When does postpartum hair loss start?

Last reviewed June 19, 2026 by Dr. Sapna Jadhav, General Physician. Sources from ACOG, NHS, Mayo Clinic, CDC, NICE, NIH, Cochrane, and peer-reviewed journals.

Bottom linePostpartum hair loss usually starts around 2 to 4 months after birth and tends to peak near the 4-month mark, because shed hairs rest for a couple of months before falling out.

Postpartum hair shedding usually starts a couple of months after birth - most often around 2 to 4 months postpartum - and peaks around the 4-month mark.

Why the delay

Hairs that shifted into the resting phase when your estrogen dropped after birth don't fall out immediately. They stay in place for roughly two to three months before shedding, which is why the loss seems to start suddenly months later rather than right after delivery.

The usual timeline

• Birth to ~2 months: Little change, hair may still feel thick.
• 2-4 months: Shedding becomes noticeable, often peaking around month 4.
• By 6-12 months: Shedding slows and regrowth fills in.

What you might notice

More hair than usual in your brush, in the shower drain, or on your pillow, and sometimes thinning around the hairline and temples.

Reassurance

This timing is completely normal and the shedding is temporary. If it's still heavy beyond a year, or you have other symptoms, see your provider to rule out thyroid or iron issues.

Femora helps you log postpartum symptoms over the months so you can track changes.