Breadcrumbs ![The Postpartum Beauty Changes No One Warns You About](https://media.sheerluxe.com/IcArizC7-q7F6KqMv6--w43CF1s=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl-site-assets-130726-thumb-hero-parenting.jpg) ![The Postpartum Beauty Changes No One Warns You About](https://media.sheerluxe.com/g8AWtJubQiXrmrpnXiOXUTBcLiA=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl-site-assets-130726-thumb-hero-parenting.jpg) Image: @HatchGal / 13 July 2026 # The Postpartum Beauty Changes No One Warns You About From hair shedding and skin sensitivity to brittle nails and unexpected breakouts, the weeks and months after having a baby can bring a host of beauty changes. While most are completely normal, knowing why they happen – and what can actually help – can make navigating postpartum feel less overwhelming. Here, we tapped some leading experts to explain the changes and how best to manage them. [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53259) Image: @HatchGal All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/OY9lMOHW6-mFoaAiXOgiDU5bFzc=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fhair-inspo-1_0.jpg) The Vault Stock ## HAIR & SCALP ### Postpartum Hair Loss **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*](https://www.instagram.com/anabel_kingsley/?hl=en)*, consultant trichologist & brand president,* [*Philip Kingsley*](https://www.philipkingsley.co.uk/) **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*](https://www.instagram.com/anna.lahey/?hl=en)*, founder,* [*TYPEBEA*](https://uk.typebea.com/) **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* ### Hair Texture & Colour Changes **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* ![The One Mask from Gielly Green](https://media.sheerluxe.com/HWzRqjzyiPh265xb881vWIBX_aI=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl130726-parenting-gielly-green-the-one-mask.png) [#### The One Mask](https://giellygreen.co.uk/collections/the-one-system/the-one-mask?variantID=55696708895094) ##### Gielly Green, £56 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53259 "Add product to my favourites") ![Density Thickening Shampoo from Philip Kingsley](https://media.sheerluxe.com/ms5EiBs0trDDT-cUOkb0KJt3tHo=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl130726-parenting-philip-kingsley-density-thickening-shampoo.png) [#### Density Thickening Shampoo](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fp%2Fphilip-kingsley-density-thickening-shampoo-200ml%2F15620915%2F) ##### Philip Kingsley, £32 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53259 "Add product to my favourites") ![Multi-Peptide Serum from The Ordinary](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Uf7uIaxkjIfXS10RpU2cvPIuY3g=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl130726-parenting-the-ordinary-hair-care.png) [#### Multi-Peptide Serum](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=29849&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Ftheordinary.com%2Fen-gb%2Fmulti-peptide-serum-for-hair-density-hair-scalp-treatment-100434.html) ##### The Ordinary, £21.90 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53259 "Add product to my favourites") ![G.0 Exfoliating Scalp Treatment from Typebea](https://media.sheerluxe.com/fMkZc18JHIm8h5NRgJHul-g-TZo=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fg0frontwhite.jpg) [#### G.0 Exfoliating Scalp Treatment](https://uk.typebea.com/) ##### Typebea, Coming Soon [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53259 "Add product to my favourites") ## SKIN, BODY & NAILS [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/rpBhJA7e_De93P4TbvX37OG8NJo=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fmanucurist2_0.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/manucurist/) @Manucurist ### Weaker, Brittle Nails **Expect More Breakage** "During pregnancy, higher hormone levels can make nails feel stronger and grow faster, so once those hormones drop after birth, many women notice their nails suddenly becoming weaker, thinner and more brittle. Your body is also recovering and its nutrient stores can become depleted, particularly if you're breastfeeding, stressed, exhausted or not eating well." *–* [*Milly Mason*](https://www.instagram.com/millymason_/?hl=en)*, bespoke nail artist* **Keep Nails Hydrated** "Postpartum nails also tend to become much drier, which can lead to peeling, splitting and breakage. Constant hand washing, sterilising bottles, using hand sanitiser and having your hands in water all day strips away the natural oils from both your nails and cuticles, leaving them dehydrated and more fragile." *– Milly* **Nourish From The Inside Out** "Supporting nail health starts from within. Look for supplements containing collagen, biotin and zinc, alongside nourishing your nails daily with a cuticle oil rich in vitamin E, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil or keratin. I also recommend applying hand cream regularly, keeping nails short while they recover and avoiding excessive filing or buffing." *– Milly* ![L'Huile Camélia Hydrating & Fortifying Oil from Chanel](https://media.sheerluxe.com/c34kV3taicHoN5r2TvzjVEQZLgo=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl130726-parenting-chanel-nail-serum.png) [#### L'Huile Camélia Hydrating & Fortifying Oil ](https://sephora.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l5hxvM/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.co.uk%2Fp%2Fchanel-l-huile-camelia-hydrating-fortifying-oil) ##### Chanel, £30 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53259 "Add product to my favourites") ![L'Occitane Shea (Karité) Hand Cream from L'Occitane](https://media.sheerluxe.com/kHcInJb6K0QxTMVYIf1cj1VqkgM=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl130726-parenting-loccitane-hand-cream.png) [#### L'Occitane Shea (Karité) Hand Cream](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fp%2Fl-occitane-shea-karite-hand-cream-150ml%2F17514865%2F) ##### L'Occitane, £27 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53259 "Add product to my favourites") ![Keratin Booster from Manucurist](https://media.sheerluxe.com/dV5q36yrKU9_LyxZ_gJbDmubBGU=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl130726-parenting-mannicurist-keratin-booster.png) [#### Keratin Booster](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fp%2Fmanucurist-keratin-booster%2F17415359%2F) ##### Manucurist, £15 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53259 "Add product to my favourites") ![Complete Beauty Support from Wild Nutrition](https://media.sheerluxe.com/UkFmUwh8C0r6Rlm2nX3Xx0t9Wv0=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl130726-parenting-wild-nutrition-complete-beauty-support.png) [#### Complete Beauty Support](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=31934&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wildnutrition.com%2Fproducts%2Fcomplete-beauty-support%3Fvariant%3D42548696973501) ##### Wild Nutrition, £45 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53259 "Add product to my favourites") ### Dry, Lacklustre Skin **Understand The Cause** "It's very common to experience dry skin postpartum because hormone levels change so dramatically after birth. Oestrogen, in particular, is responsible for much of the pregnancy 'glow', supporting skin hydration through multiple mechanisms, including stimulating hyaluronic acid production. Once those hormone levels fall, skin often becomes noticeably drier." *–* [*Dr Justine Hextall*](https://justinehextall.co.uk/)*, consultant dermatologist* **Focus On Barrier Repair** "Look for ingredients that mimic the oils and humectants naturally found in healthy skin. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, ectoin and urea all help attract moisture, while ceramides and shea butter help lock it in. Gentle exfoliating acids such as glycolic or mandelic acid can also help restore radiance, alongside a good vitamin C serum." *– Dr Justine* ### Sensitivities & Increased Flare-Ups **Expect Your Skin Barrier To Change** "Many women find skincare products they previously tolerated suddenly sting or leave their skin feeling tight after giving birth. As the skin barrier becomes disrupted, it loses moisture more easily, making skin drier, more reactive and increasingly sensitive. Breastfeeding also continues to influence hormone levels, so these changes can take time to settle." *– Dr Justine* **Don’t Be Shocked If Eczema Flares Up** "Pregnancy changes the immune system and after birth, it gradually returns to its pre-pregnancy state. Combined with a disrupted skin barrier, sleep deprivation and increased hand washing, this can create the perfect environment for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema to develop or flare." *– Dr Justine* ### Adult Acne & Breakouts **Understand Why Breakouts Happen** "As oestrogen falls after birth, the skin is exposed to higher levels of androgens, which increase oil production and clog pores. Add to that the effects of stress and sleep deprivation and it's no wonder many women experience breakouts postpartum." *– Dr Justine* **Stick To A Gentle Routine** "I always recommend starting with a simple, hydrating routine. Low-strength salicylic acid and azelaic acid are both excellent choices, while niacinamide can help calm inflammation and reduce post-blemish pigmentation. Balance active ingredients with plenty of hydration, particularly if you're breastfeeding or your skin feels more sensitive than usual." *– Dr Justine* ### Melasma & Pigmentation **Protect Your Skin From The Sun** "Melasma is driven by pregnancy hormones and worsened by UV exposure. Even after birth, pigment cells remain highly reactive to daylight and hormonal fluctuations, which is why pigmentation can persist. Daily broad-spectrum SPF is essential, alongside ingredients such as vitamin C and targeted pigment-correcting actives." *– Dr Justine* ### Skin Elasticity & Tone **Give It Time** "Our skin is remarkably resilient. Although pregnancy stretches the skin significantly, it has an incredible ability to remodel itself over time. As your weight gradually stabilises and hormones rebalance, skin often begins to tighten naturally. My advice is to be patient before rushing into treatments, particularly if you're still breastfeeding." *– Dr Justine* ### Broken Capillaries **Wait For Them To Fade** "Pregnancy hormones naturally dilate blood vessels, so as hormone levels settle after birth, some vascular changes improve on their own. More persistent broken capillaries usually require laser treatment rather than topical skincare. A diet rich in anthocyanins – found in foods like blueberries, black grapes and aubergines – may also help support blood vessel health." *– Dr Justine* ![Belly Oil from Hatch Mama](https://media.sheerluxe.com/D09pBMwKOylChwj1fSMwHvo0AoQ=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl130726-parenting-hatch-mama-belly-oil.png) [#### Belly Oil](https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2310238-12527506?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolve.com%2Fhatch-mama-belly-oil%2Fdp%2FHMAM-WU1%2F) ##### Hatch Mama, £61 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53259 "Add product to my favourites") ![Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid Non-Perfumed Suncream from La Roche-Posay](https://media.sheerluxe.com/V9h5RjJnrMRL3SGr-lD1tDmy9xY=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl130726-parenting-la-roche-posay-uv-mune-invisible-fluid.png) [#### Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid Non-Perfumed Suncream](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Fla-roche-posay-anthelios-uvmune-400-invisible-fluid-spf50-50ml-10306562) ##### La Roche-Posay, £15.75 *(was £21)* [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53259 "Add product to my favourites") ![C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum from SkinCeuticals](https://media.sheerluxe.com/8O1iI9_VA7AoyH7IYhMiJnJwp9g=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl130726-parenting-skin-ceuticals-c-e-ferulic.png) [#### C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fp%2Fskinceuticals-c-e-ferulic-antioxidant-vitamin-c-serum-for-normal-and-dry-skin-30ml%2F11705727) ##### SkinCeuticals, £169 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53259 "Add product to my favourites") ![ATOBARRIER365 Cream from AESTURA](https://media.sheerluxe.com/2NBNpwV8ENhPrKIzAME9BnVhbFs=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl130726-parenting-aestura-atobarrier-cream.png) [#### ATOBARRIER365 Cream](https://sephora.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l5hxvM/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.co.uk%2Fp%2Faestura-atobarrier365-cream-skin-barrier-strenghtening-moisturizing-cream) ##### AESTURA, From £17 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53259 "Add product to my favourites") ![Smoothing Body Polish from BYOMA](https://media.sheerluxe.com/YI3TYZwuGjEOWyYDLejXLaFGZrE=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl130726-parenting-byoma-smoothing-body-polish.png) [#### Smoothing Body Polish](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fbath-body%2Fbody-cleanser%2Fscrubs-exfoliants%2Fsmoothing-body-polish-UK200051447.html) ##### BYOMA, £13 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53259 "Add product to my favourites") ![Body Firming Cream from Clarins](https://media.sheerluxe.com/I6vgYQ8K0vdtqvsC5478v78xIW8=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl130726-parenting-clarins-body-firming-cream_0.png) [#### Body Firming Cream](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=37335&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.clarins.co.uk%2Fbody-firming-extra-firming-cream%2F80084435.html) ##### Clarins, £42 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53259 "Add product to my favourites") ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/FlCXvCsqGRybXLlxa0a16wwDS-U=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl-130726-postpartum-body-changes-skin-new.png) The Vault Stock ## TEETH & ORAL HEALTH ### Bleeding Gums **Understand The Cause** "Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase blood flow to the gums and make the gum tissue more reactive to plaque. Although these hormonal changes begin to settle after delivery, inflammation can sometimes persist, particularly if oral hygiene has been difficult during pregnancy or in the early postpartum period." *–* [*Dr Mutaz Albeetar*](https://www.instagram.com/mutazalbeetar/)*, dentist at APA Aesthetic* **Don't Ignore The Signs** "Bleeding gums should never be ignored. Maintaining good brushing and flossing habits, alongside regular dental hygiene appointments, is usually enough to improve mild gum inflammation. If bleeding continues, becomes severe or is associated with pain or loose teeth, it's important to see a dentist to rule out more significant gum disease." *– Dr Mutaz* ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/OZlVp67OM1n27zKfHJBCx0goo1g=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Ffuvipea4hybefmmau4zrubnj_1.jpg) The Vault Stock ### Tooth Sensitivity & Changes **Expect Teeth To Thin A Little** "Many women notice increased tooth sensitivity after pregnancy, although pregnancy itself doesn't directly wear away enamel. Instead, factors such as morning sickness, which exposes teeth to stomach acid, alongside changes in diet, dry mouth and altered oral hygiene routines can all contribute." *– Dr Mutaz* **Protect Your Enamel** "Using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, avoiding brushing immediately after vomiting and keeping up with regular dental check-ups can all help. If sensitivity persists or worsens, it's important to have it assessed, as it may be a sign of enamel erosion, tooth decay or gum recession that requires professional treatment." *– Dr Mutaz* *Follow* [@ANABEL\_KINGSLEY](https://www.instagram.com/anabel_kingsley/?hl=en) | [@ANNA.LAHEY](https://www.instagram.com/anna.lahey/?hl=en) | [@MILLYMASON\_](https://www.instagram.com/millymason_/?hl=en) | [@DRJUSTINEHEXTALL](https://www.instagram.com/drjustinehextall/) | [@MUTAZALBEETAR](https://www.instagram.com/mutazalbeetar/) *DISCLAIMER: Features published by SheerLuxe are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. 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