Postpartum hair loss in London: what is normal, what isn't
Postpartum shedding affects up to 90% of new mothers. It is almost always temporary — but knowing the timeline matters, and so does knowing when to escalate.
Dr. Amara Okafor
Consultant Trichologist · Harley Street
In short
- Postpartum shedding starts at month 3–4 and peaks at month 5.
- Most cases resolve fully by month 9–12 without intervention.
- Ferritin under 70 ng/ml and vitamin D under 75 nmol/L can delay recovery — test both.
- Persistent loss beyond month 12 needs trichology assessment for underlying causes.
Postpartum telogen effluvium affects somewhere between 40% and 90% of new mothers. It happens because pregnancy prolongs the anagen growth phase — when oestrogen drops postpartum, all those held-over hairs enter the shedding phase together.
The expected timeline
Shedding typically begins at month 3–4 postpartum, peaks at month 5, and tapers from month 7. By month 9–12, hair density should be approaching baseline. Full recovery often takes 12–18 months, with new regrowth visible as short hairs around the hairline by month 6.
When to book in London
Book a trichology consultation if: shedding is still increasing at month 6; visible scalp is appearing at the parting; or shedding continues past month 12. Ferritin, vitamin D, B12, TSH and free T4 are the baseline blood tests.
Frequently asked
Common questions
Can I take minoxidil while breastfeeding?+
Topical minoxidil is generally considered low-risk during breastfeeding, but always confirm with your GP or trichologist. Oral minoxidil is not recommended.
Do hair vitamins help postpartum shedding?+
Only if you are deficient. Correct ferritin and vitamin D first — most other 'hair vitamin' ingredients lack evidence.
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