How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?

Discover why pregnancy hair loss is common for new mums and the difference between hair shedding vs hair loss when it comes to postpartum hair.

Firstly, congratulations Mama on the birth of your bundle of joy. We want you to know we LOVE you and you’re doing AMAZING! Our bodies go through many changes during motherhood and if you're experiencing pregnancy hair loss - you are not alone. The postpartum period involves you moving through many changes, both emotionally and physically. Are you wondering how long does postpartum hair loss last? And what can help during this new journey you’re on? Keep reading for our postpartum hair loss tips to help you rebuild your strength.

What is Postpartum Hair Loss?

Postpartum hair loss is termed Telogen effluvium and is caused by an increased number of hair follicles reaching the telogen phase, which is the stage where hair falls out. While you’re pregnant, you tend to have more anagen hairs (these are hairs in the growth phase). You also have a higher hair growth rate and diameter because of soaring estrogen levels.  

The hair growth cycle can be explained in three phases: 

The anagen – growing phase 

The catagen – the transition phase 

The telogen – the resting phase 

You might have noticed that a lot of pregnancy hair loss information focuses on the postpartum period because some women actually lose fewer hairs while pregnant. This is because rising estrogen levels slow down the natural cycle of hair follicle shedding. After pregnancy, however, changing hormone levels mean that hair enters the shedding phase (the telogen), which women typically start to notice at around three months postpartum.

Hair Shedding vs Hair Loss

Hair shedding is a part of the normal hair growth cycle and it’s thought that both men and women lose an average of around 50 to 100 hairs each day. Hair shedding is part of the natural balance where some hair falls out and others grow in. The interruption of this balance when hair loss happens.  

When considering hair shedding vs hair loss it’s important to understand that they are different. The medical term for hair loss is ‘alopecia’ and postpartum hair loss is considered as ‘excessive shedding’ because it's usually temporary and it will grow back. Telogen effluvium is a form of temporary hair loss that happens not only after giving birth but can occur after stress, a shock, or a traumatic event. It usually occurs on the top of the scalp but for new Mothers it's the front two sides.

How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?

The postpartum period begins after you have delivered your baby and ends when your body has begun to return to its pre-pregnant state. However, the main question on how long does postpartum hair loss last for changes from person to person. But... postpartum hair loss in women is completely normal and once your hormones level out you will begin to see a return in hair growth.

With telogen effluvium, it is common for hair to grow back within 3 to 6 months, which means you will begin to see noticeable change by your baby’s first birthday. Are there female hair loss treatments out there? The answer is YES. Pregnancy hair loss is only temporary and we recommend investing in a scalp serum to get vital nutrients to your scalp!

Our Hair Growth Serum Intense is the more concentrated version of Hair Growth Serum, with an extra 3% hit of caffeine, helping you to achieve visibly longer, thicker and stronger hair in as little as 4 weeks*. If you’re concerned about hair loss after pregnancy – this is the product for you.