Postpartum Hair Loss: Recovery Tips & Products - Couronne Par Elle

Postpartum Hair Loss: Recovery Tips & Products

Recovery Tips and Support for New MomsYou're Not Alone in This Journey

Postpartum hair loss affects nearly half of all new moms, but if you are one of them, know that it is a temporary and normal part of the healing journey. This guide offers medical insight, real-life support, and gentle tips. It also introduces the tools in our Postpartum Hair Recovery Kit — created by a new mom (me) who lived through the process, the emotions, and the quiet victories.

No stress, no complicated routines, just soft support for you, your strands, and honestly, your mindset.

You Are Still Worthy of Care

After childbirth, everything changes: your body, your mind, your identity. You're learning to love a baby while figuring out who you are again, all while managing more than you ever have before, with little to no sleep. In that process, hair care often becomes the last thing on your list.

Let's be honest: between your body's recovery, your baby, your chores, feeding yourself, and the million other things you have to do, hair care feels impossible.

I know this because I've lived it. I had no time to think about self-care, much less hair care, during the first few months of my son's life. My hair is loc'd, but for many of you, the hair in your brush, in the shower, or on the floor might be a constant reminder of what you're losing, silently, every day.

This doesn't mean you're failing. It means your body is healing.

And in that healing, small acts of care can become grounding rituals. Even if you can't manage a full wash day, putting on a satin bonnet or massaging your scalp for a few seconds can be a quiet reminder:

✨ I matter too.

At Couronne Par Elle, we created this kit not for beauty, but for dignity, comfort, and reconnection. You are still worthy of softness, even when life feels hard and you feel like you are breaking into pieces.

Why Is My Hair Falling Out After Pregnancy?

Understanding the science behind postpartum hair loss can help reduce anxiety and normalize your experience.

The Hormonal Journey:

During pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels keep your hair in a prolonged growth phase. This is why many expectant moms experience fuller, thicker hair. But after birth, estrogen levels drop drastically. Your hair cycle resets, pushing strands into the shedding phase (called telogen effluvium).

Timeline to Expect:

  • Starts: Between 2 to 6 months postpartum
  • Peaks: Around month 4
  • Recovery: Most women regrow hair by baby's first birthday

What Medical Experts Say:

"Pregnancy can temporarily disrupt this [hair growth] cycle... After giving birth, these hormone levels drop quickly... which can cause the hair to shed at a rapid rate."
— Dr. Aaron Chen

"Most new mothers experience some hair loss… typically beginning two to six months post-delivery."
— Dr. Joshua Zeichner

"Most women regrow their hair by their child's first birthday."
— Dr. Neera Nathan

Signs You May Notice:

  • Increased shedding during brushing or washing;
  • Thinning at the temples, crown, or hairline;
  • Changes in texture (dryness, tangling, or lack of curl definition);
  • Scalp sensitivity or irritation;
  • Hair that feels more fragile than usual.

While it's a normal response to hormonal changes, it can feel frustrating and even heartbreaking. That's why tools like our recovery kit, paired with grace and education, can help you navigate this phase with less fear and more control.

What's Inside the Postpartum Hair Recovery Kit

This kit is not a luxury. It's a survival set for your strands, created with the real demands of motherhood in mind — for when you're balancing feeding, sleeping, healing, and everything in between.

🛏️ 1. Reversible Satin Bonnet (Medium)

Why you need it:

Cotton pillowcases can steal moisture and cause breakage. This bonnet protects your hair and helps you maintain hydration overnight, especially important when your hair is already fragile from hormonal changes.

When to use it:

  • Nap time (whenever you can get it!)
  • Nursing sessions
  • Anytime you need to lie down
  • Hospital stays and recovery

"Even when I didn't comb my hair, this bonnet made me feel like I still cared for me. It helped me wake up with my hair looking moisturized and ready to go. As a woman with 4C hair, that's a big deal."

2. Satin-Lined Shower Cap (Medium)

Why you need it:

Postpartum life doesn't always allow time for wash day. This reusable waterproof cap protects your style and edges from steam and water, extending your styles when you don't have time to start over.

When to use it:

  • Daily showers (when you finally get them)
  • Quick rinses
  • Those rare long soaks
  • Hospital showers

Bonus: It's machine washable and durable, continuing to serve you well even past your baby's first birthday.

3. Satin Scrunchie (Medium)

Why you need it:

Regular hair ties pull and snap strands, especially when hair is already weakened by hormonal changes. This soft scrunchie is gentle and flexible, perfect for fragile postpartum hair.

When to use it:

  • Quick buns and puffs
  • One-handed styling while holding baby
  • Protecting hair during feeding times
  • Emergency "I need to look put-together" moments

"I always keep one on my wrist or in my hair. It's a tiny act of control in a very uncontrolled season."

4. Detangling Brush (Gentle, Flexible Bristles)

Why you need it:

Postpartum hair may feel more brittle, tangled, or difficult to manage. This brush glides through gently and reduces breakage when hair is at its most vulnerable.

When to use it:

  • On damp, conditioned hair only
  • Always start from the ends and work up
  • During those rare self-care moments
  • When you finally have time to detangle

Remember: Be patient with your strands and with yourself.

🎒 5. Travel/Storage Pouch (Eco-Friendly & Gift-Ready)

Why you need it:

Your time is limited, and mom-brain is real. Having your tools in one place saves you the stress of searching when you finally get a moment for yourself.

When to use it:

  • In your diaper bag
  • On your nightstand
  • Tucked in your hospital tote
  • Travel and family visits

This little pouch makes hair care possible with no routine needed — just readiness.

Shop the Complete Postpartum Hair Recovery Kit

Gentle Hair Care Tips for New Moms

This isn't about doing more. It's about doing what you can, when you can, with love and patience.

Core Principles for Postpartum Hair Care:

Be Patient

Your hair is adjusting to major hormonal changes. This phase is temporary, not permanent. Most hair regrowth occurs between 6 and 12 months postpartum.

Hydrate Inside and Out

  • Drink water (keep a bottle nearby during nursing)
  • Use scalp mists or light oils when possible
  • Don't stress if you miss a day — consistency over perfection

Avoid Tension Styles

  • Skip tight ponytails and braids
  • Let your edges breathe and recover
  • Use gentle satin scrunchies instead of tight elastics

Sleep in Satin

Whether it's a bonnet or pillowcase, satin protection makes a difference in moisture retention and reduced breakage.

Use Gentle Tools

  • Fingers for initial detangling
  • Wide-tooth combs on damp hair
  • Flexible-bristle brushes for final smoothing

"Some days, my bonnet felt like the only thing I could manage, and 11 months in, I have realized that was enough."

✅ Postpartum Hair Care To-Do List

Simple, manageable steps that fit into the chaos of new motherhood:

Daily (2-3 minutes total):

  • 💧 Drink water (keep it by your nursing spot)
  • 👆 Massage your scalp (even 30 seconds helps circulation)
  • 🛌 Wear your satin bonnet or sleep on a silk pillowcase
  • 💫 Use a satin scrunchie to protect your strands

Weekly (15-20 minutes when possible):

  • 💦 Moisturize your scalp with aloe mist or light oil
  • 🚿 Co-wash if you have buildup (or just rinse with water)
  • 🖐️ Detangle softly with your gentle brush
  • 😌 Rest your hair — avoid heat and excessive manipulation

Monthly (30 minutes):

  • ✂️ Trim split ends (or have someone do it for you)
  • 📸 Track thinning or growth with photos
  • 🧼 Clean your tools (wash brush, bonnet, etc.)
  • 🎉 Celebrate small wins (like wearing your bonnet 3 days in a row)

Remember: Progress looks different for everyone. Start where you are, with what you have.

When to Seek Professional Help

Contact Your Healthcare Provider If:

  • Hair loss continues beyond 12 months postpartum
  • You notice bald patches or unusual thinning patterns
  • Hair loss is accompanied by other concerning symptoms
  • Your scalp becomes painful, itchy, or develops sores
  • Hair loss is causing significant emotional distress

Additional Support Options:

  • Dermatologist: For specialized hair and scalp care
  • Nutritionist: To ensure proper nutrition during breastfeeding
  • Mental health support: If hair loss is affecting your self-esteem
  • Postpartum support groups: Connect with other mothers experiencing similar challenges

Nutrition and Lifestyle Support

Hair-Healthy Foods (When You Can Manage Them):

  • Protein: Eggs, lean meats, beans, nuts
  • Iron-rich foods: Spinach, lean red meat, lentils
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds
  • Biotin sources: Sweet potatoes, eggs, avocados
  • Vitamin D: Fortified foods, brief sun exposure

Gentle Lifestyle Practices:

  • Stress management: Even 5-minute breathing exercises help
  • Adequate rest: Sleep when baby sleeps (really!)
  • Gentle movement: Walks with baby, postpartum yoga
  • Hydration: Especially important if breastfeeding

Building Your Postpartum Hair Care Support System

Essential Products for Every New Mom:

Starter Essentials:

Additional Support:

Creating Your Support Network:

  • Partner education: Help your partner understand your hair needs
  • Family support: Ask relatives to help with hair care when visiting
  • Mom friends: Connect with others going through similar experiences
  • Professional help: Consider a postpartum doula or hair professional

Real Stories from Real Moms

Recovery Success Stories:

"I lost so much hair after my daughter was born that I considered cutting it all off. The recovery kit helped me feel like I was doing something positive for myself during such a difficult time. 8 months later, my hair is growing back stronger than ever."
— Sarah M., new mom of 1

"The satin bonnet became my security blanket. Even on days when I couldn't shower or style my hair, putting on that bonnet made me feel like I was taking care of myself. It was such a small thing but meant everything."
— Aisha K., mother of twins

"As someone with locs, postpartum hair loss was terrifying. The gentle tools in this kit helped me maintain my hair without causing more damage. I felt supported and understood."
— Jennifer L., loc'd mom

Frequently Asked Questions

When will my hair stop falling out?

Most postpartum hair shedding peaks around 4 months and gradually decreases. Full recovery typically happens by your baby's first birthday, though some women see improvement earlier.

Will my hair grow back the same as before?

Most women's hair returns to its pre-pregnancy state, though some notice permanent changes in texture or thickness. These changes are normal and part of your body's evolution.

Should I cut my hair short?

This is a personal choice. Shorter hair can feel easier to manage and may appear fuller, but it's not necessary for recovery. Do what feels right for you and your lifestyle.

Can I color or chemically treat my hair while experiencing postpartum loss?

It's best to wait until your hair stabilizes, usually around 6-9 months postpartum. Chemical treatments can further stress already fragile hair.

Is postpartum hair loss different for breastfeeding mothers?

Breastfeeding can prolong the period of hair changes due to continued hormonal fluctuations, but it doesn't cause additional permanent damage.

Crowned, Even in the Chaos

This kit came from my own need, trial and error, and desire to feel like me again — even when life was upside down.

Care doesn't have to be complicated. It just needs to be gentle and consistent.

I hope this kit brings you the same comfort it brought me. The same whisper that says:

"You are still you — even now."

You Deserve Gentle Care

Your body just accomplished something incredible. Your hair is simply adjusting to the magnitude of that achievement. Be patient with yourself, be gentle with your crown, and remember that seeking support isn't vanity — it's self-care.

Ready to Support Your Hair Recovery Journey?

Complete Recovery Support:

Postpartum Hair Recovery Kit
Everything you need in one gentle, thoughtful package — created by a mom who understands.

Individual Essentials:

Free shipping on orders over $100 CAD. All products handmade in Canada with love and understanding.

Join Our Supportive Community

You're not alone in this journey. Connect with other mothers navigating postpartum hair changes:

  • 📧 New Mom Support: Subscribe for gentle tips and encouragement
  • 📱 Share Your Story: Tag @couronneparelle with #PostpartumHairJourney
  • 💬 Find Community: Use #NewMomHairCare to connect with others
  • 📖 Free Resources: Download our Postpartum Hair Care Guide

💬 Have a Tip or Story to Share?

Your voice may be the one that encourages another mom. Share your experience in the comments or reach out — we'd love to hear from you. 💛


Continue Your Hair Care Journey:

👑 Want More Hair Care Tips?

Join 500+ women getting weekly natural hair tips + exclusive product updates!

Plus get our FREE Starter Loc Journey Checklist!

No spam, just hair love. Unsubscribe anytime.

Back to blog

Leave a comment