Shedding Light on Postpartum hair loss

Postpartum hair loss—also known as telogen effluvium—is a story written not just on the scalp, but in the daily rhythms of new motherhood. At Le Formulaire, every chapter in your journey is important; the shed strands that settle in your brush (or all over the floor in my case!) are not just “loss,” but a conversation between body, hormones, and life’s beautiful upheavals.

This is a gentle, holistic guide—deeply rooted in science—to understanding, supporting, and restoring not only hair, but confidence and self-care in the remarkable postpartum season.

What Is Postpartum Hair Loss?

Each of us carries a symphony of hormones, orchestrating cycles of growth and renewal. During pregnancy, higher oestrogen levels “hold” hair in its growth phase, yielding the lush fullness many experience. I absolutely adored my full head of hair in my last trimester. Birth brings a sudden oestrogen drop, ending the prolonged anagen phase and sending more hairs into telogen—the resting phase. This synchronised shedding, known as telogen effluvium, typically peaks around three months after delivery. It is normal to shed 50-100 strands per day, this can be more evident on wash day if you wash your hair infrequently. Postpartum hair loss is more than 100 strands falling per day which can turn your five-minute de-stressing shower into a traumatic event. While most experience some degree of loss, the intensity varies; genetics, stress, nutritional status, breastfeeding, and even delivery complications can deepen the effect.

It is helpful to recognise that postpartum hair loss is transient. For nearly all, regrowth resumes naturally within 6–12 months. But acknowledging distress is just as important—every woman’s experience deserves to be seen.

Understanding Postpartum Hair Loss

• Hormonal fluctuations: The key driver of shedding, especially due to the drop of oestrogen and progesterone after birth, but may also influenced by thyroid changes in some women (get these levels checked if unsure). 

• Stress: Childbirth, sleep deprivation, new routines—each trigger cortisol, a “fight or flight” hormone, which extends the telogen phase and may slow regrowth.

• Nutritional shifts: Pregnancy draws on body stores of iron, biotin, protein, and zinc—deficiencies may linger into the postnatal period and worsen shedding. Postpartum iron levels should be checked if accompanying fatigue or breathlessness are present. 

• Breastfeeding: For some, continued low-oestrogen states intensify the process, but there is great variation between individuals. Additionally, the nutritional factors may be exacerbated here. Supporting yourself with a breastfeeding supplement can be incredibly helpful. 

Evidence-Based Lifestyle Tips

Supporting hair restoration means addressing the entire body’s health—a philosophy central at Le Formulaire.

• Nourish deeply. Prioritise protein-rich meals (lentils, eggs, salmon), leafy greens for iron and folate, nuts and seeds for zinc, and rainbow vegetables for antioxidants. Some treats can help too. My grandmother (a hairdresser) always loved a bit of jelly for her hair loss clients as it is full of gelatin! Dates are rich in iron. And I have been living on Forest Feast chocolate covered nuts for a protein hit with every snack. 

• Consider supplements, but always consult a specialist—iron, B vitamins, vitamin D, and omega-3 can boost recovery if dietary gaps exist. I am using Proceive breast feeding supplements and omega 3s. 

• Care for your scalp. Use gentle, sulfate-free cleansers and a specific wet brush detangler. Use minimum heat styling. Loose hairstyles prevent traction and follicle stress. Consider a silk pillow case. I have been swearing by Redken’s Acidic Bonding shampoo and conditioners.  

• I know it is almost comical to discuss stress and sleep management but….Embrace stress reduction: restorative yoga, mindful breathing, and regular movement help lower cortisol, the scalp’s hidden saboteur.

• Sleep is medicine. Even fragmented rest can be improved—try short naps, dark rooms, and prioritising sleep routines for both mother and child. You can become obsessed with how many minutes baby slept on a particular day (trust me I know- I have the app for it), but what about your sleep?

Above all: be kind to yourself. The path to recovery is unique, and progress is not always linear.

In-Clinic Solutions at Le Formulaire

When home strategies aren’t enough, advanced medical aesthetic therapies offer powerful support—each grounded in peer-reviewed science and tailored to postpartum needs. While recovery will come with time, if you want to accelerate this or enhance the renewal these options are Le Formulaire favourites. 

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

Platelet Rich Plasma harnesses your own blood’s healing power. After a small sample is spun in a centrifuge, concentrated platelets—bursting with growth factors—are gently injected at the hair’s root zone. Clinical evidence demonstrates significant improvement in hair density and reduction in shedding, particularly when follicles are still viable. PRP is well-tolerated post-breastfeeding, minimally invasive, and works best in a series of treatments spaced one month apart.

LaseMD Keralase

LaseMD takes a gentle, laser-powered approach. The device creates microscopic channels in the scalp, delivering KeraFactor—a serum rich in bioidentical growth factors and proteins—deep within the follicle environment. This promotes regeneration and faster, stronger hair growth while restoring scalp vitality. LaseMD Keralase is virtually painless and recovery is immediate; ideal for those seeking a next-generation, evidence-backed solution.

Polynucleotides

Polynucleotide therapy is at the cutting edge of cellular medicine. These naturally occurring DNA fragments act as “signals” to repair and regenerate hair follicles, especially useful when scalp environments are depleted from stress or inflammation. Administered as a series of tiny injections over several weeks, polynucleotides jump-start sluggish follicles, improve scalp resilience, and are compatible with layered protocols (e.g., alternating with PRP). Studies confirm improvement in hair thickness and patient satisfaction in postpartum hair loss.

A Journey, Not a Race

At Le Formulaire, restoring hair is seen as part of the journey to restoring yourself. Postpartum hair loss is part of a dialogue between your body and the transformation you’re undergoing. Addressing it is a journey, blending the best of self-care routines—and the most advanced, restorative aesthetic medicine available.

Each consultation is bespoke, drawing upon deep expertise, compassionate listening, and a commitment to luminous health. Whether seeking nutritional guidance, gentle recovery strategies, or pioneering therapies like PRP, LaseMD Keralase, or polynucleotides, Le Formulaire walks beside every mother—one patient, one strand, one celebration at a time.

Motherhood redefines beauty on its own terms. If this chapter brings hair loss, let it also bring empowerment, expertise, and a renewed sense of self. The Le Formulaire team is honoured to share each step of your journey toward vibrant, confident, restored hair health.