Postpartum hair loss: does it grow back after pregnancy and nursing?

The Short Answer

Postpartum hair loss is usually temporary. After pregnancy, many people experience extra shedding as hormones settle back to their pre-pregnant levels. For most people, hair growth gradually resumes and regrowth happens within 6 to 12 months. While it can feel frightening or frustrating to see more hair in the shower or on your brush, this phase is typically a normal part of the body adjusting after childbirth—and there are real, practical steps you can take to support it.

If you’re noticing changes in your hair after welcoming a new baby, you’re not alone. It’s a common experience that many new parents navigate with patience and care.

Understanding Postpartum Hair Loss

Why it happens

During pregnancy, higher levels of estrogen can help hair stay in the growth phase longer, so many people notice fuller hair. After delivery, estrogen drops back down, hair follicles shift through cycles more quickly, and shedding can temporarily increase. Sleep disruption, stress, and changes in nutrition can also play a role. The good news is that, as hormones rebalance, hair tends to return to its typical growth cycle.

How long it lasts

• Peak shedding often occurs about 3 to 4 months after giving birth.
• Many people see gradual improvement over the next several months.
• Regrowth commonly resumes within 6 to 12 months, though timing can vary widely.

If you’re also dealing with other postpartum changes (sleep, mood, energy), it can feel overwhelming. You deserve support and answers. You don’t have to manage this alone—there are gentle, realistic paths forward.

For context on how researchers view hair growth and regrowth today, you can explore trusted resources like Mayo Clinic, AAD, and NIAMS linked below. And if you’re curious about how our solutions fit into a broader routine, see How It Works or our Pricing page when you’re ready to explore options.

What You Need to Know

Key concepts for expecting regrowth

• Postpartum shedding is usually a sign that your body is returning to its usual cycle, not a sign that something is permanently wrong.
• Hair regrowth is a gradual process; consistency with gentle care is more impactful than quick fixes.
• Some people notice temporary changes in hair texture or thickness as the new normal settles in.
• If shedding feels excessive or continues beyond 12–18 months, it’s a good idea to consult a clinician to rule out other causes.

Practical realities you can act on

• Gentle hair care matters: avoid tight hairstyles, minimize heat styling, and use a mild, nourishing shampoo.
• Scalp care helps: gentle massage, avoiding harsh chemical treatments, and keeping the scalp clean without over-washing.
• Nutrition and lifestyle support pace: balanced meals, adequate protein, iron, and vitamin D (if advised by your clinician) can support healthy hair cycles. Sleep and stress management also play a role in how you feel day-to-day.
• Patience with the process: hair growth cycles can take time; focusing on consistency rather than perfection helps reduce frustration.

If you’re curious about the science behind regrowth today, you’ll find practical insights in our broader discussions here: Science and How It Works.

If you’re also dealing with thinning in other areas or hormonal shifts, you might find this related read helpful: What causes hair thinning in women: hormones, symptoms, and fixes.

Action Steps

1) Base your routine on gentle care

• Use a wide-tooth comb and be gentle when detangling.
• Choose a mild, sulfate-free shampoo and a lightweight conditioner to support scalp health without weighing hair down.
• Limit heat styling and avoid hairstyles that pull on the hair shaft. If you notice breakage, switch to looser styles.
• Consider scalp massages a few minutes daily to promote circulation, if comfortable.

2) Support regrowth with nutrition and health checks

• Prioritize balanced meals with enough protein, iron-rich foods (or supplementation if prescribed), and vitamin D as advised by your healthcare provider.
• Hydration matters—both for you and your overall energy.
• Sleep and stress management aren’t flashy, but they can influence how you feel and how hair cycles progress.

3) Consider a thoughtful product approach

• Some people find that a gentle regrowth serum can be part of a calm, consistent routine. If you’re curious about options, including Bomi Hair Labs Hair Regrowth Serum, it can be one piece of a broader plan. It’s not a magic fix, but it can complement a gentle care routine.
• When choosing any product, look for non-irritating ingredients and avoid harsh additives that could irritate your scalp.
• Always patch-test new products and consult your clinician if you have sensitivities.

4) Track progress and set realistic expectations

• Keep a simple hair shed diary: note how many strands come out during brushing, the timing of shedding peaks, and any changes you notice in texture or fullness.
• Remember that regrowth is a gradual process, and improvements may be subtle at first.
• If you’re curious how others have fared, you can read about real results here: Results.

5) When to seek professional guidance

• If shedding is sudden or dramatic, or if you notice a pattern lasting beyond 12–18 months, consult a dermatologist or your OB/primary care provider.
• If you have thyroid disease, iron deficiency, or autoimmune concerns, addressing the underlying condition is important for hair health.

Reading and learning as you wait

If you want a broader understanding of how postpartum hair changes fit into overall hair health, consider reading: What causes hair thinning in women: hormones, symptoms, and fixes.

Read Next (Trustworthy resources)

• Mayo Clinic: Hair loss - Symptoms and causes: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20352004
• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): Postpartum hair loss: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/postpartum-hair-loss
• NIAMS (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases): Hair loss overview: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/hair-loss
• MedlinePlus: Hair loss information: https://medlineplus.gov/hairloss.html

For a sense of how this fits into a broader plan, you might also explore our pages on How It Works and Pricing when you’re ready to take the next step. If you’re ready to explore options, the Pricing page is a good next stop.

Key Takeaways

• Postpartum hair loss is usually temporary; regrowth often occurs within 6–12 months as hormones normalize.
• Gentle care, balanced nutrition, and stress management can support the process.
• You’re not alone, and there are practical steps and resources to help you feel more in control.
• If shedding is unusually heavy or lasts longer than a year, seek professional evaluation.

Bottom Line

Your body has done an amazing, transformative job bringing a new life into the world. The postpartum hair cycle is a natural part of that journey, and with gentle care and patience, most people see their hair regain its fullness over the months ahead. When you’re ready to explore options, remember that support—from trusted information to thoughtful products like hair regrowth serums—can be part of a calm, hopeful path forward. If you’re ready to take the next step, you can start by checking pricing and options, or talking with your clinician about what feels right for your routine.

When you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here with you. Consider starting with a gentle routine, and if you want to learn more about how our options might fit your life, you can explore Pricing and How It Works. You don’t have to navigate this alone, and there is hope for healthy, thriving hair in the months to come.

Helpful Bomi Links

• Our Science
• How It Works
• Clinical Results

Trusted Research

• American Academy of Dermatology — Hair Loss Guide
• NIH Alopecia Resource
• Hair Loss Research (DermNet NZ)

Read More from the Bomi Notebook

• I'm Losing My Hair: What Should I Do First? Practical Steps Today
• How to Regrow Hair Naturally Without Minoxidil or Finasteride
• Hair Transplant vs Non-Surgical Hair Restoration: Which Is Right for You?