Hair fall after having a baby: a gentle routine for new mothers
Heavy hair fall three to four months after delivery is normal and temporary. Why it happens, how long it lasts, and a low-effort routine around a newborn.
By the Saba Naturals team. Updated . 5 min read.
Your hair probably looked its best during pregnancy. Then, somewhere around the third or fourth month after delivery, it started coming out in alarming amounts: on the pillow, in the shower, wrapped around the baby's fingers. This is postpartum hair fall, and almost every mother goes through it.
Why it happens
During pregnancy, high oestrogen keeps hair in its growing phase for longer than usual, so you shed less and hair looks thicker. After delivery, hormones drop and all that "extra" hair enters the resting phase together. Two to four months later it sheds together too. You are not losing hair you would have kept; you are losing hair you would normally have shed over the past nine months.
How long it lasts
Shedding usually peaks around month four and settles by month six to nine. Hair is back to its normal thickness by the baby's first birthday for most mothers. Breastfeeding does not cause hair fall, though tiredness and a poor diet during breastfeeding can slow recovery.
A routine that fits around a newborn
You do not have time for an elaborate routine, so this one is short:
- One oiling a week, while the baby naps. Warm a little PureRoots Coconut Herbal Oil, massage it in for five minutes, tie your hair in a loose plait and leave it for an hour or two. Amla, bhringraj and methi are the traditional herbs for recovering hair.
- Wash with a gentle shampoo. PureRoots Herbal Shampoo washes the oil out in one or two lathers without drying your hair further.
- Loose styles only. Tight buns for feeding and sleeping pull on an already shedding hairline. A loose plait or soft scrunchie.
- Eat for two, still. Protein, iron, calcium, water. Many mothers in Pakistan are low on iron after delivery; ask your doctor about a blood test and supplements, especially if you are breastfeeding.
- Don't panic-cut. A shorter cut can make hair feel fuller while it recovers, but don't make a big decision in month four when shedding is at its worst.
Is it safe to oil while breastfeeding?
Yes. Hair oil stays on your scalp and hair; just wash your hands before feeding and keep the baby's face away from freshly oiled hair. If your doctor has you on any treatment for the scalp, ask them first.
When to see a doctor
If shedding is still heavy after a year, if you see patches, or if you feel exhausted, cold and low, ask your doctor to check your thyroid and iron. Both commonly dip after delivery and both are easily treated.
Common questions
When does postpartum hair fall stop?
It usually peaks around four months after delivery and settles by six to nine months. Thickness is typically back to normal within a year.
Can I oil my hair while breastfeeding?
Yes. Oil stays on your own scalp and hair. Wash your hands before feeding and keep freshly oiled hair away from the baby's face.
This guide is general information about hair care, not medical advice. For sudden, heavy or patchy hair loss, or a scalp that is red, sore or not improving, please see a dermatologist.