Managing Postpartum Hair Loss: What Can You Do?
Oh my goodness!! No-one told me about postpartum hair loss! What on earth is this?!
If you're noticing more hair in the shower drain or on your brush, you're not alone. The good news? Postpartum hair loss is temporary, and while we can’t stop it entirely, there are steps you can take to support your hair’s regrowth and care for your scalp and overall health during this time.
I’ll outline a few things I learnt and had success with. As with everything, it takes time (I know, I wanted results instantly too), but your body has been through incredible transformation and this is just one of those things that, unfortunately, needs time to rebuild and regenerate. Anyway, this is what I found to be helpful…
1. Be Gentle With Your Hair
Since your hair is shedding naturally, avoid anything that causes additional stress to the hair shaft:
Use a wide-tooth comb to reduce breakage
Avoid excessive heat styling (limit straighteners, curling irons, and blow-drying)
Skip tight ponytails or buns that pull on the scalp
Choose a silk pillowcase to reduce friction while sleeping
2. Nourish Your Body and Scalp
Hair health starts from within, and eating a nutrient-dense diet can support hair regrowth:
Protein – Eggs, lean meats, fish, lentils, and nuts help build strong hair.
Iron – Low iron levels can contribute to hair loss, so include spinach, red meat, and fortified cereals.
Vitamin D & Omega-3s – Found in salmon, eggs, and nuts, these help with hair strength and scalp health.
Biotin & Collagen – Found in bone broth, nuts, and supplements, these can support hair growth.
Hydration – Drinking enough water keeps your scalp healthy and hair hydrated.
If you’re feeling extra depleted postpartum, consider asking your doctor about checking your iron, thyroid, or other key nutrients, as deficiencies can make hair loss worse.
3. Choose a Hair-Friendly Shampoo and Treatment
Look for gentle, volumizing shampoos that won’t weigh your hair down. Avoid sulfates and harsh chemicals, and opt for products with keratin, biotin, or caffeine, which can help strengthen strands.
4. Consider a Haircut or Style Change
Sometimes, a fresh haircut can make a huge difference in how postpartum hair loss looks and feels.
Shorter layers or a textured cut can add volume and help blend thinner areas.
If hair thinning is noticeable at the hairline, soft bangs or side-swept styles can help conceal it.
Talk to your hairdresser about styles that work best with your current hair thickness.
5. Give Yourself Grace
It’s easy to feel self-conscious when your hair isn’t what it used to be, but remember that this phase is temporary. The stress of worrying about hair loss can actually make it worse, so try to be patient with yourself.
Focus on what your body has done rather than what it’s “losing.”
This is just another transition in motherhood—your body is still healing, and you are still beautiful.
If postpartum hair loss is severely affecting your confidence or mental health, consider speaking with a doctor, dermatologist, or therapist for extra support.
You’re Not Alone in This
Postpartum hair loss can feel like one more thing being taken from you in a time when you’re already adjusting to so much. You’re not alone, and this phase will pass.
Your hair will return.
In the meantime, give yourself the same kindness you would give a friend. You are so much more than your hair—your strength, your love, and your journey in motherhood are what truly define you.
Have you experienced postpartum hair loss? What helped you navigate it? 💛
Sending love,
Bel x
