PREGNANCY HAIR + BEYOND
- bonneyandfrancehai
- Mar 30
- 5 min read
Everything you need to know about why your hair changes,
and how to love and care for it through every stage of motherhood.
Growing a baby is one of the most extraordinary things the human body can do — and your
hair is very much along for the ride. From the gorgeous, glossy locks many women enjoy
during pregnancy, to the slightly alarming shedding that can follow after birth, your hair goes
through real, significant changes. The good news? Every bit of it is completely normal, and
with the right care and knowledge, you can support your hair beautifully through this journey.
"Your hair is telling the story of everything your body is
going through. It's not failing you — it's simply
responding to one of life's biggest transformations."
The Pregnancy Glow — and Why Your Hair Loves It
Many women notice their hair looking fuller, thicker, and more
lustrous during pregnancy — and there's a very real reason for
this. During pregnancy, elevated levels of oestrogen cause your
hair to stay in the growth phase (called the anagen phase) for
longer than usual. Normally, hair sheds daily as part of its natural
cycle, but those higher hormones essentially press pause on
shedding, meaning more hairs remain on your head at any one
time.
The result? That famously full, voluminous pregnancy hair that
many women absolutely love. Increased blood circulation also
delivers more nutrients to the scalp, which can make hair appear
shinier and feel stronger. Enjoy every moment of it — you've
earned it.
What you might notice during pregnancy
✦ Thicker, fuller-feeling hair with less daily shedding.
✦ Increased shine and improved texture in many cases.
✦ Faster nail and hair growth due to better circulation.
Some women experience dryness or oiliness at the
scalp — both are normal.
Postpartum Shedding
What's Really Happening
Around two to four months after giving birth (and sometimes a
little later if you're breastfeeding), many new mums notice
significant hair shedding. Finding clumps of hair in the shower, on
your pillow, or wrapped around your fingers during brushing can
feel alarming — but this is an entirely natural process called
telogen effluvium.
What's happening is that all that hair your body "held onto" during
pregnancy is now releasing at once, as oestrogen levels return to
normal. It's not actually that you're losing more hair than usual —
it's that you're losing the hair you didn't shed over the past nine
months. Your body is simply catching up.
For those who are breastfeeding, this shedding can be delayed a
little longer, as oestrogen levels remain somewhat elevated during
nursing. When weaning begins, some mums notice the shedding
starting or intensifying at that point.
Again — completely normal, and temporary.
When to expect it
✦ Usually begins 2– 4 months after delivery.
✦ Can be delayed until after you stop breastfeeding.
✦Typically peaks around 3–4 months of shedding,
then gradually slows.
✦Most women see their hair return to its pre-pregnancy
state by 12 months postpartum.
Changes in Colour & Texture
Alongside shedding, some new mums are surprised to find their
hair looks or feels different in other ways too. Hormonal shifts
during and after pregnancy can temporarily alter the structure of
the hair shaft, which means your hair might feel coarser, finer,
wavier, or straighter than it was before. Some women with
straight hair develop a wave; others with curly hair find their curl
pattern loosens.
Colour changes are also possible. The new hair that grows back
after shedding can sometimes appear slightly different in tone — a
little darker, a little lighter, or with more grey than before. This is
thought to be linked to changes in melanin production influenced
by hormones and, at times, nutrient levels.
These changes are usually temporary,
though for some women free.
They become a permanent and rather lovely evolution in their
natural hair. Either way, working with your hair as it is now —
rather than fighting it — tends to yield the most beautiful results.
Nourishing Your Hair from the Inside Out
Hair health is deeply connected to what you're eating. When your
body is under significant demand — as it is during and after
pregnancy, and especially while breastfeeding — nutritional gaps
can show up first in your hair, nails, and skin. Making sure your
diet is rich in the right nutrients is one of the most powerful things
you can do.
A Note on Postnatal Supplements
✦Many women continue their pregnancy vitamins
postpartum — this is a great idea, especially while
breastfeeding.
✦Look for supplements specifically formulated for
postpartum or breastfeeding women, which often
include iron, B vitamins, Vitamin D, and Omega-3s.
✦Biotin and collagen supplements are popular for hair
support — they are generally safe but speak to your GP
or midwife before starting anything new.
✦A balanced diet should always come first; supplements
fill the gaps.
Choosing the Right Shampoo & Conditioner
What you put on your hair matters — and postpartum is a great time to
be a little more intentional about your haircare routine. Look for
shampoos that are sulphate-free, as sulphates can strip the scalp of
natural oils that are already under pressure from hormonal changes.
A nourishing conditioner applied from mid-length to ends helps seal the
hair cuticle, reducing breakage and giving that all-important shine. If
your hair is feeling particularly fine or flat post-shedding, a volumising,
lightweight formula can help new growth look its best without
weighing it down.
Consider a weekly deep conditioning mask to replenish moisture, and
be gentle when detangling — especially when your hair is wet and at its
most fragile. A wide-tooth comb is your best friend during this period.
If you're concerned about scalp health — flakiness, dryness, or irritation
— look for products containing zinc pyrithione, tea tree, or
niacinamide to soothe and balance.
Your Hair Will Come Back ♡♡
This is the most important thing to know: postpartum hair lossis temporary.
For the vast majority of new mums, hair returns to
its pre-pregnancy fullness within six to twelve months of the
shedding beginning. The new growth you'll start to see — often
those little wispy "baby hairs" framing the face — is your hair
cycle getting back on track. It's a sign that your body is healing
and recalibrating beautifully. Be patient, be gentle with yourself,
and know that the lush hair you want is absolutely on its way.
If you're ever concerned about excessive hair loss, significant changes in your scalp, or
feel your shedding is lasting beyond twelve months, do speak with your GP. In some
cases, conditions such as thyroid imbalance or iron deficiency anaemia can contribute
to prolonged hair loss and are easily tested for. You're not alone — and help is always
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