Introduction

One of the most common messages I receive from women is about postpartum hair loss.

 

After months of thick, full pregnancy hair, the sudden shedding that can occur afterwards can feel alarming — and often very isolating.

If you’re reading this while experiencing postpartum shedding (or even in the lead-up to it), my hope is to offer some guidance for navigating this emotionally sensitive time. I want to give you a simple toolkit of ways you can care for both your hair and yourself throughout the different stages — and most importantly reassure you that not only is postpartum hair loss completely normal, it is also temporary.

Before long, your hair will begin to find its rhythm again — and many women find their hair returns just as strong as before, sometimes even healthier.

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What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?

Postpartum hair loss is caused by the rapid drop in oestrogen levels that occurs after childbirth.

During pregnancy, elevated oestrogen levels keep more of your hair in the growth phase, which is why many women experience thicker, fuller hair during this time.

After birth, those hormone levels shift quickly. At the same time, your body registers childbirth as a major physical event, prioritising energy and nutrients towards recovery and caring for your baby.

Because of this shift, many hairs that were in the growth phase move into a resting phase, which leads to shedding a few months later.

While it can feel dramatic when it begins, postpartum hair shedding is simply your hair follicles returning to their natural cycle.

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Why Does Postpartum Hair Loss Happen After Pregnancy?

After giving birth, your body experiences a significant hormonal adjustment.

The oestrogen that supported thick pregnancy hair drops quickly, and your body redirects its energy towards recovery and caring for your newborn.

Hair that remained in the growth phase during pregnancy is gradually pushed into a resting phase, which means it sheds a few months later.

Although it can feel alarming when you notice more hair falling than usual, this process is a completely natural part of the postpartum transition.

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Does Everyone Experience Postpartum Hair Loss?

Not necessarily.

In my experience behind the chair, around half of my clients experienced some level of postpartum shedding, and the amount varied from person to person.

Some women notice only mild shedding, while others experience more noticeable hair fall.

The good news is that while postpartum hair loss can’t always be prevented completely, supporting the scalp and follicles can help make the shedding phase more manageable and encourage healthier regrowth.

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How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?

For most women, the shedding phase lasts around two to three months, typically beginning around three to four months after giving birth.

Although it can feel like a long time while you’re experiencing it, this phase does pass.

Once the shedding slows down, your hair naturally moves into its regrowth phase and new strands begin growing in.

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Is There Anything I Can Do During Pregnancy to Prepare My Hair?

You can absolutely support your hair in advance.

One helpful step is strengthening your scalp and follicles during pregnancy. I often recommend introducing the ROBE Tonic during this time, as it supports scalp circulation and helps build resilience within the follicles.

All ROBE products are safe to use throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. The active ingredients used in haircare are different from those typically restricted in skincare (such as retinol), but as always it’s a good idea to check with your OB-GYN if you have any concerns.

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How to Support Hair Regrowth After Postpartum Shedding

During the shedding phase, the most important thing is gentle and consistent care.

Introducing treatments that support scalp circulation and nourish the follicles can help encourage healthy regrowth.

The  Tonic is designed to support both circulation and follicle nourishment in a simple daily application.

I also recommend avoiding shampoos and conditioners that contain sulphates or heavy silicones, as the priority during this time is maintaining a balanced scalp without irritation or buildup.

The Thickening range can be particularly helpful during the shedding and early regrowth stages. It gives the appearance of fullness while strengthening delicate strands as they grow in.

Ingredients such as ginger and hydrolysed wheat protein help stimulate circulation while reinforcing the hair structure from root to ends.

 

One thing I always remind women during this stage is that consistency matters more than complexity.

You may not have much time to dedicate to your hair right now — and that’s completely okay.

Even if you’re only washing your hair once a week, choosing products that support scalp health means you’re still nurturing the regrowth process.

Applying the Tonic each day takes less than a minute, but it can also become a small moment of care for yourself — a reminder that even if your hair doesn’t feel like “yourself” right now, you are supporting the healthier hair that is on its way.

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Supporting Hair Health Through Diet and Lifestyle

Hair growth is closely connected to overall nourishment and wellbeing.

Adding a protein or greens powder that contains essential vitamins and minerals can be a convenient way to support your body during a time when nutrition can be difficult to prioritise.

Scalp circulation is also important.

Using a Scalp Brush for a few minutes each day can help stimulate blood flow and reduce tension in the scalp and neck. Neck and shoulder tightness are very common after birth — especially with the hours spent holding and feeding your baby — so this can also help relieve that tension.

And if someone offers to give you a scalp massage, say yes.

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I Don’t Have Much Time or Energy for My Hair — What Can I Do?

Keep things simple during this phase.

Styles that gently pull the hair away from the face can make daily life easier, and this can be a great time to use a multitasking product like Sleek + Treat.

It’s a styling treatment designed for quick application that also contains ingredients to support hair strength and growth — helping your hair look polished while quietly supporting its recovery.

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What If My Hair Texture Feels Different After Pregnancy?

It’s very common for hair to feel drier, more brittle, or harder to manage after giving birth.

 

During pregnancy and the early postpartum period, a significant amount of your body’s nutrients are directed towards supporting your baby. As a result, hair can sometimes feel depleted or less supple.

Switching to a more nourishing formula such as the Youthful range can help restore hydration and softness.

Using the Leave-In Treatment after each wash can also help seal in moisture and keep the mid-lengths and ends feeling smoother and more manageable.

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When Will My Hair Grow Back After Postpartum Hair Loss?

Once shedding slows down, new hairs will begin growing in.

At first, these new strands can make hair feel thinner or flatter because they are still short and catching up with the rest of your length.

Continuing with the Thickening range can help create the appearance of fullness while these new hairs strengthen.

As your hair begins to stabilise, you can also introduce products from the Lengthening range, which support the growth phase and help maintain healthy length over time.

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A Final Word of Reassurance

Postpartum hair loss can feel confronting — especially at a time when your body, hormones and daily rhythms are already changing so much.

But this phase is temporary.

Your hair is simply responding to one of the most profound transitions the body can go through.

With gentle care, patience, and consistent support for your scalp and hair health, regrowth will come. And as it does, your hair will gradually begin to feel like yours again.

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this, it’s that you’re not alone in experiencing it — and you don’t have to navigate it without support.

Be gentle with your hair, but even more importantly, be gentle with yourself during this season.