Are there any other tips for managing postpartum hair loss?

The experts offered a few more tips to help new and returning mamas get through the hair loss period with confidence: Volumizing shampoos and conditioners can help hair look fuller. Handle hair gently and avoid high-tension hairstyles that pull or strain the hair, such as tight ponytails, buns, braids or cornrows. If pulling the hair back, do so loosely with a soft tie or hair wrap. Minimize the use of heat-styling tools and steer clear of harsh chemical treatments, as they can damage the hair, cause additional hair loss or breakage and delay regrowth, Dennis advises. Opt for a haircut, style or accessories that make hair appear fuller in thinning areas and is easier to maintain. This is always best addressed by a stylist as everyone’s hair is different, but Dennis said she got a fun pixie cut to make her own hair look a bit more bold and full. Try scalp massages to help promote blood circulation (and help unwind). Pay attention to self-care whenever possible; ask for help and find moments to unwind during the final trimester to de-stress. Eat nutrient-rich foods that naturally contain vitamins like B7 to help hair skin and nail health. Such foods include eggs, salmon, avocados, walnuts, almonds, mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes and yogurt. If excessive hair loss continues beyond a year postpartum, if there is seriously visible hair thinning or if you're breastfeeding, be sure to consult your doctor before using any topical products.

4 best products for postpartum hair loss 2024

Jan. 30, 2024, 4:17 PM UTC

By Erica Chayes Wida

While many new moms may feel shocked and alone when they see patches of thinning hair after having a baby, it is far more common than you may think. According to the American Pregnancy Association, 40-50% of people experience excessive postpartum hair shedding.

Shop TODAY spoke with OB-GYN Dr. Melissa Dennis and hair loss specialist Dr. Hannah Kopelman for their tips on how to manage birth-induced hair loss and what to look for in products that work.

What is postpartum hair loss?

Postpartum hair loss — known medically as telogen effluvium — is a direct result of the hormonal fluctuations that happen throughout pregnancy and continue after childbirth, which is what makes it so common.

“The hair on our heads is always either actively growing, resting in place or falling out. This cycle is disrupted during pregnancy due to high estrogen levels, resulting in more hair actively growing than resting and falling out. This is why many people feel their hair is thicker and fuller during pregnancy,” Dennis explains.

“Unfortunately, this luxurious hair does not last forever. After delivery, estrogen levels drop precipitously and all of that extra hair the body held onto during pregnancy will shift into the resting phase and shed 3-5 months later.”

What to look for in products for postpartum hair loss

Kopelman advises looking for products contain the following ingredients to help with hair regrowth:

Biotin: Also known as vitamin B7, biotin is essential for the health of hair, skin and nails. It plays a key role in the production of keratin, a protein that is a primary component of hair.
Keratin: Think about keratin as the building blocks for hair follicles — a protein that makes up the structure of hair and nails. Products containing keratin can help improve the appearance and texture of hair by strengthening it, reducing breakage and increasing elasticity. This can result in hair that looks fuller and healthier.
Minoxidil: Minoxidil is a topical medication originally used to treat high blood pressure, but was later discovered to have hair growth-promoting effects. “When applied to the scalp, it can stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss,” Kopelman tells us.
Ketoconazole: Ketoconazole is an antifungal agent used in some shampoos to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, but has also been found to have a positive effect on hair growth. “It helps to lower sebum levels around hair follicles that have a concentration of testosterone. And it is also believed that ketoconazole might block 5 alpha reductase which helps to decrease DHT levels in the blood, which can be a big contributor to hair loss,” says Kopelman.
Zinc: Zinc is a mineral that plays a vital role in hair tissue growth and repair. It also helps keep the oil glands around the follicles working properly. Hair loss is a common symptom of zinc deficiency, so using products with zinc can help maintain healthy strands.

Products to help manage postpartum hair loss

Zimasilk 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

Click the coupon on the page to save 15%.

$23.99

According to Dennis, using a real silk pillowcase decreases friction on the scalp while sleeping, which can help mitigate the hair from shedding, falling out and flattening. This pillowcase is made from 100% mulberry silk and it comes in a dozens of colors.

Folliflo Hair Boost Shampoo

Hair Boost Shampoo

$25.50

Kopelman likes Folliflo's line of products, calling out this shampoo, the matching conditioner and conditioning serum. “I recommend Folliflo for its all-natural, plant-based formulation that has shown to have benefits for people experiencing hair shedding and androgenetic alopecia. It is a great option for those seeking a holistic approach to hair loss,” she says.

Hers Hair Blends Solution

Hair Blends Solution

$39.00

This formula is made with 7% minoxidil (a higher dose than your typical OTC option), biotin, ketoconazole and vitamin B5, can be applied once daily to help boost blood flow to the hair follicles. Minoxodil, biotin and ketoconazole are all ingredients the experts called out in effective products.

Rogaine Hair Regrowth Treatment

Hair Regrowth Treatment (Set of 2)

$59.99

$74.99

$65.49

When you think of hair loss solutions, the first thing that comes to mind is probably Rogaine. The brand says it works by "reactivating hair follicles to stimulate regrowth." All you have to do is apply it once a day to your scalp and massage it in.

“Rogaine is an important remedy for hair loss in both men and women, thanks to its key active ingredient: minoxidil," says Kopelman. "It’s affordable, safe to use [and] an over-the-counter treatment, which makes it a convenient option for those seeking to address hair thinning issues without the need for a prescription as long as you’re not [still] pregnant or breastfeeding.”

Frequently asked questions

According to Dennis, those who develop anemia and diabetes during pregnancy, have a history of thyroid problems or hair loss or who have higher stress levels can be predisposed to more significant hair loss.

It is difficult to predict who will maintain thicker hair, who will return to their pre-pregnancy baseline and who will lose hair to the point of visible thinning. But there's no need to worry too much; Dennis says most people will begin to see hair return by their baby’s first birthday.

“Seeing excess hair falling out can be startling. It is important to remember that postpartum hair loss is a normal part of the postpartum experience for many individuals and it is time-limited,” she reminds people.

Completely avoiding postpartum hair loss is challenging since it is a natural result of the hormonal fluctuations. But Kopelman assures her patients that overall health management can play a positive role in the process.

“I advise my patients to focus on a balanced diet, adequate rest (if possible) and stress reduction. Nutrient-rich diets — particularly those high in iron, vitamins and protein — are beneficial for hair health,” Kopelman says.

The experts offered a few more tips to help new and returning mamas get through the hair loss period with confidence:

Volumizing shampoos and conditioners can help hair look fuller.
Handle hair gently and avoid high-tension hairstyles that pull or strain the hair, such as tight ponytails, buns, braids or cornrows. If pulling the hair back, do so loosely with a soft tie or hair wrap.
Minimize the use of heat-styling tools and steer clear of harsh chemical treatments, as they can damage the hair, cause additional hair loss or breakage and delay regrowth, Dennis advises.
Opt for a haircut, style or accessories that make hair appear fuller in thinning areas and is easier to maintain. This is always best addressed by a stylist as everyone’s hair is different, but Dennis said she got a fun pixie cut to make her own hair look a bit more bold and full.
Try scalp massages to help promote blood circulation (and help unwind).
Pay attention to self-care whenever possible; ask for help and find moments to unwind during the final trimester to de-stress.
Eat nutrient-rich foods that naturally contain vitamins like B7 to help hair skin and nail health. Such foods include eggs, salmon, avocados, walnuts, almonds, mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes and yogurt.

If excessive hair loss continues beyond a year postpartum, if there is seriously visible hair thinning or if you're breastfeeding, be sure to consult your doctor before using any topical products.

How we chose

We chose products that were not only recommended specifically by experts, but that also meet their guidelines for what would be considered helpful for postpartum hair loss.

Meet the experts

Dr. Melissa Dennis, MD, FACOG, is the chief medical officer at Partum Health, where she helps provide interdisciplinary perinatal support that complements the care patients receive from their obstetricians and midwives.
Dr. Hannah Kopelman is a hair loss specialist at Kopelman Hair Restoration in New York City where she often counsels patients on postpartum hair loss. She has two fellowships in dermatology, including hair loss from Columbia University and cutaneous oncology from Boston University.

Erica Chayes Wida

Erica Chayes Wida is an award-winning journalist, food writer and recipe editor who helmed a local newspaper before joining TODAY's freelance team. A mother of two, she loves singing, collecting old vinyl and, of course, cooking. Erica is forever on a worldwide quest to find the best ham and cheese croissant and brainstorms best over a sauce pot of bubbling pasta sauce. Her work has been featured on BBC Travel, Saveur, Martha Stewart Living and PopSugar. Follow along on Instagram.