- Folate (Vitamin B9): Folate is an essential B-vitamin that plays a key role in hair health by promoting healthy cell division and hair follicle regeneration. Postpartum, when your body is recovering from childbirth, folate helps provide the necessary nutrients for fast cell turnover, which can aid in hair regrowth. Foods rich in folate include leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans, and whole grains. If you're not getting enough folate from food, a folate supplement or B-vitamin complex can help support your body's hair regrowth efforts.
By focusing on these nutrients, you can nourish your hair from the inside out, promoting healthier regrowth and maintaining scalp health.
Supplements
While a nutrient-rich diet is important, supplements can help fill any gaps, particularly during the postpartum period when your body may be recovering from childbirth.
Baby Blues Postpartum Hair Vitamins are specially formulated to support hair regrowth and overall hair health. These vitamins contain a unique blend of biotin, collagen, and other essential nutrients to ensure that your hair receives the nourishment it needs during this crucial time.
Collagen, a vital protein in hair structure, helps restore elasticity and strength to your hair, while biotin supports hair regrowth by boosting keratin production.
Taking a supplement like Baby Blues Postpartum Hair Vitamins provides targeted support for hair that may be thinning due to hormonal changes, stress, or nutritional gaps. These vitamins are designed to provide the optimal balance of nutrients that promote hair strength and density, helping you recover from postpartum hair loss faster.
Scalp Care
Your scalp plays a vital role in hair health, and taking care of it should be a priority during the postpartum period. A healthy scalp provides the optimal environment for hair growth. Here are some key practices to incorporate into your routine:
- Massage Your Scalp: Scalp massages help increase blood circulation, which promotes healthy hair follicles. By gently massaging your scalp for a few minutes each day, you stimulate the hair follicles and encourage hair regrowth. You can use your fingers or invest in a scalp massager for better results.
- Use Nourishing Oils: Natural oils like coconut oil, argan oil, and castor oil can nourish and hydrate your scalp. These oils contain essential fatty acids and antioxidants that help protect and strengthen hair. Apply the oil directly to your scalp and hair ends, then gently massage for deeper hydration and nourishment.
- Keep Your Scalp Clean: Regularly wash your scalp with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to remove any buildup of products, dirt, and excess oils. A clean scalp ensures that your hair follicles aren’t clogged, which could impede growth. Consider using a shampoo that promotes hair health and contains natural ingredients like aloe vera, biotin, and caffeine.
By incorporating these scalp care habits into your routine, you’ll create an environment conducive to healthy hair growth.
When to See a Doctor: Red Flags & Consultations
While postpartum hair loss is completely normal, there are times when excessive shedding could signal a more serious underlying issue. Here are some signs to watch for, and when you should consult a healthcare professional:
- Excessive Shedding: It's normal to lose more hair than usual during the postpartum phase, but if you’re losing large clumps of hair or noticing significant bald patches, it could indicate a condition like telogen effluvium or another type of hair loss. If the shedding feels abnormal or if it doesn’t slow down after a few months, it’s worth getting a doctor’s opinion.
- Health Conditions: Postpartum hair loss can be influenced by underlying health conditions. For example:
- Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) can lead to hair thinning or loss. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin.
- Other Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins such as vitamin D, zinc, and B12 can also contribute to excessive hair loss.
If you notice any of these signs, consult your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They can perform tests to determine if any deficiencies or thyroid imbalances are affecting your hair and overall health.
Managing the Emotional Side of Postpartum Hair Loss
The emotional impact of postpartum hair loss can be significant. Hair often plays an important role in a person’s identity, and seeing it fall out can feel like a blow to self-esteem. It’s important to acknowledge and address the emotional toll of postpartum hair loss. Here are some ways to manage the emotional side of this experience:
- Self-Care: Taking time for yourself is essential during the postpartum period. Practice self-care by engaging in activities that relax and rejuvenate you. This could include anything from a warm bath to reading a book, exercising, or enjoying some quiet time away from your baby. Reducing stress can help your hair regrow more effectively.
- Support Networks: Share your feelings with other moms who may be going through the same experience. Joining online forums or mom groups can help you connect with others who understand what you're going through. These connections can provide emotional support and reassurance, reminding you that you're not alone in this phase.
- Embrace the Process: Remind yourself that this is a temporary phase. Your hair will return to its natural thickness and strength in time. In the meantime, focus on the things you can control, like maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting the right nutrients, and nurturing your hair and scalp. Take comfort in knowing that your hair will come back, and you will get through this.
Before and After: Real Stories from Moms
Real stories from moms who’ve experienced postpartum hair loss can be incredibly encouraging. Here are a couple of stories from women who used Baby Blues Postpartum Hair Vitamins and saw positive changes:
Brandy: “These vitamins actually work. My hair is naturally thin and after having a baby I was dealt the ultimate blow of non-stop shedding (Like empty your dyson every day kind) . Since I started these vitamins (I started ordering two months ago on their website), my hair has been healthier looking and growing. My MIL actually said my hair looks shinier now than while pregnant. They taste so good like beyond good -- like I'm on a tropical vacation and I never want to come back good. Most importantly they are really effective, and while I hate knocking other brands I was taking the sugar bear gummies before I got pregnant and it caused horrible acne and breakouts for me which has not happened with these. I also really like that they have collagen as I have been wanting to add to my routine but dislike the taste of the powders.”
Sushii: “Had my baby in February and my hair loss didn’t start until probably about late May. And when I say hair loss I mean HUGE amounts. I’m surprised I’m not bald. At first I paid no mind to it because I was aware this was going to happen but then the actual balding began and I panicked. First picture was in March when my hair was still in good shape, and second was when I first started taking the gummies in July. The third pic is only one month of taking the gummies. I’m flabbergasted at how fast these work. My hairline is slowly growing back and I’m definitely going to try this for 3 more months. Length wise my hair is not very noticeably longer but my hairline is definitely improving. 10/10 recommend.”
Conclusion
Postpartum hair loss is a completely normal and temporary experience. While it can be difficult to cope with, especially during the first year after childbirth, it's important to remember that your hair will eventually return to its natural fullness. The process may take time, but by nourishing your body with the right nutrients, using gentle hair care practices, and staying consistent with supplements like Baby Blues Postpartum Hair Vitamins, you can support the regrowth and health of your hair.
Embrace the journey, practice self-care, and connect with others who understand the experience. While it may feel like your hair is falling out forever, rest assured that with patience, the shedding will subside, and your hair will grow back stronger than ever.
