Hair Loss After Pregnancy: Causes, Recovery and What You Can Do

Updated 2025  ·  Anagen Scalp  ·  8 min read

Why Hair Loss After Pregnancy Happens

Hair loss after pregnancy is primarily driven by the rapid drop in oestrogen that occurs after delivery. During pregnancy, elevated oestrogen keeps follicles locked in the growth phase (anagen). Once oestrogen falls post-delivery, those follicles simultaneously shift into the resting and shedding phase (telogen), resulting in the diffuse, high-volume shedding that typically appears 6–12 weeks after birth.

Several additional factors can worsen or prolong it:

•      Iron and ferritin deficiency, extremely common postpartum due to blood loss during delivery

•      Thyroid changes — postpartum thyroiditis affects up to 10% of women and disrupts the hair growth cycle

•      Sleep deprivation and chronic stress, which elevate cortisol and push additional follicles into the shedding phase

•      Breastfeeding, which keeps oestrogen suppressed and prolongs the hormonal recovery period

•      Nutritional gaps in protein, zinc, and vitamin D — all critical for hair follicle function

According to the NHS, hair loss after pregnancy typically peaks around 3–6 months postpartum and resolves naturally within a year for most women.

How to Tell If It’s Normal or Something More

•      Shedding that does not improve after 12 months postpartum

•      A widening parting or visible thinning at the crown, rather than diffuse all-over shedding

•      Patchy or localised bald spots

•      Scalp symptoms such as itching, redness, or soreness

•      Shedding accompanied by fatigue, weight changes, or temperature sensitivity (possible thyroid issue)

If any of these apply, read our guide on hormonal hair loss treatment for women in Singapore.

What You Can Do: A Practical Recovery Plan

1. Check your nutrition first

Get a blood test to check ferritin, thyroid function (TSH, T3, T4), vitamin D, and zinc. Low ferritin in particular is one of the most common and easily correctable causes of prolonged postpartum shedding. Read about how diet affects hair growth.

2. Support your scalp with the right products

Avoid harsh cleansers, tight hairstyles, and heat styling during recovery. Anagen’s Relief Shampoo is gentle enough for sensitive postpartum scalps and supports the barrier health needed for healthy regrowth.

3. Be patient with the timeline

Most women see shedding slow down by months 6–8 and noticeable regrowth by month 9–12. For a full breakdown, read our guide on postpartum hair loss: when it starts and how long it lasts.

4. Consider professional treatment for faster recovery

Anagen’s Post Partum Plasma Boost is a targeted regenerative treatment designed specifically for postpartum hair recovery. It reactivates dormant follicles, improves scalp microcirculation, and supports the hormonal transition back to the anagen phase.

Professional Treatment Options