Increased shedding often begins a few months after childbirth. More hair appears on the brush or in the drain than usual. For most women, this is a temporary change linked to the hair cycle.
Shedding commonly peaks around four months after delivery, then gradually eases. Most women regain their usual fullness by their child’s first birthday. If recovery is not happening, another cause may also need checking.
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Telogen effluvium. Photos taken after 12 weeks of use: Serum daily, Mask 3x/week. Results are individual and depend on the cause of the hair loss.1 of 12
Why hair sheds after childbirth
Each hair grows for a period, enters a resting phase and is eventually shed. The follicle remains in the skin and can produce another hair. Normally, follicles follow different schedules, so only some hairs are shed at a time.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes keep more hairs in the growth phase. Hair may look fuller. After delivery, hormone levels change and a larger group of hairs moves into the resting phase around the same time.
Those hairs do not fall out immediately. They remain on the scalp for weeks before shedding. This delay explains why the change becomes visible months after the birth. The process is called postpartum telogen effluvium and usually does not destroy follicles.
The usual timeline
| Time after delivery | What you may notice |
|---|---|
| First weeks | Hair may look much as it did during pregnancy |
| Around two to four months | More shedding during washing and brushing |
| Around four months | Shedding often reaches its peak |
| Following months | Shedding eases and short regrowing hairs appear |
| By the first birthday | Most women regain their usual fullness |
This is an approximate course, not a deadline. Shedding can settle before the hairstyle looks fuller. New hairs need time to grow, at an average of roughly one centimetre a month.
Short hairs near the forehead may be regrowth, but some may be broken. Their appearance and progress over time help distinguish the two.
When to seek an assessment
Do not attribute every change to childbirth. Consult a dermatologist if you notice smooth bald patches, a clearly widening part, eyebrow or eyelash loss, pain, marked redness or scaling.
Shedding that began during pregnancy, major weakness or an unexplained weight change also deserves discussion. Seek advice if normal fullness has not returned by the child’s first birthday. You do not need to wait a year if the symptoms or anxiety are troubling you.
Iron deficiency, thyroid problems or another form of hair loss can occur after delivery. Illness, stress and restrictive eating may also contribute. A clinician chooses tests from the history and symptoms rather than ordering the same panel for everyone.
Are ferritin and thyroid tests needed?
They may be, but shedding alone does not determine the full testing plan. Blood loss during delivery, previous anaemia, diet and other symptoms matter.
Ferritin helps assess iron stores. A normal blood count does not always exclude iron deficiency. There is also no single ferritin level that guarantees hair regrowth. Results need interpretation alongside other findings.
Research on iron and different hair-loss conditions is mixed. It does not show that supplements stop all postpartum shedding. A confirmed deficiency still needs treatment for health reasons. Do not take iron simply as a precaution.
Caring for your hair
Eat regularly and avoid rapid, restrictive weight loss. Inadequate energy or protein intake can add to shedding. Discuss weight-loss plans and supplements with a qualified clinician or dietitian, particularly while breastfeeding.
Wash according to scalp needs. Less frequent washing does not stop the process; it may leave more loose hairs to appear at the next wash. Use a well-tolerated shampoo and comfortable water temperature. See our washing guide.
Reduce breakage with gentle detangling, conditioner when useful and loose hairstyles. Avoid rubbing wet hair hard with a towel. Scalp scrubs and massage are not required steps.
Introduce new cosmetics one at a time. If a product causes itching or burning, stop using it. Several new products make it harder to identify the cause of irritation.
Can a serum or mask stop the shedding?
Cosmetics have not been established as a way to shorten postpartum telogen effluvium. A serum or mask can provide care, but it should not be expected to reverse the underlying hormonal change.
Our products contain liposomal colostrum. Research on a carrier or colostrum proteins does not establish the finished cosmetic’s effectiveness in women after childbirth. The colostrum research review explains these limits.
During breastfeeding, check the ingredients and product-specific advice. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if the information is unclear. This is especially important for medicines, including minoxidil.
Common questions
Does breastfeeding cause the shedding?
It is not considered the main cause of typical postpartum shedding. Stopping breastfeeding is not a hair-loss treatment. Discuss possible deficiencies or inadequate food intake with a qualified professional.
Should I count every shed hair?
No. The result depends on washing, brushing and collection methods. The start date, symptoms and comparable photographs are usually more useful.
Can hair grow while other hairs are still shedding?
Yes. Some follicles can begin producing new hairs while others are completing their previous cycle. Regrowth does not have to wait for all shedding to stop.
Who can assess the problem?
A dermatologist diagnoses hair and scalp conditions and recommends treatment. A trichologist who is not a medical doctor can help with care and documentation but does not replace medical diagnosis.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology, Hair loss in new moms.
- Malkud, Telogen Effluvium: A Review, 2015: PMC.
- Postpartum shedding and associated factors, 2023: PMC.
- Postpartum shedding and coexisting hair disorders, 2024: PMC.
- Kantor et al., ferritin and hair-loss conditions, 2003: DOI.
- Olsen et al., iron deficiency in women with hair loss, 2010: DOI.
Educational material. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace consultation with a dermatologist or trichologist. Trichovita is a cosmetic care product - not a medicinal product and not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have a diagnosed scalp condition or persistent hair problems, please consult a specialist.
About the author
Marta Szejnoga
Trichologist
Specialist with years of experience in trichology and scalp care.
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