Why does postpartum shedding seem so sudden?
Why do some women shed for three months, while others continue for six, nine, or even twelve?
Why do washing, brushing, and breastfeeding get unfairly blamed?
The truth is: many mothers misunderstand the root causes of postpartum shedding.
These misconceptions not only create confusion but also increase anxiety and unnecessary self-blame.
For emotional clarity and mindset support, explore the Postpartum Mind Hub.
You can also review Four Common Misconceptions About Postpartum Biology for a deeper look at how the cycle actually works beneath the surface.
This guide breaks down the five most common misconceptions about postpartum hair-loss triggers, helping you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface.
Ⅰ. Misconception #1: “Breastfeeding causes hair loss”
This is one of the most widespread—but misleading—claims.
Truth: Breastfeeding itself does not cause hair loss.
The shedding is not from breastfeeding, but from the physiological stressors that often accompany it:
1. Higher nutritional demand
Milk production requires large amounts of:
• Protein
• Iron
• Zinc
• B vitamins
• Omega-3 fatty acids
Your body prioritizes nourishment for the baby → hair follicles may receive less.
2. Slower hormonal recovery
During breastfeeding:
• Prolactin stays high
• Estrogen remains low
This keeps follicles in the resting phase longer → delaying regrowth.
3. Reduced sleep quality
Night feedings and fragmented rest → higher cortisol → more shedding.
📌 Summary:
It’s not “breastfeeding makes you lose hair,” but breastfeeding makes your body work harder, which indirectly affects the hair cycle.
Ⅱ. Misconception #2: “Washing your hair makes shedding worse”
Many mothers avoid washing their hair—sometimes for a week or longer—out of fear of seeing more hair fall.
Truth: Avoiding hair washing actually makes shedding worse.
Here’s why:
1. Not washing → oil buildup → inflammation → increased shedding
Postpartum sebum fluctuations mean that not washing can lead to:
• Clogged follicles
• Malassezia overgrowth
• Worsened seborrheic dermatitis
All of which increase hair loss.
2. Hair that falls during washing was already going to fall
Shampooing merely releases the strands that were already detached.
It does not cause additional shedding.
3. A clean scalp supports recovery
Proper washing:
✔ Reduces inflammation
✔ Improves circulation
✔ Clears sebum
✔ Supports follicle health
📌 Recommended:
Wash every 2–3 days (oilier scalps may need every other day).
For more related misconceptions about postpartum hair care routines, see
Postpartum Hair Care Misconceptions.
Ⅲ. Misconception #3: “Brushing causes postpartum hair loss”
Many mothers feel panicked when they see a brush full of strands.
Truth: Brushing does not cause shedding.
You’re simply removing hairs that were already in the resting phase.
Not brushing is actually worse:
✘ Tangling
✘ Mass breakage when washing
✘ Confusing breakage with shedding
✘ Making shedding appear more dramatic
Correct brushing routine:
• Use a wide-tooth comb
• Start from the ends → mid-lengths → roots
• Avoid brushing wet hair (wet strands break easily)
• Use a light oil or conditioner to detangle if needed
📌 Brushing maintains hair health—it does not cause postpartum shedding.
Ⅳ. Misconception #4: “Bad shampoo is the cause of postpartum hair loss”
This is one of the most common sources of confusion in mom groups.
Truth: Shampoo is not the root cause.
The real triggers are:
- Hormonal shifts
- Follicles entering telogen (resting phase)
Shampoo’s role is supportive:
✔ Improves scalp environment
✔ Reduces inflammation
✔ Manages sebum
✔ Minimizes breakage
✔ Balances the microbiome
But it cannot change the hair cycle itself.
Shampoo helps the scalp recover — it does not determine whether shedding happens.
✘ Don’t blame shampoo for hormonal shedding
✔ Use shampoo as part of healthy scalp maintenance
Ⅴ. Misconception #5: “Nutrition has nothing to do with postpartum shedding”
This is the most harmful misconception of all.
Truth: Nutritional deficiencies are the #1 reason postpartum shedding lasts longer.
1. Iron deficiency (Ferritin < 40) extends the resting phase 2–3×
Low iron leads to:
• Poor oxygen delivery
• Impaired keratin production
• Slower regrowth
Shedding can last 12–18 months if untreated.
2. Low vitamin D disrupts sebum balance and scalp microbiome
Common after birth, leading to:
• More inflammation
• Greasier or drier scalp
• Softer, slower regrowth
3. Zinc deficiency worsens scalp issues
Including:
• Flaking
• Redness
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Breakage
4. B-vitamin deficiency → higher stress hormones → delayed recovery
Especially when sleep is poor and cortisol is elevated.
📌 Nutrition isn’t optional.
It is the foundation of follicle recovery.
To understand why some women shed for 3 months while others shed for 12, see
Why Postpartum Hair Loss Isn’t a 3-Month Fix.
Conclusion: Understanding Real Triggers Helps You Recover With Confidence
When you uncover the real causes, everything becomes clearer:
✔ It’s not breastfeeding
✔ It’s not washing
✔ It’s not brushing
✔ It’s not your shampoo
The true underlying triggers are:
• Hormonal shifts
• Synchronised follicle resting phase
• Nutritional depletion
• Sleep disruption
• Emotional stress
• Scalp-environment changes
To reduce self-blame and understand why hair loss ≠ weakness, you can read
Postpartum Health Misunderstandings.
Emotional misconceptions also matter; many mothers struggle more with fear than with the shedding itself. See Psychological Misconceptions for supportive insights.
The more you understand, the less you fear — and the faster your recovery becomes.
Want a deeper look at the recovery phases and what to expect month by month? Visit our Postpartum Hair Loss timeline guide.
Sensitive scalps often benefit from a calm, low-foam formula such as the Evavitae Root Fortifying Hair Essence.
