How to Care for Your Hair After Pregnancy

Finding more hair than usual in your brush or shower can make you second-guess everything you’re doing. Should you wash your hair less often? Is colouring it making things worse? Would cutting it shorter help? With so much conflicting advice online, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

The good news is that caring for your hair after having a baby doesn’t have to be complicated. While you can’t stop the normal hormonal shedding that often follows pregnancy, you can look after both your hair and scalp in ways that minimise unnecessary damage and support healthy regrowth.

The best way to care for your hair after pregnancy is to be gentle with it. Continue washing your hair regularly, use a conditioner to reduce breakage, avoid hairstyles that pull tightly on your scalp and focus on supporting your overall health. Although these steps won’t stop the normal shedding after pregnancy, they can help keep your hair healthy while it recovers.

If you’ve been avoiding washing or brushing your hair because you’re worried it will make the shedding worse, you’re certainly not alone. Fortunately, many of the common beliefs about hair care after pregnancy are simply myths. Understanding what really helps—and what doesn’t—can make this stage much less stressful.

Be Gentle With Your Hair

Your hair is often at its most vulnerable while it’s shedding, so small changes to your daily routine can make a noticeable difference. The goal isn’t to stop the normal hair shedding after pregnancy—because that isn’t something you can control—but to reduce unnecessary breakage and protect the healthy hair you still have.

Brush Gently

Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush designed to gently detangle your hair, particularly when it’s wet. Wet hair stretches more easily and is more prone to breakage, so avoid pulling through knots or brushing aggressively. Starting at the ends and gradually working your way upwards is usually the gentlest approach.

Be Kind When Drying Your Hair

Rather than rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel, gently squeeze out excess water and pat it dry. Rubbing creates friction, which can lead to unnecessary breakage and make your hair appear even thinner.

Choose Comfortable Hairstyles

Loose ponytails, braids and buns are generally kinder to your hair than tight hairstyles that constantly pull on the scalp. Wearing your hair tightly every day won’t cause the normal shedding after pregnancy, but over time it can contribute to traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by repeated tension on the hair follicles.

Gentle hair care won’t prevent the temporary shedding caused by hormonal changes, but it will help minimise avoidable damage while your hair recovers.

Wash Your Hair Without Fear

One of the most common questions we hear is, “Should I wash my hair less often while it’s falling out?” It’s an understandable concern. Seeing handfuls of hair in the shower can make you feel as though washing your hair is making the problem worse.

The reassuring news is that washing your hair doesn’t cause postpartum hair shedding. The hairs you see in the shower were already in the shedding phase and were going to come out whether you washed your hair that day or not. Washing simply releases hairs that were ready to fall naturally.

Some women avoid washing their hair because they’re worried about seeing the hair that’s coming out. While this may reduce the amount of hair you see in the shower each day, it often means more hair comes out the next time you wash it, making the shedding appear even more dramatic.

Instead of changing your washing routine out of fear, continue washing your hair as often as you normally would or as often as your hair type requires. Keeping your scalp clean also helps maintain a healthy environment for new hair growth.

If your scalp has become itchy, flaky or irritated, it’s worth having it assessed rather than assuming it’s related to pregnancy. Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, and ongoing scalp problems may need specific treatment. You can learn more in our article Can Scalp Conditions Cause Hair Loss?.

Hair Care Do’s and Don’ts During Hair Recovery

Do	Avoid
Wash your hair as often as your hair type needs.	Avoid washing your hair because you’re worried it will make the shedding worse.
Use a conditioner to help reduce tangles and breakage.	Pulling aggressively through knots with a brush or comb.
Use a wide-toothed comb or a gentle detangling brush.	Brushing roughly, especially when your hair is wet.
Wear loose hairstyles that are comfortable.	Tight ponytails, buns or braids that place constant tension on your scalp.
Limit heat styling where possible.	Using very high heat every day without heat protection.
Look after your scalp if it becomes itchy or irritated.	Ignoring ongoing scalp symptoms that may need assessment.
Focus on supporting healthy regrowth.	Expecting shampoos or styling products to stop hormonal hair shedding.

Remember that good hair care doesn’t stop the natural shedding after pregnancy, but it can help minimise unnecessary damage and keep your remaining hair looking and feeling as healthy as possible while new growth develops.

Heat Styling, Colouring and Choosing Hair Products

It’s natural to wonder whether your regular hair care routine could be making the shedding worse. Many women stop colouring their hair, avoid using a hair dryer or buy expensive products in the hope that they’ll prevent more hair from falling out. While being gentle with your hair is always a good idea, it’s important to separate hair care from the hormonal changes happening beneath the surface.

Can I Still Colour My Hair?

For most women, yes. Hair colouring doesn’t cause the temporary hair shedding that often happens after pregnancy because the colour is applied to the hair shaft, not the hair follicle where growth takes place. If your hair feels dry or more fragile than usual, you may choose to wait a little longer between colouring appointments or ask your hairdresser about gentler colour options, but colouring itself isn’t usually the reason your hair is shedding.

If you’re breastfeeding and have concerns about hair colouring, it’s always sensible to discuss them with your healthcare provider. Most women can continue their usual hair colouring routine, provided their scalp is healthy and they’re comfortable doing so.

What About Hair Dryers, Straighteners and Curling Irons?

Using heat styling tools occasionally is unlikely to affect the natural shedding after pregnancy. However, excessive heat can dry the hair shaft and increase breakage, making your hair appear thinner than it actually is. If you regularly use heated styling tools, try using the lowest effective temperature, apply a heat protectant and allow your hair to air dry whenever practical.

Remember that breakage and hair shedding are different. While heat styling won’t usually cause the hormonal shedding after pregnancy, reducing unnecessary damage can help your hair look fuller while it’s recovering.

Do Expensive Hair Products Make a Difference?

It’s understandable to be tempted by products that promise thicker, fuller hair or rapid regrowth, particularly when you’re worried about ongoing shedding. Unfortunately, no shampoo, conditioner or serum can stop the normal hormonal changes that occur after pregnancy.

A good-quality shampoo and conditioner can certainly improve the way your hair feels, reduce tangles and minimise breakage, but it’s important to have realistic expectations. If your hair loss is continuing because of hormonal changes or another underlying condition, changing your shampoo alone won’t address the cause.

Choose Products That Keep Your Hair Healthy

Rather than looking for miracle products, focus on choosing shampoos and conditioners that suit your hair and scalp. If your scalp is sensitive, itchy or dry, selecting gentle products that don’t cause further irritation is often more beneficial than buying products that promise dramatic hair growth.

If you’re unsure whether your hair loss is part of the normal recovery after pregnancy or whether another condition is contributing, a professional Hair & Scalp Analysis can help identify the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate approach for your individual situation.

Don’t Forget About Your Scalp

When you’re focused on the hair that’s falling out, it’s easy to forget about the scalp underneath. However, healthy hair grows from healthy hair follicles, and those follicles rely on a healthy scalp environment to function at their best.

If your scalp feels comfortable and healthy, there’s usually nothing special you need to do beyond washing it regularly with products that suit your hair type. However, if you’ve developed itchiness, excessive flaking, redness, tenderness or inflammation, it’s important not to ignore these symptoms. While they’re not a normal part of postpartum hair shedding, they may indicate a scalp condition that should be assessed.

It’s also worth remembering that some scalp conditions don’t always cause obvious discomfort. Occasionally, changes to the scalp are only identified during a professional examination, which is one reason a comprehensive assessment looks at both your hair and your scalp rather than focusing on hair loss alone.

If you’re experiencing ongoing scalp concerns, our article Scalp Conditions and Scalp Health: Common Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options explains the most common scalp conditions and how they’re managed. You may also find Can Scalp Conditions Cause Hair Loss? helpful if you’re wondering whether your scalp could be contributing to ongoing thinning.

At Tricho Health Clinic, every Hair & Scalp Analysis includes an assessment of your scalp as well as your hair. This allows Cassandra to identify any concerns that may be affecting healthy hair growth and recommend the most appropriate next steps if treatment is needed.

Hair Care Myths After Pregnancy

When your hair is shedding, it’s easy to believe every piece of advice you read online or hear from well-meaning friends and family. Unfortunately, some of the most common recommendations are based on myths rather than evidence. Understanding what’s true can help you focus on caring for your hair with confidence.

Myth	Fact
Washing my hair makes it fall out.	Washing doesn’t cause hair shedding. It simply releases hairs that were already ready to fall out as part of the normal hair growth cycle.
If I cut my hair, it will stop falling out.	A haircut can make your hair feel fuller and easier to manage, but it doesn’t affect the hair follicles beneath your scalp or stop the normal shedding after pregnancy.
There’s a shampoo that can stop postpartum hair loss.	No shampoo can prevent the hormonal changes that cause temporary hair shedding after pregnancy. A good shampoo can improve the condition of your hair, but it won’t change your hair growth cycle.
I should brush my hair less so fewer hairs fall out.	Gentle brushing won’t increase the amount of hair you lose. The hairs that come out while brushing were already in the shedding phase.
Hair supplements will stop my hair shedding.	Supplements are only helpful if they’re treating a genuine nutritional deficiency. They can’t prevent the normal hormonal shedding that happens after having a baby.
Because I’m breastfeeding, that’s why my hair is falling out.	Breastfeeding itself isn’t considered the cause of postpartum hair shedding. The hormonal changes that occur after pregnancy are usually responsible.
If I just wait long enough, every case of hair loss will fix itself.	Most women recover naturally, but if your hair continues shedding beyond the expected timeframe or keeps becoming thinner, it’s worth having it professionally assessed to rule out another underlying cause.

The internet is full of advice about hair loss after pregnancy, but not all of it is accurate. If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is a normal part of recovery or something that deserves further investigation, a professional assessment can provide clear, evidence-based answers and help you avoid wasting time and money on treatments that aren’t right for you.

When Should You Seek Professional Advice?

Most women don’t need treatment for the temporary hair shedding that happens after pregnancy. As hormone levels settle and the hair growth cycle returns to normal, the shedding usually slows and new hair gradually grows in.

However, if your hair continues falling out well beyond the expected timeframe, you’re noticing your part line becoming wider, your scalp has become itchy or sore, or you’re simply worried that your recovery doesn’t feel normal, it’s worth seeking professional advice.

A Hair & Scalp Analysis provides a detailed assessment of your hair, scalp and medical history to determine whether you’re experiencing normal recovery after pregnancy or whether another condition may be contributing. If treatment is appropriate, Cassandra will develop a Personalised Treatment Plan tailored to your individual needs, helping you move forward with confidence rather than relying on guesswork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I wash my hair every day while it’s shedding?

You can wash your hair as often as your hair type needs. Washing your hair doesn’t cause postpartum hair shedding—it simply removes hairs that were already ready to fall out. Some women prefer to wash their hair less often because seeing fewer hairs in the shower feels less confronting, but delaying washes won’t reduce the amount of hair you’ll ultimately lose.

What’s the best shampoo to use after having a baby?

Choose a shampoo that’s suitable for your hair and scalp rather than one that promises miracle hair growth. A gentle shampoo can help keep your scalp healthy and your hair feeling its best, but no shampoo can stop the normal hormonal shedding that happens after pregnancy. If your scalp is itchy, inflamed or flaky, it’s worth having it professionally assessed rather than continuing to try different products.

Is it safe to colour my hair while it’s shedding?

For most women, yes. Hair colouring doesn’t usually affect the temporary hair shedding that occurs after pregnancy because the colour is applied to the hair shaft rather than the hair follicle. If your hair feels dry or fragile, you may choose to colour it less frequently or discuss gentler options with your hairdresser.

Can I still use a hair dryer or straightener?

Yes, but it’s best to use heated styling tools in moderation. Excessive heat can damage the hair shaft and increase breakage, making your hair appear thinner than it actually is. Using a heat protectant, choosing a lower temperature and allowing your hair to air dry whenever possible can help minimise unnecessary damage.

Should I cut my hair short?

Cutting your hair won’t stop the normal shedding after pregnancy because it doesn’t affect the hair follicles beneath your scalp. However, many women find that a shorter hairstyle makes their hair feel fuller, easier to manage and less noticeable while it’s recovering. Whether you cut your hair is a personal choice rather than a treatment for hair loss.

Why does so much hair come out when I wash it?

This is one of the most common concerns after having a baby. The hairs you see during washing were already in the shedding phase and were going to fall out anyway. Washing your hair simply releases those hairs at the same time, making it appear as though you’re losing more than you really are.

Can tight hairstyles make my hair worse?

Yes. While tight ponytails, buns and braids won’t cause the hormonal shedding after pregnancy, wearing them every day can place repeated tension on the hair follicles. Over time, this may contribute to traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by ongoing pulling on the hair. Choosing looser hairstyles is generally kinder to your hair while it’s recovering.

Should I oil my scalp?

Scalp oils can help moisturise a dry scalp and may make your hair feel softer, but they won’t prevent the temporary hair shedding that often happens after pregnancy. If you’re considering using scalp oils, choose products that suit your scalp type and discontinue use if they cause irritation. If you have persistent scalp problems, it’s best to seek professional advice rather than relying on home remedies.

How often should I brush my hair?

Brush your hair as often as needed to keep it manageable, but do so gently. Using a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush and working from the ends towards the roots can help minimise breakage. The hairs that come out while brushing were already ready to shed, so gentle brushing isn’t causing your hair loss.

When should I seek professional advice about my hair?

If your hair continues shedding beyond twelve months after having your baby, you’re noticing progressive thinning, bald patches or ongoing scalp problems, or you’re simply concerned that your recovery isn’t following the expected pattern, it’s worth arranging a professional assessment. Understanding the underlying cause can provide reassurance and, where needed, help guide the most appropriate treatment.