How To Handle Postpartum Hair and Scalp Problems

During pregnancy, you may have enjoyed thicker, shinier hair than normal. However, after giving birth, your hair and scalp may change again—and not always in a good way. Many people experience hair loss, postpartum dandruff, and even just an itchy scalp.

These scalp and hair changes are likely to pass (just like excessive crying during the newborn period). Still, the itchiness, irritation, and clumps of hair collecting in the drain are no fun. Here, two board-certified dermatologists share their best tips for understanding and treating postpartum hair problems.

Postpartum Hair Loss

Hair loss is a super-common side effect of childbirth. Up to 92% of people lose a noticeable amount of hair during the postpartum period.

When you’re pregnant, a surge in estrogen keeps most of your hair from falling out, making your mane look and feel extra lustrous. However, once this extra boost of hormones subsides, your hair can shed as your strands return to their usual lifecycle, most commonly in the first three to four months after delivery.

“After childbirth, the hairs are shocked into a resting phase known as telogen,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology, and an associate professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “Subsequently, [people] often experience a massive shedding known as telogen effluvium.”

The good news is that postpartum hair loss is temporary. You can expect your hair to return to its pre-pregnancy volume by three to six months after childbirth, but before that, you'll go through a growth phase. It's during this phase that you might notice new hair growth in the form of baby hairs around the hairline.

Postpartum Dandruff

You may also experience dandruff after giving birth. This doesn’t only produce an embarrassing snowfall of flakes, but it can perpetuate your postpartum hair loss as well.

“Because of [postpartum] hormonal fluctuations, the skin and the scalp may become more oily, contributing to worsening of dandruff, along with itching,” says Dr. Zeichner.  “At the same time, the scalp develops flaking and scaling.”

If you're breastfeeding, run any new products you want to try by your health care provider. Many over-the-counter topical treatments are safe to use while breastfeeding, but some chemicals may be harmful.

Itchy Scalp

Some people experience an itchy scalp without dandruff in the months following childbirth. "Hormonal fluctuations, dehydration, and physical and emotional stress can all cause or exacerbate itch,” explains Dr. Murphy-Rose.

Your scalp is especially susceptible to postpartum itchiness. It has more nerves, blood vessels, and sebaceous glands than the skin on the rest of your body. These features make your scalp vulnerable to itchiness and irritation.

The feeling—not unlike bugs crawling through your hair—can be distressing. Pregnancy and postpartum itchiness can be so bothersome that it can interfere with a person’s sleep and quality of life, and can even contribute to postpartum depression.