As we head into Mother’s Day, it’s important to talk about the things many mothers go through but rarely discuss. One of those is postpartum hair loss – a condition that affects most new moms but often goes unspoken, misunderstood, or brushed off.
In this media release, Dr Kashmal Kalan, hair restoration expert and Medical Director at Alvi Armani, unpacks why postpartum hair shedding happens, when it’s normal, and when it’s worth seeking treatment. With practical tips, insights on recovery, and gentle reassurance, it’s a timely piece that offers emotional support and trusted medical guidance for mothers navigating this often-distressing experience.
Why hair loss after pregnancy feels alarming but is completely normal
07 May 2025: Thicker, stronger, and healthier – many women experience the best hair growth of their lives during pregnancy, and often the worst shortly after. Postpartum hair loss is temporary, typically lasting a few months, but can severely affect a new mother on an emotional and psychological level if care isn’t taken.
“Mostwomen experience some level of hair loss shortly after pregnancy. While it might be a shock to many women, it’s important to remember that the hair will regrow naturally in due course, and that treatments are available if hair loss persists,” says Dr Kashmal Kalan, Medical Director of the Sandton-based hair restoration clinic Alvi Armani.
He adds that understanding the biology helps. During pregnancy, elevated oestrogen keeps most follicles locked in the growing phase (anagen) for longer. As hormone levels fall back toward baseline once the baby is born, a sudden shift pushes many follicles into the resting (telogen) phase at the same time. Pronounced shedding occurs about three months after childbirth and can last between six to 12 months.
“Although it’s normal and very common, considering the inherent stress of motherhood and caring for a newborn, sudden hair loss only adds pressure and can seriously impact a woman’s self-esteem. It’s important to look for signs of postpartum hair loss, then act as soon as signs of thinning show. At a minimum, we advise consulting a specialist when the process begins to learn how to approach the situation best. Still, it’s generally better to visit a hair restoration clinic during pregnancy. Finalising a treatment plan early means one less worry once the baby arrives.”
Mitigating risk factors that impact postpartum hair loss
Hair loss can cause distress, and heightened stress fuels further hair loss. The first step to minimising hair loss after pregnancy is knowing it’s coming and mentally preparing months ahead. Dr Kalan goes as far as to say it’s also the partner’s responsibility to gently remind and prepare women for postpartum hair loss and reassure them that it’s natural and nothing to be too concerned about. Then, also look at treatment options together and consult with a specialist to ease her anxiety and limit additional stress-related hair loss.
Another critical risk factor to be aware of is unmet nutritional needs. Pregnancy and subsequent breastfeeding drain the body of certain vitamins and minerals. Continuing prenatal supplements in the postpartum phase can help replace essentials like iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. Dr Kalan adds: “From there, it comes down to balance. Eat well, keep a healthy routine, take the right supplements, and remember that some shedding is normal.
“Next, manage the hair you still have with care. Skip bleach, chemical straighteners, and tight updos, at least until shedding settles. Choose a wide-tooth comb, blot rather than rub after washing, and trade heavy conditioners for lightweight formulas that rinse clean without residue. Heat styling is best reserved for special occasions, and even then, use the lowest effective setting and add a heat-protect spray.”
Exploring treatment options
Medical guidance becomes essential when hair loss starts to blur the boundaries of normal recovery. A qualified practitioner will map the scalp under magnification, compare density across regions, and order labs for imbalances in ferritin, which stores iron, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and vitamin D. If the diagnosis remains, conservative management continues. If measurements suggest early female-pattern thinning, treatments may expand.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a popular treatment option. The procedure draws a small amount of the patient’s blood to reinject it into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles. Because the solution uses the person’s cells, there is no risk of allergic reaction, and it poses no threat to breastfed infants. By nudging dormant follicles back into the growth phase, PRP can blunt the shedding peak and shorten its course. Clinics such as Alvi Armani begin these kinds of sessions around the three-month postpartum mark, repeating monthly as necessary.
Finally, he notes, “Hair rarely receives the spotlight in the wider conversation about maternal health. It should. A mother who understands what is happening on her scalp – and why – can divert energy from worry toward recovery. She can choose to trim her hair for convenience rather than desperation, delay highlights until shedding slows, and remind herself that the changes she sees are evidence of biology in motion, not biology in revolt.”