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Postpartum Hair Loss: You're Not Alone

Everything you need to know about why your hair is shedding, what's normal, and what actually helps.

Written with compassion by stylists who've helped hundreds of new moms through this.

First: Take a Deep Breath

If you're reading this while holding a fistful of hair that just came out in the shower, I want you to know: this is completely normal. It's terrifying, yes. But it's not permanent, it's not a sign something is wrong, and it will get better.

I'm writing this from Chris David Salon in Delray Beach (403 E Atlantic Ave), where we've worked with countless new mothers experiencing postpartum hair loss. I've heard the panic in your voice when you call asking if we can "do something." I've seen the tears when you sit in my chair explaining that you don't recognize your own hair anymore.

What this guide covers:

  • • Why postpartum hair loss happens (the science)
  • • What's normal vs. what needs medical attention
  • • Timeline: when it starts, peaks, and ends
  • • Treatments that actually work (and scams to avoid)
  • • Hairstyles and cuts that help during this phase
  • • When to seek medical help

Why This Is Happening (In Plain English)

During pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels put more of your hair follicles into the "growing" phase and fewer into the "shedding" phase. This is why many women have amazing, thick hair during pregnancy—you're not growing more hair, you're just shedding less.

The Hair Growth Cycle

1

Anagen (Growing Phase)

Lasts 2-7 years. Hair actively grows. During pregnancy, MORE hair stays in this phase.

2

Catagen (Transition Phase)

Lasts 2-3 weeks. Hair stops growing, follicle shrinks.

3

Telogen (Resting/Shedding Phase)

Lasts 3-4 months. Hair rests, then falls out. This is where postpartum hair ends up—all at once.

What Happens After Birth

Your estrogen levels plummet. All that hair that SHOULD have been gradually shedding over the past 9 months suddenly shifts into the shedding phase at the same time. You're not losing MORE hair than normal—you're losing all the hair you DIDN'T lose during pregnancy, plus your regular shedding.

Normal shedding: 50-100 hairs/day
Postpartum shedding: 300-500 hairs/day (for several months)

This is called Telogen Effluvium, and it's completely normal. It's not alopecia. It's not permanent. It's your body catching up.

The Timeline: What to Expect and When

Weeks 1-8 Postpartum

What's happening: Your hormones are shifting, but hair loss hasn't started yet (for most women).

You might notice your hair feels different—maybe less shiny, maybe frizzier—but major shedding typically hasn't begun. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Weeks 8-16 Postpartum (Peak)

What's happening: Massive shedding. This is when you panic.

Hair comes out in the shower, on your pillow, all over your clothes, in handfuls when you brush. It's alarming. This is the peak period.

This is also when most women call their doctor or come to the salon in tears. Again: NORMAL.

Months 4-6 Postpartum

What's happening: Shedding slows down gradually.

You'll still lose more hair than pre-pregnancy, but it's decreasing. You might start seeing short "baby hairs" growing in around your hairline—this is regrowth starting.

Months 6-12 Postpartum

What's happening: Return to normalcy.

Shedding should be back to pre-pregnancy levels. New growth becomes more visible (often creating a "halo" of short hairs around your face).

Your hair might feel thinner than before pregnancy, but that's because you're comparing to pregnancy thickness (which wasn't normal—it was a bonus).

12-18 Months Postpartum

What's happening: Full recovery (usually).

Hair should be back to pre-pregnancy density and quality. If it's not, talk to your doctor—there may be other factors (thyroid, nutritional deficiencies, etc.).

What Actually Helps (And What Doesn't)

Let's be honest: nothing will STOP postpartum hair loss. It's hormonal and has to run its course. But some things can support healthy regrowth and minimize breakage.

✓ Things That Actually Help

Gentle Hair Handling

You're going to lose the hair that's meant to shed regardless, but aggressive brushing/styling causes ADDITIONAL breakage.

  • • Use wide-tooth comb on wet hair (never brush)
  • • Minimize heat styling
  • • Loose hairstyles (tight ponytails cause traction alopecia)
  • • Silk or satin pillowcase (reduces friction)

Nutritional Support

Hair needs protein, iron, biotin, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. If you're breastfeeding, you're likely depleted.

  • • Continue prenatal vitamins (or postnatal formulas)
  • • Iron supplements IF your levels are low (get tested first)
  • • Protein-rich diet (your body prioritizes baby nutrition over hair)
  • • Omega-3 supplements (support scalp health)

Scalp Care

Healthy scalp = healthier regrowth when the time comes.

  • • Scalp massages (increases blood flow, feels good)
  • • Sulfate-free shampoo (less stripping)
  • • Deep conditioning 1x/week
  • • Don't wash daily (natural oils protect hair)

Treatments Worth Considering

  • • Minoxidil (Rogaine): Can stimulate regrowth BUT check with doctor if breastfeeding
  • • Professional scalp treatments: Nourishing, relaxing, supportive (not miracle workers)
  • • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Expensive ($500-800/session) but some evidence it helps
  • • Low-level laser therapy: Mixed evidence, expensive, time-consuming

✗ Things That Don't Help (Save Your Money)

❌ "Hair Growth" Shampoos

They won't hurt, but they won't stop postpartum shedding. Some contain biotin or caffeine—fine, but not game-changers.

❌ Excessive Supplements

More isn't better. Mega-dosing biotin won't speed recovery and can interfere with lab tests.

❌ Oils/Masks Claiming to Stop Shedding

They condition your hair, which is good. But they don't alter your hormonal cycle.

❌ Stress About It

Ironically, stress makes hair loss worse. This is a time for self-compassion, not panic.

Hairstyles That Help During Postpartum Shedding

A strategic haircut can make thinning less noticeable and reduce breakage. Here's what we recommend:

The Postpartum Bob

Why it works: Shorter hair has less weight, so it looks fuller. Plus, removing damaged ends improves overall appearance.

  • • Length: Shoulder-length or slightly shorter
  • • Layers: Subtle internal layering (not too choppy)
  • • Bonus: Easier to manage with a newborn (huge factor)

Strategic Layers

Why it works: Creates volume illusion without sacrificing length.

  • • Placement: Crown and top layers (where thinning is most visible)
  • • Avoid: Heavy thinning or razoring (makes fine hair look thinner)
  • • Works best: On naturally wavy or curly hair

Bangs (Strategic Distraction)

Why it works: Covers receding hairline, adds volume at crown, draws eye forward.

  • • Best type: Curtain bangs or side-swept (easier maintenance)
  • • Avoid: Heavy, blunt bangs (show every bit of thinning)
  • • Reality check: Bangs require daily styling—consider your bandwidth

The Pixie (For the Bold)

Why it works: Ultimate volume, minimal styling, looks intentionally short (not thin).

  • • Pros: 5-minute morning routine, looks thick even if thinning
  • • Cons: Big commitment, frequent trims needed, not for everyone
  • • Consider if: You're exhausted and want zero hair maintenance

What to Avoid

  • • Very long hair (emphasizes thinness)
  • • All one length (no movement or volume)
  • • Heavy, blunt cuts (make thinning more obvious)
  • • Extreme changes you'll regret (give yourself grace—this is temporary)

When to See a Doctor

Postpartum hair loss is normal. But sometimes it's a sign of something else. See your doctor if:

🚨 Hair loss starts immediately after birth

True postpartum shedding starts around 3 months. Earlier loss might indicate other issues.

🚨 Shedding continues past 12 months

Could be thyroid issues (common postpartum), nutritional deficiencies, or other hormonal problems.

🚨 Bald patches or uneven loss

Postpartum shedding is diffuse (all over). Patches suggest alopecia areata or other conditions.

🚨 Accompanied by other symptoms

Fatigue, weight changes, mood changes, skin changes—could indicate thyroid dysfunction.

🚨 Scalp irritation, pain, or inflammation

Not typical of postpartum shedding. Could be infection or inflammatory condition.

Tests your doctor might run:

  • • Thyroid panel (TSH, T3, T4)
  • • Iron levels (ferritin, hemoglobin)
  • • Vitamin D, B12
  • • Hormone levels

How We Help at Chris David Salon

We've worked with countless new mothers through postpartum hair loss. Here's our approach:

Compassionate Consultation

We listen. We validate. We explain what's happening and why. No judgment, no pressure to buy products you don't need.

Strategic Cuts

We recommend cuts that maximize fullness and minimize styling time. You have a baby—you don't need a high-maintenance haircut.

Realistic Expectations

We won't sell you miracle treatments. We'll tell you what's normal, what helps, and what's marketing.

Follow-Up Care

As your hair recovers, we adjust your cut to accommodate new growth and changing needs.

At Chris David Salon (4.9★, 140+ reviews, 403 E Atlantic Ave), we understand that postpartum is hard enough without adding hair stress. Larger salons like Rové (5.0★, 1500+ reviews) and Salon Sora (4.9★, 400+ reviews) are excellent, but we offer something different: time, empathy, and expertise in helping women through this specific phase.

New moms: mention postpartum hair loss when booking and we'll schedule extra consultation time at no charge.

Final Words of Encouragement

I know right now it feels like your hair will never be the same. You're looking in the mirror at thinning patches, wondering if it'll grow back, feeling like one more thing about your body has changed without your permission.

Here's what I can tell you after helping hundreds of women through this: it grows back. Maybe not exactly the same—you might have more gray, or different texture, or slightly less density than before. But it grows back.

Give yourself grace. You grew a human. Your body is recovering from that. Hair loss is the least impressive thing your body has done recently.

You're not alone in this.

Almost every woman who gives birth experiences some degree of postpartum hair loss. It's common, it's temporary, and it doesn't mean something is wrong. Be patient with your body. It's doing its best.

Need Support or a Strategic Haircut?

Book a consultation. We'll help you through this phase with compassion and expertise.

Call (561) 299-0950 Book Online

📍 403 E Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483
⭐ 4.9 stars • Supporting new moms with compassion since 2010