A clinical and dermoscopic study involving 200 women seeking care for hair loss after childbirth investigated associated causes. Telogen effluvium could coexist with androgenetic alopecia or traction alopecia. Scalp examination therefore helps distinguish temporary shedding from a disorder requiring specific care.
HAIR LOSS AFTER PREGNANCY
Dernière mise à jour : 09 July 2026
How can post-partum hair
loss be treated ?
Pregnancy brings major changes to a woman's body, often continuing after childbirth. Changes affecting the hair are particularly noticeable. Hormonal fluctuations before, during and after pregnancy can significantly affect hair health.
Aesthetic medicine treatments address and improve this condition.
Session duration
Assessment if needed; care tailored to the cause of hair loss
Number of sessions
Often monitoring; treatment depends on the diagnosis
Time to results
Reactive shedding: regrowth over several months
Usual after-effects
No after-effects from monitoring; depend on care if indicated
Duration of effects
Often improves spontaneously; assessment if persistent
Price
Mesotherapy: CHF 200; PRP: CHF 500 per session
Contents
- How can post-partum hair loss be treated ?
- What is post-partum hair loss ?
- Is post-partum hair loss common ?
- Why does hair fall out after childbirth ?
- How can post-partum hair loss be identified ?
- Hair changes
- Aesthetic treatments for hair loss
- Additional advice for post-partum hair health
- Does hair lost after childbirth grow back ?
- How can post-partum hair loss be prevented ?
- Prices
- Other Areas To Treat
- Body
- Face
- Skin
- Intimate health
What is post-partum hair
loss ?
The post-partum period involves significant hair changes that can be surprising and worrying. Contrary to a common belief, hair loss after childbirth is not abnormal. It is a physiological response to hormonal changes. The shedding can be striking, but it does not indicate permanent loss. Hair follicles remain active and gradually resume their normal cycle, generally within six to twelve months after childbirth.
Is post-partum hair loss
common ?
Hair loss after childbirth is extremely common and affects most women regardless of hair type. It generally appears two to three months after birth and is a form of telogen effluvium, shedding caused by the rapid decline in hormones that kept hair in its growth phase during pregnancy.
Why does hair fall out after childbirth ?
Post-partum shedding follows a well-established mechanism. High oestrogen levels during pregnancy keep much of the hair in the anagen, or growth, phase. Hair stays in place longer, explaining its full appearance during those nine months. After birth, oestrogen levels fall, causing many hairs to enter the telogen, or shedding, phase together. This simultaneous shift of many follicles explains the impression of sudden loss.
Other factors can amplify this naturally temporary process. Tiredness, lack of sleep, nutritional deficiencies, stress or mineral loss associated with breastfeeding can weaken hair fibres and slow regrowth. In some cases, previously latent androgenetic alopecia becomes more visible during this period, making shedding more pronounced.
How can post-partum hair loss be identified ?
Post-partum shedding is usually diffuse, giving the impression of gradually thinning hair. More hair is generally noticed in the brush, shower or on the pillow. Shedding affects the whole scalp but is often more visible at the temples, which are particularly sensitive to hormonal changes.
Unlike other forms of alopecia, post-partum shedding does not cause bald patches. If loss seems excessive, rapid or concentrated in one area, consult a doctor to exclude another cause of alopecia
Hair changes
- Post-partum hair loss : also known as telogen effluvium, this shedding is caused by declining oestrogen levels after childbirth. It generally occurs between two and four months after delivery.
- Quality changes : hair becomes drier. This may result from hormonal fluctuations and nutritional deficiencies.
- Loss of shine.
- Uneven regrowth and density.
Aesthetic treatments for
hair loss
Hair changes often affect confidence, but suitable care and aesthetic treatments can restore beautiful, healthy hair.
Consulting a doctor is advisable for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment protocol.
Two treatments are offered for post-partum hair loss.
Hair PRP
Hair PRP : this treatment uses the patient's blood platelets to stimulate hair follicles and promote growth.
Hair mesotherapy
Hair mesotherapy : this technique injects vitamins, minerals and other nutrients directly into the scalp to nourish hair follicles and stimulate regrowth.
Additional advice for
post-partum hair health
- A balanced diet : protein, iron, vitamins (particularly B and D) and omega-3 fatty acids are important for hair health.
- Stress reduction.
- Gentle haircare : avoid tight hairstyles, harsh chemicals and excessive heat to prevent breakage and shedding.
- Applying hair serums and oils.
- Keratin treatments.
- Dietary supplements.
Does hair lost after childbirth grow back ?
Hair lost after childbirth grows back. Post-partum shedding is a temporary response to hormonal changes and does not damage follicles. Once the hair cycle returns to normal, hair begins regrowing spontaneously. Regrowth becomes visible within a few months, initially as short hairs around the temples or frontal hairline. Most women recover their usual density between six and twelve months after childbirth, although timing varies with stress, nutritional status and scalp needs.
How can post-partum hair loss be prevented ?
Post-partum effluvium cannot be prevented because it is physiological. However, a healthy lifestyle, a diet rich in essential nutrients, suitable care and monitoring for deficiencies can reduce its intensity. Caring for the scalp and limiting hair stressors during pregnancy and after childbirth is important.
Prices
Treatments to improve scalp quality and stimulate regrowth follow specific protocols, with costs depending on the number of sessions needed for optimal results.
Hair PRP costs 500 CHF per session. An initial course generally includes three sessions two months apart, providing gradual, lasting follicle stimulation. Annual maintenance is then recommended to preserve hair density and vitality.
Hair mesotherapy costs 200 CHF per session. The initial protocol involves six sessions every two weeks to gradually revitalise the scalp and strengthen the hair shaft. After the initial course, maintenance every three to four months prolongs benefits and stabilises long-term results.
These two techniques can be combined to optimise regrowth and improve overall hair quality.
WHAT THE STUDIES SAY
A critical review examines the available data on postpartum telogen effluvium and their interpretation. It recalls the value of not automatically attributing all hair loss to childbirth. A consultation allows symptoms to be placed in their timeline and another cause to be investigated when shedding is substantial or persistent.
A review of skin changes that persist after pregnancy examines stretch marks and hair loss in particular. It recommends distinguishing a physiological course from an associated problem requiring assessment. This approach allows care to be tailored to the symptom, its duration and its progression since childbirth.
Are hair mesotherapy injections effective post-partum ?
Yes, hair mesotherapy is effective post-partum. It injects a mixture of vitamins, minerals and amino acids directly into the scalp, stimulating blood circulation and promoting hair growth.
Can scalp biorevitalisation be performed after childbirth ?
Yes, scalp biorevitalisation can be performed after childbirth. It involves injecting nutrients to revitalise hair follicles and improve hair quality. Consulting a doctor before starting is recommended.
Which treatments strengthen hair that has become thinner and more brittle after pregnancy ?
Hair mesotherapy, which deeply nourishes the scalp, is recommended to strengthen thin, brittle hair after pregnancy. Gentle shampoos, strengthening masks and a diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals also support hair health.
Are there medical treatments for improving post-partum hair density ?
Yes, medical treatments such as hair mesotherapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can improve post-partum hair density. PRP uses the patient's own platelets to stimulate hair regrowth.
Which supplements are recommended for hair loss after pregnancy ?
Supplements containing vitamin B8 (biotin), zinc and selenium are recommended for post-partum hair loss. These nutrients help maintain normal hair and support growth.
It is essential to consult a doctor before starting any treatment or supplement to ensure it is suitable for your circumstances.