Pregnancy often brings thicker, shinier hair thanks to increased estrogen. But after giving birth, many moms face the opposite: postpartum hair loss. This natural phase, also called postpartum shedding, usually peaks around three to six months after delivery.
While it can be frustrating, the good news is that hair typically regrows with time. In the meantime, there are smart, gentle ways to protect your strands. From sleeping on a silk pillowcase to using silk scrunchies, here are five proven strategies to care for your hair during the shedding stage.
Key Takeaways
- Postpartum hair loss is temporary — Shedding typically begins around 3 months after birth, peaks at 3–6 months, and resolves within 6–12 months.
- Gentle care makes a difference — Avoid over-washing, harsh styling, and heat tools; choose nourishing shampoos and hair-safe accessories.
- Silk supports healthy regrowth — Sleeping on silk pillowcases and using silk scrunchies help reduce breakage, frizz, and dryness during the shedding stage.
Postpartum Hair Loss: Five Strategies for Getting Through the Shedding Stage
As dramatic as postpartum hair loss can be, it's technically a balancing of the scales. We normally shed about 50 to 100 hairs per day. During pregnancy, however, that shedding slows way down, as estrogen and other pregnancy hormones power up the hair follicle to prevent hair loss, resulting in lustrous, thicker hair. The hair that women lose after giving birth is "making up" for all the extra hair they didn't shed while pregnant.
Still, it isn't pretty.
What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?
The main cause of hair loss postpartum is a drop in estrogen levels after delivery. During pregnancy, high estrogen keeps hair in a growth phase. After birth, those hormone levels fall, triggering shedding (called telogen effluvium).
An informal survey of our team here at Mulberry Park Silks reveals that many of the moms on staff spent their child-bearing years rotating through states of thick, gorgeous hair (pregnancy ); temporary hair shedding, or telogen effluvium (five to six months after giving birth); frizzy regrowth of baby hair (while hoping this doesn't happen during the summer humidity); and, just as their hair grew in, perhaps another pregnancy which raises their estrogen level and starts the hair cycle all over again.
Five Smart Suggestions for Postpartum Hair Care
Happily, there are a handful of things you can do to make this process less traumatic on the hair (and the mom!). It's all about keeping hair protected, encouraging healthy hair growth, and minimizing frizz. While none of the below recommendations are meant to replace advice from a medical or hair care professional, these suggestions have worked quite well for us.
1. Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase
Sleeping on a Mulberry Park silk pillowcase is great for any type of hair, not just postpartum hair in the shedding and regrowth cycle. There are two main reasons for this:
- A silk pillowcase is smooth and friction free, which allows hair to glide across its surface. There is no tugging, pulling, or tearing at hair, which can happen with cotton pillowcase s (even the smoothest cotton pillowcase has tiny fibers that can snag hair). Silk pillowcases are wonderful for protecting even the most fragile regrowth from damage and hair breakage.
- Like hair itself, silk is protein based; the natural proteins and amino acids in silk fiber help hair stay hydrated and healthy (a contrast to cotton, which is absorbent and can dry out hair). In fact, many salon quality shampoo and hair care products actually contain silk protein. A silk pillowcase is wonderful for fighting frizz , which can be particularly troublesome during the regrowth phase where the new hair is short.
Want a Silk Pillowcase?
Not Sure which One Is Best?
Want a Silk Pillowcase?
Not Sure which One Is Best?
The bottom line: a pure mulberry silk pillowcase is the perfect place for a new mom to get some well-deserved rest while protecting her hair. It's gentle on hair in any stages of loss and regrowth; nourishes and protects hair; and -- maybe best of all -- feels incredibly luxurious. Our pure silk pillowcases come in a variety of momme weights and colors to suit any style and budget. To learn more about choosing the right momme weight in a silk pillowcase, click here .
2. Use Silk Scrunchies
Given that pillow time is at a premium for any new parent, mom's access to her silk pillowcase may be limited. The good news is, she can derive the benefits of silk around the clock with Mulberry Park silk scrunchies and head scarves. And on a practical front, little hands tend to grab everything in sight, so most moms of babies and toddlers are putting their hair up to avoid the pain of getting it pulled.
Mulberry Park Silks scrunchies are a huge upgrade to standard elastic hair ties (and even cotton scrunchies) which can pull and tear at even healthy hair. Just like a silk pillowcase, our scrunchies keep hair moisturized and protected; at the same time, they hold your ponytail or bun stylishly in place while minimizing snags, pulling, and dents. These come in two sizes, Large (for thick, coarse, or curly hair) and Skinny (for shorter, delicate, or fine hair) in Light,Gray, or Desert Sand color palettes. Learn more about the benefits of our silk scrunchies here .
3. Choose Gentle, Strengthening Shampoo and Hair Products
The new moms on our staff recommend choosing a gentle, nutrient-rich shampoo and conditioner formulated with strengthening ingredients such as biotin or vitamin complexes to support hair follicles. It can also be helpful to use a clarifying shampoo occasionally to remove residue from styling products that may weigh hair down or hinder regrowth. In addition, a lightweight leave-in treatment with proteins or natural oils can help replenish moisture, smooth frizz, and protect fragile strands during the postpartum shedding phase. As always, consult your doctor or hair care professional before introducing new products to your routine, particularly if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
4. Skip Washing and Styling Occasionally
Giving your hair the occasional break from washing can definitely help it grow healthier. Too much shampooing (and too much hot water!) can dry out your hair and make it prone to breakage, which is something you definitely DON'T want when you're trying to encourage growth. The same goes for any heavy-duty heat styling like a blow dryer or flat iron. All of these strip hair and scalp of their natural oils and moisture. . So we're giving you a guilt-free pass to ditch your shampoo and styling routine any time. And let's face it, with a new baby attached to you, you've got your hands happily full anyway.
5. Use A Detangling Brush
If you ask us, the detangling brush is one of the greatest hair care inventions of all time. We absolutely love our Wet Brush for detangling wet hair without the knots, nests, and pulls. In fact, we've got several of these stashed around our house and cars just in case!
Is Your Baby's Hair Shedding Too?
Many new parents are surprised to see their baby’s hair begin to shed in the first few months of life. This is perfectly normal—newborn hair loss is often linked to hormonal changes after birth or a condition calledtelogen effluvium, where hair shifts into a resting phase before new growth begins. During this delicate stage, your little one’s scalp deserves extra gentle care. Our silk crib sheetsare made from pure mulberry silk and OEKO-TEX® certified safe, helping reduce friction, protect fragile strands, and keep baby comfortable while their new hair grows in. Our natural white color is undyed for an extra pure sleep experience.
Why Silk is Ideal for Postpartum Hair Care
| Benefit | Why Silk Helps Postpartum Hair |
|---|---|
| Reduces Breakage | Silk’s smooth surface minimizes friction, so fragile postpartum strands glide without tugging or snapping. |
| Controls Frizz & Baby Hairs | Short regrowth stays smoother and shinier thanks to silk’s anti-static and anti-frizz properties. |
| Locks in Moisture | Unlike cotton, silk doesn’t absorb natural oils. Its protein-rich fibers help hair stay hydrated and nourished. |
| Gentle on Sensitive Scalps | OEKO-TEX® certified silk is hypoallergenic and chemical-free, safe for new moms and babies alike. |
| Supports Rest & Recovery | A silk pillowcase feels cool and luxurious, helping new moms sleep better—critical for hair regrowth. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Hair Loss
When does postpartum hair loss start?
Most women notice postpartum hair loss beginning around 3 months after delivery. This shedding phase is caused by hormonal shifts as estrogen levels return to normal.
When does postpartum hair loss stop?
Postpartum shedding usually slows by your baby’s first birthday. For most moms, hair loss after pregnancy stops within 6–12 months as regrowth evens out.
How long does postpartum hair loss last?
On average, postpartum hair loss lasts 6–9 months. Some women may shed longer, especially if experiencing stress, poor sleep, or nutrient deficiencies.
How can I stop postpartum hair loss?
You can’t completely stop the natural shedding cycle, but you can reduce damage. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase, using silk scrunchies, and avoiding harsh styling can protect fragile hair. Gentle, strengthening shampoos may also help.
What helps with postpartum hair loss?
Gentle hair care, a balanced diet rich in vitamins (like biotin and iron), and silk hair accessories can all support healthy hair regrowth. Always consult your doctor before starting supplements for postpartum hair loss.
What causes postpartum hair loss?
The main cause of hair loss postpartum is a drop in estrogen levels after delivery. During pregnancy, high estrogen keeps hair in a growth phase. After birth, those hormone levels fall, triggering shedding (called telogen effluvium).
What is the best shampoo for postpartum hair loss?
Look for gentle, volumizing, or strengthening formulas labeled for thinning hair. Many moms prefer biotin-enriched or sulfate-free shampoos. Pair with silk pillowcases and scrunchies for added protection during regrowth.
We hope you find these suggestions helpful!
As a leading manufacturer and retailer of silk pillowcases and accessories, we naturally spend a lot of time thinking about hair (our own and everyone else's). So when our silk products can help solve a problem like postpartum hair loss, we love sharing the news. And in the interest of total transparency, we want to tell you more about our silk and our company.
