Postpartum Hair & Hormones: A Holistic Recovery Guide
Becoming a mother is a full-body transformation—physically, emotionally, spiritually. And somewhere in the swirl of late-night feedings, hormone shifts, and learning how to be someone’s everything, many new moms find themselves looking down at the shower drain in panic.
Hair. Lots of it.
If you’re in this season, let me start by saying: you’re not alone, and your body isn’t failing you. What you’re experiencing is a natural and expected part of postpartum life. And while it may feel alarming, there is a path forward—one that supports not just your hair, but your whole self.
💫 What’s Really Happening to Your Hair After Birth?
During pregnancy, rising estrogen levels keep your hair in a prolonged “growth” phase. Your hair likely felt thicker and fuller—because it was staying put longer than usual. After birth, as estrogen levels drop, your hair cycle rebalances. This causes a larger-than-usual number of hairs to shift into the “shedding” phase (called telogen effluvium).
This typically starts around 8–12 weeks postpartum and can last a few months. It’s temporary. It’s normal. And it’s survivable.
🌿 How to Support Your Hair & Scalp Gently
Instead of fighting your hair or trying to “fix” the shedding, let’s focus on nourishment, patience, and presence. Here are holistic ways to support the journey:
1. Scalp Rituals for Reconnection
Your scalp is an extension of your nervous system—treat it with care. Weekly oiling rituals can help stimulate blood flow, reduce inflammation, and offer a moment of quiet in your day.
Try a few drops of Innersense Organic Beauty Scalp Renew Oil or Reverie’s CAKE Scalp Tonic massaged into your scalp with your fingertips or a gentle scalp brush.
Breathe deeply. You’re nourishing more than your roots here.
2. Simplify & Strengthen Your Haircare Routine
Choose clean, strengthening products that don’t strip or overload the hair:
Innersense Pure Harmony Hairbath and O&M Maintain the Mane Conditioner offer lightweight cleansing and moisture without harmful ingredients.
Gently detangle with a wide-tooth comb—avoid tugging or high-tension styles.
3. Support from Within
Your body is still healing and recalibrating. Nutritional support can make a meaningful difference:
Mary Ruth Organics Liquid Morning Multivitamin is a gentle, easy-to-absorb option that supports hair, skin, and overall recovery.
Don’t forget hydration, whole foods, and rest (as much as your season allows).
🧘♀️ Emotional Care Matters, Too
Postpartum shedding can feel like one more unexpected loss in a sea of change. Many of my clients describe feeling less themselves, or frustrated that their “glow” is gone. Please know this: you are not less beautiful—you are becoming someone new.
Let this be a time to slow down, not to pressure yourself to bounce back. Create small rituals—lighting a candle while you brush, playing calming music while you wash your hair—that honor the changes you’re moving through.
You are still you. You are still whole. And your hair will grow back in time.
💗 A Gentle Reminder
If you’re experiencing extreme or prolonged shedding, feel free to check in with your care provider to rule out nutrient deficiencies or thyroid changes (common postpartum issues). But in most cases, what you’re experiencing is part of the sacred, messy, hormonal magic of motherhood.
You’re doing beautifully. Your hair is just catching up.
XO Jen
