Hair Loss After Childbirth: How Long Is It Okay to Wait?

Why Does Postpartum Hair Loss Appear a Few Months After Childbirth?

What is commonly called postpartum hair loss includes telogen shedding related to changes in the hair cycle after childbirth. Because hair goes through phases of growth, rest, and shedding, there can be a gap between when changes occur in the body and when hair shedding actually becomes noticeable.

The American Academy of Dermatology explains that hair shedding may increase several months after childbirth in connection with the drop in estrogen. However, not all hair shedding that occurs after childbirth is attributed to the same cause. [Source 1]

When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Tend to Decrease?

The American Academy of Dermatology advises that postpartum hair shedding may become noticeable around 4 months after childbirth, and many women regain their usual hair fullness by their baby's first birthday. This is patient guidance on the general course and is not a recovery schedule that applies to everyone. [Source 1]

The point at which shedding decreases and the point at which hair has grown enough to feel volume may also differ. Rather than looking only at the amount shed at one time, check what changes continue compared with before.

Timeframes Reported in Studies Are Not Individual Schedules Either

A cross-sectional study analyzing questionnaire responses from 331 women who gave birth at two medical institutions in Japan also examined the onset, peak, and end of postpartum hair shedding. However, because results may be influenced by respondents' recall and by who chose to participate in the survey, it is difficult to apply the study's average values as an individual's recovery date. [Reference 2]

If Areas Continue to Look Thin, Other Causes Are Also Checked

More than one cause may be involved in hair shedding, such as when postpartum shedding occurs together with pre-existing female pattern hair loss. Therefore, when changes along the part or front hairline continue, a clinical examination is needed to distinguish the causes rather than attributing them solely to the timing of childbirth. [Source 4]

In fact, cases of 3 patients have been reported in which pre-existing traction alopecia became apparent after postpartum telogen shedding. This shows the need to check for hair loss that remains in specific areas, but as it is a small number of cases without a comparison group, it does not mean the same problem will occur in all mothers. [Reference 3]

Discuss These Changes During a Consultation

The following changes are topics to raise during a consultation to identify the cause. Please do not self-diagnose a specific condition simply because an item applies to you. [Source 5]

• Changes in extent: When the part keeps widening or a particular area looks noticeably thin
• Patchy shedding: When new round bald patches appear
• Scalp symptoms: When accompanied by pain, redness, severe itching, etc.
• Ongoing concern: When you do not sense a recovery trend or are very worried about hair shedding

Try Recording the Following Before Your Consultation

Note when shedding began to increase and whether it has decreased or worsened. Please also let us know when you gave birth, whether you are breastfeeding, any recent changes in health or diet, and any medications you are taking.

When taking photos, keeping the lighting, angle, and part position similar on dry hair helps with comparison. Also note differences in hair length and styling. During an actual consultation, we conduct a medical interview and examine scalp and hair condition, and consider tests or further care if needed. [Source 4]

If You Are Breastfeeding, Review Medications and Supplements Together

Before looking into hair loss medications or supplements, please inform your healthcare provider whether you are breastfeeding, your baby's age, the products you are currently using, and your health status. It is difficult to decide whether to use a product based solely on its name or on the classification of "topical medication."