Postpartum hair loss is a natural, temporary shedding phase.
But many mothers follow well-meaning—but incorrect—care advice that makes the scalp less stable and slows recovery.
This guide breaks down the five most common postpartum hair-care misconceptions.
They may sound reasonable, but from a scalp-science perspective, they can quietly make shedding worse.
Ⅰ. Misconception #1: “The less you wash, the less you shed”
This is the most widespread—and most damaging—misconception.
Many mothers believe:
“The more I wash, the more I shed.
If I wash less, I’ll shed less.”
Truth: Washing less actually worsens postpartum shedding.
1. Oil buildup → clogged follicles
Postpartum sebum production fluctuates significantly.
Going 4–7 days without washing leads to:
• Sebum accumulation
• Blocked follicles
• Scalp inflammation
• Malassezia overgrowth (seborrheic dermatitis)
All of which increase shedding.
2. The hair that falls during washing was already in the resting phase
Shampooing simply removes hair that was already detached.
It does not pull out growing hairs.
3. Scientifically recommended frequency: every 2–3 days
This aligns with the scalp’s natural sebum cycle.
If you have:
• Very oily scalp
• Scalp inflammation
• Heavy sweating
→ Every other day is even better.
📌 Washing less doesn’t protect your hair—it creates hidden problems.
Ⅱ. Misconception #2: “Switching shampoos frequently will stop the shedding”
Because shedding is emotionally overwhelming, many mothers start over-rotating:
Change shampoo → no instant results → change again → more anxiety
But this approach does more harm than good.
Truth: Constantly switching shampoos gives none of them enough time to work.
1. Scalp improvements take 6–12 weeks
A shampoo can:
• Reduce inflammation
• Balance sebum
• Minimize breakage
But follicle recovery takes weeks.
Shampoos need consistency—not constant change.
2. Frequent switching disrupts the scalp barrier
Different surfactants, pH levels, and fragrances can overload a sensitive postpartum scalp, causing:
✘ Irritation
✘ Redness
✘ Sensitivity
3. Shampoo does not control the hair-growth cycle
Shampoo improves the environment—not the biological cycle driven by:
• Hormones
• Nutrition
• Stress
• The telogen-to-anagen transition
📌 Stick to one gentle, scalp-friendly formula for at least 6–12 weeks.
Ⅲ. Misconception #3: “Avoid scalp massage—it makes hair fall out faster”
Many mothers panic when they shed during washing and conclude:
“If I massage my scalp, I’ll lose even more.”
Truth: Gentle fingertip massage is essential for recovery.
Follicle recovery depends on:
• Healthy blood flow
• Oxygen delivery
• Nutrient supply
Massage supports all three.
Scientifically proven benefits of scalp massage:
✔ Boosts microcirculation
✔ Improves follicle oxygenation
✔ Helps resting follicles re-enter the growth phase
✔ Reduces stress hormones (cortisol)
✔ Enhances topical absorption
The hairs you see falling are already in the shedding phase, not pulled out prematurely.
📌 Use fingertips—not nails.
Ⅳ. Misconception #4: “Air-drying is always healthier than using a blow dryer”
Many mothers avoid dryers because they fear heat damage.
Truth: Prolonged wetness is a much bigger scalp risk.
1. Wet scalp → microbiome imbalance
Humidity + warmth encourage overgrowth of:
• Malassezia
• Staphylococcus
• Yeasts
Causing flakes, redness, and seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups.
2. Wet hair breaks more easily
Wet strands are fragile—combing, rubbing, or sleeping on wet hair increases breakage.
3. Cold air drying makes the scalp tight → poorer circulation
Poor blood flow prolongs the resting phase.
Best practice:
Dry with cool or medium heat to 80–90%.
It protects both the scalp and the hair shaft.
📌 Air-drying ≠ healthier.
Controlled low-heat drying is best postpartum.
Ⅴ. Misconception #5: “The more serums I use, the faster my hair will grow”
Shedding triggers urgency—and many mothers begin layering:
Serum A + Serum B + Growth spray + Oils
2–3 applications a day
But more products do not mean faster recovery.
Truth: You cannot “speed up” postpartum regrowth.
Follicles require:
✔ Time
✔ Hormonal stabilization
✔ Adequate nutrition
✔ Lower stress levels
✔ A low-inflammation scalp environment
No topical formula can override the biological timeline.
Overusing products can cause:
✘ Barrier damage
✘ Stinging or redness
✘ Sensitivity
✘ Increased shedding
✘ Product buildup
Correct approach:
• Choose a gentle, evidence-based serum
• Use 1–2× daily
• Pair with massage for absorption
• Use shampoo + mask + serum as a simple, stable system
📌 Serums support follicle recovery — they don’t accelerate the hair cycle.
Conclusion: The Right Care Accelerates Recovery—Stressful Care Slows It
When you understand these misconceptions, everything becomes clearer:
✔ Washing isn’t the enemy
✔ Massage isn’t the enemy
✔ Blow-dryers aren’t the enemy
✔ Shampoo isn’t the enemy
✔ Serums aren’t better “the more you use”
The real threats are:
• Excess oil buildup
• Barrier damage
• Under-sleeping
• Nutrient deficiencies
• High stress
• Inflammation
• Poor circulation
The goal of postpartum care is to:
✔ Help follicles move out of the resting phase sooner
✔ Keep the scalp calm and low-inflammation
✔ Support the body while hormones and cycles reset
Consistency—not intensity—is what restores your hair.
You can find a detailed comparison of postpartum shedding vs. female-pattern hair loss inside our Postpartum Hair Loss resource.
The Evavitae Root Fortifying Hair Essence is a gentle addition to a postpartum hair routine focused on soothing the scalp.
