Bringing a new baby into the world is an extraordinary journey—one filled with love, change, and no small amount of adjustment. Amidst the sleepless nights and new routines, many women notice something unexpected: their hair seems to be shedding far more than usual. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Postpartum hair loss is extremely common, but it can still feel worrying when you see more strands than usual on your brush or pillow.
The good news? This type of hair loss is temporary. With the right care, your hair will recover. Let’s explore why it happens, when to expect it, and how to support your scalp and hair health during this stage.
Why Does Postpartum Hair Loss Happen?
During pregnancy, higher levels of oestrogen help keep your hair in the “growth phase” (known as anagen) for longer than usual. This is why so many women notice thicker, fuller hair while expecting.
After birth, hormone levels naturally drop back down. As a result, all those extra hairs that were being held in the growth phase begin to shift into the “shedding phase” (telogen). What looks and feels like sudden hair loss is actually your hair cycle catching up with itself.
When Does It Start—and How Long Does It Last?
Postpartum shedding typically begins around 3–4 months after giving birth. For some women, it can start a little earlier or later. The shedding may feel dramatic at first, but it usually peaks between 4–6 months postpartum.
The reassuring truth is that this phase doesn’t last forever. By 12 months after birth, most women find their hair cycle has returned to normal, and regrowth is visible around the hairline and parting.
Is It Permanent Hair Loss?
No—it’s not permanent. Postpartum hair loss is a temporary shedding phase caused by hormonal changes, not a condition that damages your hair follicles. Once your body rebalances, your hair cycle continues as it did before. New hair growth can sometimes look finer or softer at first, especially around the temples, but it thickens and strengthens over time.
How to Support Your Hair and Scalp During This Time
While you can’t stop postpartum shedding altogether, you can support your scalp and hair health to encourage strong regrowth and keep your strands in their best possible condition:
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Nourish from within – A balanced diet is key, and some new mothers find it hard to get everything they need during this busy stage of life. A supplement such as my Laura Simmons Biotin Gummies can help support healthy hair by providing essential vitamins like biotin, vitamin C, and vitamin E—all nutrients recognised for their role in maintaining normal hair health.
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Choose gentle, scalp-kind care – Your scalp health is the foundation for healthy hair. Opt for products that cleanse without stripping and condition without heaviness. My Sandalwood Shampoo and Conditioner are crafted with naturally derived ingredients, including aloe vera, argan oil, lavender, and sandalwood. These help hydrate the scalp, strengthen strands, and leave hair soft and manageable.
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Be kind to your hair – Avoid excessive heat styling where possible, and use a lightweight heat protection serum if you do style. The Laura Simmons Lightweight Thermal Defence Serum helps shield hair from heat, UV, and pollution while adding smoothness.
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Patience is part of the process – Regrowth takes time. Those shorter, baby-like hairs around your hairline are a sign of recovery, not damage.
A Final Reassurance
If you’re experiencing postpartum hair loss, know that you’re not alone—and most importantly, it’s temporary. Your body has been through an incredible transformation, and with a little patience, nourishment, and gentle care, your hair will return to its natural rhythm.
Taking care of your scalp and hair during this stage isn’t about vanity—it’s about self-care. When you feel more like yourself, even in small ways, it can have a powerful effect on your confidence during this new chapter of life.