Noticing more hair than usual in the shower, on your pillow or wrapped around your hairbrush after having a baby?

You're far from alone.

Postpartum hair loss is a common type of temporary hair shedding that can happen in the months after giving birth.

It can feel alarming — particularly when hair seems to come out in handfuls — but in many cases, postpartum shedding improves as your natural hair growth cycle returns to normal.

So, why does it happen, how long does postpartum hair loss last, and what can you actually do about it?

Quick answer: What helps postpartum hair loss?

Postpartum hair loss is usually linked to hormonal changes after pregnancy and often begins a few months after giving birth.

For most women, the focus should be on supporting the hair and scalp while the natural growth cycle recovers, rather than looking for an overnight cure.

A sensible postpartum hair routine can include:

• eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• treating fragile hair gently
• reducing unnecessary heat and tension
• keeping the scalp healthy
• using haircare designed to reduce breakage and improve the appearance of thinning hair
• speaking to a healthcare professional if shedding is severe, prolonged or accompanied by other symptoms

Regrowz offers a plant-based, Ayurvedic-inspired and doctor-formulated approach for people concerned about shedding, breakage and reduced hair density.

What is postpartum hair loss?

Postpartum hair loss is excessive shedding that can occur after having a baby.

It is often a form of telogen effluvium — temporary shedding caused by a disruption to the normal hair growth cycle.

To understand why this happens, it helps to understand what pregnancy does to your hair.

Hair follicles naturally move through different stages, including a growth phase and a resting/shedding phase.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause more hairs to remain in their growth phase for longer. This is one reason some women notice that their hair feels particularly thick or full during pregnancy.

After giving birth, hormone levels change again.

More hairs can then move into the shedding stage around the same time.

The result?

A sudden increase in the amount of hair you notice falling out.

When does postpartum hair loss start?

Postpartum shedding doesn't necessarily begin immediately after giving birth.

It often becomes noticeable a few months later.

This delay happens because hairs entering the resting phase don't immediately fall out.

So if your baby is a few months old and you've suddenly started noticing much more hair in the shower, it may be connected to postpartum changes rather than something you've recently done to your hair.

What does postpartum hair loss look like?

It can look different from person to person.

You may notice:

• significantly more hair in the shower
• hair collecting in your brush
• increased shedding when washing your hair
• reduced overall volume
• thinner-looking areas around the hairline
• shorter hairs around the temples as new growth eventually appears

Because many hairs can shed within a similar period, the change can sometimes look dramatic.

However, postpartum shedding is different from permanently losing every follicle that sheds.

How long does postpartum hair loss last?

There isn't one exact timeline for everyone.

Hair grows slowly, so both shedding and recovery can take months.

Once the trigger has passed, new hairs can begin growing from the affected follicles. However, it takes time for those new hairs to become long enough to noticeably contribute to your overall hair density.

This is why postpartum hair recovery should be viewed over months rather than weeks.

Does postpartum hair grow back?

In many cases, yes.

Postpartum telogen effluvium is generally temporary.

The hair follicles haven't necessarily stopped functioning. Instead, a larger-than-normal number of hairs have moved through the hair cycle at approximately the same time.

As the cycle begins to normalise, new growth can gradually replace the hair that was shed.

Those little short hairs appearing around your hairline months later?

They may actually be new growth.

Can you stop postpartum hair loss?

You generally can't completely prevent normal hormone-related postpartum shedding.

And that's an important distinction.

A shampoo, oil or supplement shouldn't be presented as something that can simply switch off the hormonal changes happening after pregnancy.

Instead, the aim should be to support your hair while it moves through this temporary period.

That means caring for the scalp, minimising unnecessary breakage, maintaining good nutrition and helping the hair you have remain strong and healthy-looking.

What can help with postpartum hair loss?

1. Be gentler with your hair

Postpartum hair can already feel thinner, so excessive breakage can make the overall loss of density appear worse.

Try to avoid:

• extremely tight ponytails and buns
• aggressive brushing
• excessive straightening or curling
• very high heat
• pulling through knots
• unnecessary chemical processing

When detangling, work gently from the ends upwards rather than pulling from the roots.

2. Don't stop washing your hair because you're scared of shedding

Seeing hair collect in the shower can be frightening.

But washing your hair isn't necessarily causing those hairs to shed.

Many of the hairs you see during washing have already entered the shedding stage and are simply being released.

Keeping the scalp properly cleansed remains an important part of maintaining healthy hair.

3. Choose a gentle shampoo for thinning hair

A shampoo cannot reverse the hormonal changes responsible for postpartum shedding.

However, the right shampoo can support the scalp, help minimise breakage and leave existing hair looking thicker and fuller.

The Regrowz Miracle Hair Thickening Shampoo is a plant-based, Ayurvedic-inspired and doctor-formulated shampoo developed for hair affected by thinning, shedding and reduced density.

It is designed to support stronger, fuller-looking hair while gently cleansing the scalp.

4. Pay attention to your nutrition

Pregnancy, birth and the months caring for a newborn place significant demands on the body.

Nutrition therefore matters.

Hair requires adequate nutrients to grow normally, and deficiencies can contribute to increased shedding.

Rather than taking random high-dose hair vitamins, focus first on maintaining a balanced diet.

If you're concerned about a deficiency — particularly if you're experiencing other symptoms — speak to your GP or another healthcare professional.

5. Consider nutritional support carefully

A hair supplement can be used to complement a balanced diet, but postpartum supplements deserve additional consideration.

The Regrowz Hair Growth Supplement contains plant-based ingredients and nutrients including biotin, vitamin D, pumpkin seed, saw palmetto, ashwagandha and turmeric.

Because the postpartum period is individual — and particularly if you are breastfeeding or taking medication — speak to your healthcare professional before introducing a new supplement.

6. Give your hair time

This may be the hardest part.

Hair growth is slow.

Constantly changing shampoos, supplements and treatments every few weeks makes it difficult to know whether anything is helping.

Instead, establish a gentle routine and track your hair over several months.

A simple postpartum hair routine

You don't need a complicated 10-step routine.

Step 1: Wash your scalp regularly

Use a gentle shampoo appropriate for your hair and scalp.

The Regrowz Miracle Hair Thickening Shampoo can be incorporated into a routine for hair affected by shedding and reduced density.

Massage gently using your fingertips rather than scratching the scalp.

Step 2: Condition your lengths

Use conditioner to keep your lengths hydrated and easier to detangle.

The goal is to minimise avoidable breakage while your hair is recovering.

Step 3: Detangle carefully

Avoid aggressively brushing wet hair.

Use a wide-tooth comb or gentle brush and work through knots gradually.

Step 4: Support your nutrition

Prioritise a varied, balanced diet.

If you're considering the Regrowz Hair Growth Supplement, particularly while breastfeeding, speak to your healthcare professional first.

Step 5: Track your recovery monthly — not daily

Take a photograph of your hairline and parting once a month.

Try to keep the:

• lighting
• hairstyle
• angle
• camera distance

the same.

This makes it much easier to notice gradual changes than checking your hairline in the mirror every day.

What is the best shampoo for postpartum hair loss?

There isn't a shampoo that can instantly stop hormone-related postpartum shedding.

Instead, look for a shampoo that:

• cleanses without unnecessarily stripping the hair
• supports a healthy scalp
• is suitable for regular use
• helps reduce breakage
• leaves thinning hair looking fuller

For women looking for a plant-based option in the UK, Regrowz Miracle Hair Thickening Shampoo combines Ayurvedic-inspired botanicals within a doctor-formulated haircare approach designed for thinning and shedding hair.

Is Regrowz suitable for postpartum hair?

Regrowz products are designed for people experiencing concerns including thinning, shedding, breakage and reduced density.

The Regrowz approach combines plant-based ingredients, Ayurvedic inspiration and doctor-formulated haircare.

For postpartum hair, the focus isn't on claiming to change the hormonal process occurring after birth.

Instead, Regrowz can form part of a supportive routine focused on:

Scalp care
Keeping the scalp properly cleansed and cared for.

Stronger-looking hair
Supporting hair condition while reducing avoidable breakage.

Fuller-looking hair
Helping existing hair look healthier and more voluminous.

Nutritional support
Supporting normal hair health from within where appropriate.

Always check individual product guidance and speak to a healthcare professional before introducing supplements during pregnancy, breastfeeding or the postpartum period.

When should you speak to a doctor about postpartum hair loss?

Postpartum shedding can be normal, but not every case of hair loss after pregnancy should automatically be blamed on hormones.

Speak to your GP or another healthcare professional if:

• the shedding is severe or worrying you
• you're developing distinct bald patches
• your scalp is painful, inflamed or very itchy
• hair loss continues for an unusually long period
• you have other unexplained symptoms
• you think you may have a nutritional deficiency
• you're simply unsure whether what you're experiencing is normal postpartum shedding

Other conditions can cause or contribute to hair loss, so getting an appropriate assessment is worthwhile when something doesn't seem right.

Postpartum hair loss: frequently asked questions

Is postpartum hair loss normal?

Increased shedding after childbirth is common and is often caused by temporary changes to the hair growth cycle following pregnancy.

When does postpartum hair loss start?

It commonly becomes noticeable a few months after giving birth rather than immediately afterwards.

How long does postpartum hair loss last?

The timeline varies between individuals. Because hair cycles and grows slowly, both shedding and visible recovery can take several months.

Will my postpartum hair grow back?

Postpartum telogen effluvium is usually temporary, and new hair can grow as the hair cycle returns towards normal. Visible density can take time to recover because new hairs need time to grow longer.

Why is my postpartum hair loss so bad?

A large number of hairs can enter the shedding stage within a similar period after pregnancy, making the amount of hair loss appear dramatic. If your shedding seems unusually severe or you have other symptoms, speak to your GP.

Does washing your hair make postpartum hair loss worse?

Washing doesn't cause hormone-related postpartum shedding. Many hairs visible during washing have already entered the shedding stage.

Should I take hair vitamins for postpartum hair loss?

Supplements aren't a replacement for a balanced diet or treatment for an underlying deficiency. If you're postpartum or breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional before introducing a new supplement.

Can I use hair growth products while breastfeeding?

It depends on the individual product and its ingredients. Check the specific product guidance and speak to your GP, pharmacist, midwife or another appropriate healthcare professional if you're unsure.

What helps postpartum hair grow back?

Time is a major factor because the natural hair cycle needs to recover. A balanced diet, gentle haircare, avoiding excessive breakage and maintaining scalp health can support your hair during this period.

The bottom line

Postpartum hair loss can look dramatic, but in many cases it is a temporary response to the hormonal and physical changes surrounding pregnancy and childbirth.

You can't force the hair cycle to recover overnight.

Instead, focus on what you can control: eat well, care for your scalp, minimise breakage, treat your hair gently and give new growth time to appear.

For women looking for a plant-based approach to supporting thinning and shedding hair, Regrowz offers Ayurvedic-inspired, doctor-formulated haircare designed to support stronger, fuller and healthier-looking hair.

And if your shedding is severe, persistent, patchy or simply doesn't feel right, speak to a healthcare professional rather than assuming it's normal postpartum hair loss.