Postpartum hair loss typically begins two to four months after childbirth and can last from six to twelve months. This is a normal phenomenon linked to the drop in pregnancy hormones, which temporarily alter the hair growth cycle. If the hair loss becomes very heavy, persists for more than a year, or is accompanied by a noticeable decrease in density, it is advisable to seek professional advice.
Hair loss after pregnancy remains poorly understood and can be very anxiety-inducing. At the Hair Clinic, we help patients understand why hair falls out during this period, how long it can last, and how to react, in order to quickly identify normal situations and those that require support.
During pregnancy, estrogen levels are very high. These hormones prolong the hair growth phase, which explains why many women notice thicker, shinier hair for several months.
After childbirth, these hormones drop sharply. This decrease often leads to a "catch-up" in the hair growth cycle: many hairs that would have fallen out during pregnancy simultaneously enter a resting phase followed by shedding. This explains the massive hair loss observed in many women.
Other factors accentuate this natural phenomenon of postpartum hair loss:
Medical data converge on the same conclusion: hair loss after childbirth is temporary, reversible and not dangerous, except when it persists beyond the usual time frame.
Medical literature and clinical observations show that most women begin to lose their hair between 2 and 4 months after childbirth (reference to HUG clinical study ).
This delay is explained by the way the hair cycle works: when estrogen levels drop, the hair enters a resting phase for several weeks before actually falling out. This is why hair loss doesn't appear immediately after childbirth.
Some women experience a later hair loss (4 to 6 months). This is perfectly consistent with the hormonal fluctuations of the postpartum period.
The usual duration is 6 to 12 months, according to available clinical data.
However, this average can vary:
In some cases, hair density does not return exactly to its initial state. This is not due to pregnancy itself, but to underlying female pattern hair loss that sometimes manifests during this sensitive hormonal period.
Even though postpartum hair loss is temporary in most cases, certain signs should prompt a consultation. This is the case if the loss lasts more than a year, if the density continues to decrease, if areas become visibly thinning, or if the hair loss is accompanied by significant fatigue that could suggest an iron deficiency. Itching, a painful scalp, or localized patchy hair loss should also be evaluated by a specialist.
In all these situations, a comprehensive hair diagnosis can differentiate between normal postpartum hair loss, a deficiency, or a progressive condition. At the Hair Clinic, we offer a preventative diagnosis to assess your situation and provide you with the best recommendations to limit and stop postpartum hair loss. Take the online diagnosis !
Not necessarily. Postpartum hair loss is common, but its intensity depends on individual factors such as heredity, fatigue, breastfeeding, and iron levels. Some women lose a lot of hair, others hardly any.
In most cases, yes. Regrowth becomes visible after a few months, and density usually returns to normal within six to twelve months. If some areas remain thin for longer, further evaluation may help identify another cause.
A consultation is helpful if hair loss lasts more than a year, if areas are clearly thinning, if the loss is accompanied by significant fatigue or itching, or if you notice patches of hair. A diagnosis will then allow you to assess your hair reserves, rule out alopecia , and recommend appropriate treatments.
The goal is to support the hair growth cycle, not to block it. Here are the most useful recommendations, validated by Dr. Raphaël Meyer , a hair specialist in Switzerland:
Use a mild (non-irritating) shampoo, avoid very frequent washing and excessively hot water, and limit blow-drying, straightening irons and coloring in the first few months.
A scalp massage of 2 to 3 minutes per day is sufficient to stimulate microcirculation and improve root nutrition.
After pregnancy, iron and nutrient reserves can drop. If hair loss is accompanied by fatigue, a simple blood test (including ferritin) at our Centre Médical de la Croix d'Or will confirm or rule out a deficiency.
Even irregular sleep, a diet rich in proteins and minerals, and avoiding tight hairstyles will support regrowth. The aim is not perfection, but to reduce stress and aggression on the scalp.
If loss lasts too long, treatments such as mesotherapy, micronutrition, dietary supplements, or PRP can help boost density. These are effective options when a simple routine adjustment is no longer enough.
In Geneva, the Croix d'Or Hair Clinic regularly assists women experiencing postpartum hair loss. Our role is to determine whether the loss is simply hormonal, related to a deficiency, or indicative of early-stage alopecia , and then to offer appropriate treatment.
We perform comprehensive hair diagnostics, analyze scalp conditions, and implement targeted treatments, ranging from mesotherapy to PRP when indicated. If you would like a personalized expert opinion or to begin a treatment plan, please contact us .
Make an appointment today for personalized and high-quality aesthetic care. Our team of experts is here to offer you innovative treatments tailored to your needs.
Please select all the means by which you would like to receive information from the Clinique de la Croix d'Or:
You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For more information about our privacy practices, please review the privacy policy on our website.
We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices