Postpartum Hair Loss
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN
Content reviewed against published ACOG, NIH, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with postpartum hair loss, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Postpartum hair loss, medically known as telogen effluvium, affects up to 50% of women and typically begins around two to four months after delivery. During pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels keep hair in its growth phase longer than usual, and after birth, the drop in hormones causes all that "extra" hair to shed at once. This is temporary, and hair usually returns to its normal fullness by your baby's first birthday.
Key takeaways
- Postpartum hair loss, medically known as telogen effluvium, affects up to 50% of women and typically begins around two to four months after delivery. During pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels keep hair in its growth phase longer than usual, and after birth, the drop in hormones causes all that "extra" hair to shed at once. This is temporary, and hair usually returns to its normal fullness by your baby's first birthday.
- Usually normal when: Increased hair shedding beginning two to four months after delivery
- Call your doctor if: You develop sudden, patchy hair loss with red or scaly scalp, which could indicate a different condition requiring treatment
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to ACOG, NIH, AAP guidelines, postpartum hair loss, medically known as telogen effluvium, affects up to 50% of women and typically begins around two to four months after delivery. During pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels keep hair in its growth phase longer than usual, and after birth, the drop in hormones causes all that "extra" hair to shed at once. This is temporary, and hair usually returns to its normal fullness by your baby's first birthday. At 0-2 weeks postpartum, hair loss has usually not yet started at this stage. Your hair may still look and feel thick from the pregnancy growth phase. The hormonal shift that triggers shedding is underway, but the visible effects typically take a couple of months to appear. It is generally considered normal when increased hair shedding beginning two to four months after delivery. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if you develop sudden, patchy hair loss with red or scaly scalp, which could indicate a different condition requiring treatment.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-2 weeks postpartum
Hair loss has usually not yet started at this stage. Your hair may still look and feel thick from the pregnancy growth phase. The hormonal shift that triggers shedding is underway, but the visible effects typically take a couple of months to appear.
2-6 weeks postpartum
Some women begin to notice increased hair shedding toward the end of this period, though for many it has not started yet. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins supports overall hair health. There is no way to prevent this shedding, as it is a normal physiological process.
6-12 weeks postpartum
This is when many women first notice significant hair shedding. You may find large amounts of hair on your pillow, in the shower drain, or in your hairbrush. While alarming, this is the peak shedding period and it is completely normal. The hair you are losing is the "extra" hair that was retained during pregnancy.
3-6 months postpartum
Hair shedding typically peaks around three to four months postpartum and then gradually slows. You may notice thinner areas, particularly around the temples and hairline. New baby hairs should start growing in, which you may notice as short, fine hairs along your hairline. Gentle hair care and avoiding tight hairstyles can help minimize breakage.
6-12 months postpartum
For most women, the excessive shedding has stopped by six to nine months postpartum, and the new growth is filling in. Your hair should be returning to its pre-pregnancy thickness and cycle. If shedding continues beyond 12 months or you notice patchy bald spots rather than overall thinning, consult your provider, as thyroid disorders or nutritional deficiencies may need to be ruled out.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed postpartum hair loss and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if hair shedding continues heavily beyond 12 months postpartum.
- Mention if you notice distinct bald patches rather than general thinning.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Increased hair shedding beginning two to four months after delivery
- Finding larger-than-usual amounts of hair in your brush, shower, or on your pillow
- Overall thinning rather than patchy bald spots
- Gradual slowing of shedding and new hair growth appearing by six to nine months
- Hair shedding continues heavily beyond 12 months postpartum
- You notice distinct bald patches rather than general thinning
- You are experiencing other symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, or feeling cold, which could suggest a thyroid issue
- The shedding feels excessive and is significantly affecting your emotional well-being
- You develop sudden, patchy hair loss with red or scaly scalp, which could indicate a different condition requiring treatment
- You have significant hair loss accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as rapid weight loss, heart palpitations, or extreme fatigue
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice postpartum hair loss — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that increased hair shedding beginning two to four months after delivery — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-2 weeks postpartum, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if you develop sudden, patchy hair loss with red or scaly scalp, which could indicate a different condition requiring treatment.
Related Resources
Postpartum Recovery Guide
Week-by-week postpartum recovery timeline and warning signs.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is postpartum hair loss normal?
When should I call the doctor about postpartum hair loss?
When is postpartum hair loss normal?
What causes postpartum hair loss?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about postpartum hair loss?
Is postpartum hair loss normal at 0-2 weeks postpartum?
Is postpartum hair loss normal at 2-6 weeks postpartum?
Should I go to the ER for postpartum hair loss?
Does postpartum hair loss go away on its own?
References
- [1]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Skin Conditions During Pregnancy. ACOG FAQ, 2022. ACOG
- [2]Hughes EC, Saleh D. Telogen Effluvium. StatPearls, National Library of Medicine, 2023. NIH
- [3]American Academy of Pediatrics. Your Body After Baby: The First 6 Weeks. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Postpartum Hair Loss.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed postpartum hair loss and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if hair shedding continues heavily beyond 12 months postpartum.
- Mention if you notice distinct bald patches rather than general thinning.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Hair shedding continues heavily beyond 12 months postpartum
- You notice distinct bald patches rather than general thinning
- You are experiencing other symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, or feeling cold, which could suggest a thyroid issue
Urgent signs to report immediately
- You develop sudden, patchy hair loss with red or scaly scalp, which could indicate a different condition requiring treatment
- You have significant hair loss accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as rapid weight loss, heart palpitations, or extreme fatigue
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of postpartum hair loss are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if you develop sudden, patchy hair loss with red or scaly scalp, which could indicate a different condition requiring treatment.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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