The Postpartum Beauty Changes No One Warns You About

Understand Why It Happens

"During pregnancy, rising oestrogen and progesterone levels keep more hairs in their growth phase, which is why many women notice their hair feels thicker and fuller. After giving birth, those hormone levels drop rapidly and the extra hairs retained during pregnancy begin to shed – usually two to four months later. Hormones aren't the only factor though. Iron and ferritin deficiency, stress, lack of sleep, thyroid fluctuations and rapid weight loss can all contribute." – Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist & brand president, Philip Kingsley

Don't Panic

"Postpartum hair loss is completely normal and it doesn't damage your hair follicles. Your hair should grow back just as it did before once the shedding stops. You can't prevent the hormone-driven shedding that happens after birth but you can reduce other contributing factors by eating a nutrient-rich diet and addressing any vitamin or mineral deficiencies." – Anabel

Know When To Get Help

"Postpartum shedding is temporary by nature but if you're still losing significant amounts of hair beyond 12 months – or you're noticing thinning in a specific pattern rather than all over – it's worth seeking out professional advice. A trichologist or dermatologist can help identify whether something else is going on." – Anna Lahey, founder, TYPEBEA

Keep Washing Your Hair

"I know it's incredibly stressful to wash your hair when it's coming out but shampooing doesn't make hair loss worse. In fact, not shampooing can negatively impact scalp health, which may make shedding worse. Wash your hair as often as you're comfortable with to keep your scalp healthy." – Anabel

Support Regrowth

"Postpartum regrowth isn't a myth. The follicles remain intact, so the capacity for regrowth is still there. The key is creating the right conditions for those follicles to return to the growth phase by supporting scalp health with clinically backed ingredients, rather than relying on products that simply create the appearance of thicker hair." – Anna

Expect Your Hair To Change

"Some women find their straight hair starts growing back wavy after pregnancy, while others experience the opposite. We don't fully understand why but postpartum hair loss and the surge of new hairs growing in at once can completely change how your hair feels and behaves. Initially, your overall hair volume can reduce, while new growth around the hairline can create frizz that's harder to style." – Anabel

Accept That Hair May Feel Drier

"The same hormonal shifts that drive postpartum shedding can also reduce scalp oil production, leaving hair drier and more brittle. The new hairs that grow back are often finer and more prone to frizz too. Focus on treatments that strengthen the hair fibre while restoring moisture, and try to minimise heat styling while your hair is more vulnerable." – Anna

Adjust Your Routine

"Postpartum life often means we simply have less time to look after our hair, which can affect its condition. I love using a pre-shampoo conditioning treatment because you can apply it in the morning, leave it on all day and wash it out that evening. A nourishing oil or serum through the mid-lengths and ends before bed also helps restore softness and hydration." – Anabel

Look After Your Scalp

"Your scalp is skin and like your complexion, it's sensitive to hormonal changes. Some women find it becomes drier and more sensitive, while others notice more oiliness or breakouts. A healthy scalp creates the best environment for healthy hair growth, so don't neglect it. Gentle cleansing and regular exfoliation can make a real difference." – Anna

Understand Why Greys Appear

"There are several reasons women may notice more grey hair after having a baby. It may simply be coincidental, while stress and vitamin B12 deficiency can also contribute to premature greying. Equally, many women colour their hair less often during pregnancy, so greys simply become more noticeable afterwards. It's also worth noting that many find their hair doesn't accept bleach and colour as well as before. Rapid drops in oestrogen and progesterone can alter the hair's porosity, meaning it absorbs colour quickly but releases it just as fast. Fortunately, colourists can adapt techniques if your hair's porosity has changed." – Anabel