How to Deal With Excessive Hair Shedding Postpartum

You’re adjusting to life with your new baby, but there’s something unexpected happening—handfuls of hair in the shower drain, on your pillow, and tangled in your brush. Postpartum hair shedding can feel alarming, but it’s completely normal.

Most new moms experience excessive hair shedding in the months following childbirth. While it’s temporary, dealing with it can be frustrating. The good news? There are ways to manage it and support your hair’s recovery.

Let’s break down why postpartum shedding happens and what you can do to keep your hair healthy during this transition.

Why Does Postpartum Hair Shedding Happen?

During pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels keep your hair in a prolonged growth phase, meaning less daily shedding. Your hair may have felt thicker, fuller, and healthier than ever.

But after giving birth, estrogen levels drop back to normal, causing the hair that was in the extended growth phase to shed all at once. This typically begins around three months postpartum and can last up to six months.

While this shedding is temporary, taking care of your hair properly can help minimize breakage and encourage regrowth.

How to Reduce Postpartum Hair Shedding

1. Be Gentle with Your Hair

Your hair is in a fragile state, so now is not the time for harsh styling or excessive brushing.

• Use a boar bristle brush like the Silkie Boar Bristle Brush to gently detangle and distribute natural oils without causing breakage.

• Avoid tight hairstyles that put tension on the scalp, like high ponytails or buns. Opt for a Silkie silk scrunchie instead of elastic hair ties.

• Switch to a wide-tooth comb when detangling to minimize pulling on delicate strands.

2. Strengthen Your Hair with Proper Nutrition

Hair health starts from within. Since your body is recovering from childbirth, it’s important to nourish it with the right nutrients.

• Protein: Hair is made of keratin, a protein, so make sure you’re getting enough protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, and lean meats.

• Iron: Low iron levels can contribute to hair shedding, so include leafy greens, lentils, and red meat in your diet.

• Biotin and Collagen: These help strengthen hair and support regrowth. Consider a supplement if your doctor approves.

If you’re breastfeeding, always consult with your doctor before adding new supplements to your routine.

3. Switch to a Silk Pillowcase

Friction from rough pillowcases can worsen hair breakage, especially when your strands are already fragile. A Silkie silk pillowcase allows your hair to glide smoothly, reducing tangles and preventing additional shedding.

Sleeping on silk also helps retain moisture in your hair and scalp, keeping your strands healthier as they regrow.

4. Scalp Massages to Boost Circulation

Regular scalp massages can encourage hair regrowth by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles.

• Use a few drops of lightweight hair oil (like argan or rosemary oil) and massage it into your scalp for a few minutes before washing.

• Pair scalp massage with a boar bristle brush to help distribute oils naturally.

This simple habit can make a big difference in hair recovery over time.

5. Avoid Heat Styling and Harsh Chemicals

Your hair is in a delicate phase, so avoiding excessive heat and chemicals will help prevent further damage.

• Let your hair air-dry instead of using a blow dryer.

• Skip chemical treatments like coloring or keratin treatments until shedding slows down.

• If you must use heat, apply a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature low.

The less stress you put on your hair, the easier it will be for it to recover.

6. Be Patient—Your Hair Will Grow Back

Postpartum hair shedding can feel endless, but it’s important to remember that it’s temporary. By the time your baby is around one year old, your hair should be back to its normal growth cycle.

In the meantime, focus on gentle haircare, a healthy diet, and products that support your hair’s recovery.

Support Your Hair with Silkie

Looking for ways to protect your hair during postpartum shedding? Silkie offers silk pillowcases, silk scrunchies, and boar bristle brushes designed to prevent breakage and keep your hair as healthy as possible.

Take control of your postpartum hair journey with Silkie’s hair-friendly essentials. Shop now at www.shopsilkie.com.

Your hair will thank you.