How to Reduce Postpartum Hair Loss
Key Takeaways
- Postpartum hair loss is common and reported to affect 40% of women following their child’s birth.
- It’s temporary and generally lasts 6-12 months.
- Gentle care with the Genesis range can help reduce breakage and improve hair’s appearance.
- Supporting scalp health and protecting fragile strands are key to managing this phase.
Noticed you’re losing hair after giving birth? You’re not alone – post-pregnancy hair loss is a common change many women experience in the months after having a baby. It can be alarming, especially if you’re used to thicker, fuller hair than usual during pregnancy.
To help you navigate postpartum hair loss, we’ve put together a handy guide. We’ll cover:
- What causes postpartum hair loss
- How long it typically lasts
- What can help reduce its impact
- Ways to care for your scalp and strands
Meet the Expert
Ellie is a senior hairstylist and Kérastase Care Coach with over 10 years in the industry. With a L’Oréal Colour Specialist degree under her belt, Ellie loves making every client feel confident – including models she styles backstage at London Fashion Week.
In the salon, Ellie advises clients on hair and scalp health – including post-pregnancy hair loss.
What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss
Postpartum hair loss – also called post-pregnancy hair loss – is a natural response to hormonal changes. During pregnancy, hair often looks thicker, as higher oestrogen levels keep hair in its growth phase for longer.
After giving birth, hormone levels return to pre-pregnancy levels, which can trigger more strands to shed than usual. This process is known as telogen effluvium and is reported to affect 40% of women after they give birth.
Research shows that postpartum hair loss typically lasts 6-12 months before your hair returns to its usual cycle. While hair falling out after pregnancy can be frustrating, the good news is that postpartum hair loss is temporary, and most people find their hair naturally returns to its usual thickness over time.
Ellie says, “It’s common to have some extra hair shedding after you give birth. During pregnancy, your hair might be the best it’s ever been, but then after birth, you notice it’s falling out more. It can take up to three months for the hair to fall.”
How can you tell if you have postpartum hair loss?
Ellie advises, “We roughly lose up to 100 hairs a day. If you see more than this falling out – you might notice it coming out when you’re in the shower or brushing your hair – you might be experiencing postpartum hair loss. Some women also notice that their hair doesn’t feel or look as full as it did before.”
How to care for hair during postpartum shedding
Step 1 – Focus on gentle cleansing
Use a shampoo designed to strengthen hair and cleanse the scalp without stripping natural oils. The Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo is formulated for hair prone to fall, leaving strands feeling refreshed and more resilient. For drier hair types, try the Genesis Bain Nutri-Fortifiant Shampoo.
Step 2 – Condition to reinforce and smooth
A targeted conditioner, such as the Genesis Fondant Renforcateur Conditioner, helps detangle while reinforcing the hair fibre. This is especially important when hair is more fragile.
Step 3 – Add intensive care
Weekly treatments like the Genesis Masque Reconstituant can deeply nourish and strengthen hair. This mask helps improve the look of hair density over time when used as part of a consistent regimen.
Step 4 – Support your scalp
A healthy scalp environment is key for growth. The Genesis Serum Anti-Chute Fortifiant is an expert-approved formula to fortify strands from the root, helping reduce hair fall from breakage. Pro tip: If you’re experiencing postpartum hair loss, Ellie recommends using the Genesis range. “There are two shampoos in the range – one for thicker hair and one for thinner hair. I recommend using the whole range for best results. Wash your hair using the shampoo and conditioner two or three times a week. Daily, apply two or three pipettes of the serum throughout the scalp and lightly massage it in. I prefer to do mine at night, when I do my skincare routine, as it allows time for it to set in.”
Daily habits that can reduce visible shedding
- Choose a wide-tooth comb to detangle wet hair
- Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp
- Use a microfibre towel to absorb water without friction
- Don’t go to bed with wet hair
- Limit heat styling and always apply heat protectant
- Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and omega-3s to support healthy growth
If your hair is generally prone to falling, check out our guides on how to cope with thinning hair and how to stop your hair falling out.
Haircare options to support with postpartum hair fall
| Solution type | Benefit | Example product |
|---|---|---|
| Strengthening shampoo | Cleanses while reinforcing hair fibre | Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo |
| Fortifying conditioner | Detangles and protects fragile strands | Genesis Fondant Renforcateur Conditioner |
| Leave-in scalp serum | Nourishes scalp and supports resilience | Genesis Serum Anti-Chute Fortifiant |
| Intensive mask | Deeply nourishes and smooths | Genesis Masque Reconstituant |
When to seek professional advice
If your hair loss after pregnancy feels extreme or continues beyond a year, speak to your GP. In some cases, factors like thyroid imbalances, anaemia, or other health conditions can contribute to hair shedding. A professional can help rule out other causes and guide you to the right solutions on how to regrow hair after pregnancy.
Postpartum hair loss can be unsettling, but it’s a natural and temporary part of the post-birth recovery process. With gentle care, targeted products such as the Genesis range, and healthy daily habits, you can help your hair look and feel its best as it returns to its usual growth cycle.
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Postpartum Hair Loss FAQs
Can pregnancy make your hair fail out?
During pregnancy, higher oestrogen levels often make hair look thicker. Hair shedding typically increases after giving birth, not during pregnancy, due to hormonal shifts.
What does postpartum hair loss look lik?
It often appears as more hair than usual in your brush, shower drain, or on your pillow. Some notice thinning at the temples or hairline.
How long does telogen effluvium last?
This temporary shedding phase usually lasts 3–6 months, but postpartum cases can extend up to 12 months.
How long is postpartum hair loss?
It usually lasts 6-12 months before returning to your normal growth cycle.
How to stop postpartum hair loss?
You can’t completely prevent or stop the shedding phase, but using shampoos for hair prone to fall and maintaining scalp health may help reduce breakage and support regrowth.
Kérastase, At Your Service
Looking for truly personalised hair care solutions? Find a Kérastase salon near you and consult with one of our rofessionals to discover expert advice tailored for your unique needs. Elevate your experience by booking a K-Scan scalp diagnosis – filter our salon locator by "K-Scan" to receive a precise, personalised product recommendation and begin your journey to healthier hair today.
