Hair Loss During & After Pregnancy: Causes and Treatments

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Did you know? Up to 90% of women experience significant hair loss during pregnancy.¹

For women already going through a physically and emotionally demanding phase, this hair fall can feel even more distressing. But when you look at the numbers, pregnancy-related hair fall is extremely common. And in most cases, temporary as well as reversible!

Pregnancy and postpartum hair loss don’t happen all of a sudden. Instead, it happens because your body starts reacting to months of hormonal changes. And when you understand the full picture, it can make your experience less scary.

In this blog, we’ll explain what’s happening inside your body and why you may be losing hair during or after pregnancy. We’ll also walk you through preventive strategies and practical tips to manage hair fall the right way.

So let’s get started.

What Is Postpartum Hair Loss?

Postpartum hair loss is a temporary condition that many women experience after pregnancy. Also known as telogen effluvium, it causes more hair to shed than is usually seen in a regular hair growth cycle. This usually happens about three months after delivery. And while it’s quite common, the amount of hair that women lose can vary from person to person.¹

 The main cause of postpartum hair loss is hormonal changes that happen during and after pregnancy. But it can also be experienced by adoptive mothers or those who have undergone fertility treatments, or women who lost their babies before giving birth.^{1 2}

 Postpartum hair loss usually starts to improve within a year after giving birth.^{1 2}

What Causes Hair Loss During Pregnancy? 

Let’s first understand the causative factors behind pregnancy-related hair loss:^{1 3}

1) Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy causes a major shift in hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone. High levels of estrogen keep the hair follicles in the growth phase of the hair cycle for a longer duration. This is the reason many women get thick, lush hair during pregnancy. However, when the same estrogen level drops suddenly after delivery, they start losing a lot of hair.

2) Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can influence postpartum hair loss due to its effect on the hormones and monthly cycles. It causes a suppression in ovulation. Since estrogen plays a key role in maintaining the hair growth phase, its low levels may extend the period of hair shedding.

Studies have shown that longer periods of breastfeeding, including nocturnal breastfeeding, may be associated with more severe hair loss after pregnancy.

3) Preterm Labor & Pregnancy-Related Inflammation

When inflammation in the body rises, it can lead to preterm labour (childbirth before time). And both of these can be a major contributing factor linked with postpartum hair loss. When the body experiences inflammation during pregnancy, it causes the hair follicles to shift before their time from the growth phase to the shedding phase.

And this inflammatory response can continue even after you’ve given birth, especially in women who suffered from pregnancy-related complications (infections, etc).

4) Nutritional Deficiencies (Especially Anaemia)

Nutritional deficiencies also contribute significantly to hair loss during and after pregnancy. One common condition includes Iron deficiency anaemia. Since iron is essential for delivering oxygen to the cells constituting the hair follicles, its low levels can weaken these follicles and increase shedding.

Additionally, deficiencies in protein, zinc, vitamin D, and B vitamins can also have a negative impact on hair health.

5) Pregnancy-Related Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions during pregnancy can increase the risk of hair loss. One noticeable condition includes thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. These conditions directly affect the hair growth cycle because thyroid hormones regulate the activity of hair follicles. And even a mild thyroid imbalance can trigger excessive hair shedding.

Gestational diabetes is another condition associated with increased stress and metabolic changes in the body, which can disrupt the hair cycle.

6) History of Hair Loss

A personal history of hair loss can increase the likelihood of experiencing significant hair shedding during or after pregnancy. Women who have had hair loss before pregnancy, during earlier pregnancies, or due to stress or hormonal changes may have more sensitive hair follicles that easily respond to hormonal fluctuations.

7) Psychological Stress

Psychological stress is a significant factor that worsens hair loss during pregnancy. Fatigue, sleep deprivation, emotional changes, and the high demands of caring for a newborn can increase the levels of stress hormone, particularly cortisol. High cortisol levels can disrupt the hair growth cycle, pushing follicles into the shedding phase before their time.

Treatment For Pregnancy-Related Hair Loss

While hairfall during pregnancy is a natural and, in most cases, reversible process, it can be managed with the help of the following:^{1 3 4}

1) Dietary Changes

You must focus on a balanced diet, rich in iron, protein, zinc, and vitamins. These nutrients support hair follicles, correct nutritional deficiencies, and promote healthy hair regrowth during and after pregnancy.

2) Picking The Right Hair Care Products

Always ensure to pick gentle, sulphate-free and pregnancy-safe products that reduce breakage and support scalp health. Avoid harsh chemicals that can worsen hair shedding.

3) Hair Massage

Regular scalp massage has been found effective in improving blood circulation to hair follicles, supporting nutrient delivery and reducing stress. And all these factors together may encourage healthier hair growth over time.

4) Taking Supplements

Doctor-recommended supplements (like iron, prenatal vitamins, etc) can help address the nutritional deficiencies that may be contributing to pregnancy-related hair loss.

The Don’ts Of Pregnancy-Related Hair Loss

Having learnt how to prevent hair loss during pregnancy, you should also know what to avoid when dealing with pregnancy-related hair loss:⁵

1) Don’t Over-Treat Your Hair

Pregnancy-related hair loss can feel sudden and overwhelming. But panic often leads to over-treating with multiple products or remedies (which often don’t work favourably). This can further irritate the scalp and worsen shedding. You must understand that hair fall during this phase is usually temporary and needs patience, not too many corrective steps.

2) Don’t Go For Crash Dieting

Women often start skipping meals or following crash diets to lose weight after pregnancy. But this deprives their body of vital nutrients, essential for recovery and hair growth, among other things. So, during pregnancy and the postpartum period, focus more on maintaining nutritional balance. Because this matters more than quick weight loss for overall health.

3) Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals or Heat Styling

Chemical or heat-based treatments can weaken your hair shafts and increase breakage. Pregnancy hormones already make hair more sensitive, so minimising heat and chemical exposure helps to protect hair strength and reduce hair fall.

4) Don’t Ignore Health Issues

Hair loss linked to anaemia, thyroid imbalance, or vitamin deficiencies won’t improve without addressing the root cause. And ignoring symptoms or self-medicating can delay recovery. That’s why consulting a doctor ensures timely treatment and supports healthier hair regrowth.

Can Hair Loss Be Related To Other Reproductive Health Issues?

Yes. Hair loss can be linked to an imbalance caused by your reproductive hormones. Since hormonal changes are closely associated with the hair growth cycle, any anomaly naturally tends to show an impact on your hair volume. 

Excess androgens (such as testosterone and DHT) can cause scalp hair follicle miniaturisation (shrinking). Estrogen deficiency, which commonly occurs during menopause, is also associated with increased hair shedding.⁶

Summing Up

Hair loss during pregnancy is often inevitable. But like most other pregnancy changes, it is generally reversible. So rather than feeling anxious or overwhelmed about it, you must focus on maintaining overall good health through a nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle. And, within a few months after giving birth, you’ll soon start seeing noticeable improvements to your hair. 

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