Bringing home a baby is a whole new season. If your curls suddenly seem to be everywhere, you are not imagining it. Postpartum shedding is common on every hair type, but coils and kinks can feel it more because shed strands tangle and look like breakage in the sink. The good news is that it is usually temporary. You can ride it out with a calm routine, gentle styling, and a few smart swaps that keep your scalp happy and your strands on your head longer.
What postpartum shedding is, and what it is not
- What it is: a temporary shedding surge after delivery. Hormones shift, more hairs move into the resting phase, and then they release together. You may notice thicker clumps at the hairline and crown.
- What it is not: permanent loss or chemical damage. Shed hairs often have a tiny white bulb at one end. Broken hairs do not.
- Typical timing: begins a few weeks to a few months after birth and eases over the following months. See a clinician if you see widening bald patches, scaly or painful areas, or if shedding is severe or lasts longer than a year. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology and ACOG patient guidance.
A calm 30-day routine to reduce excess loss and tangles
Wash day, once weekly
- Pre-detangle with slip. Mist hair with water, add a silicone-free detangler or light leave-in, and finger-separate shed strands before you touch a brush.
- Gentle cleanse. Use a mild shampoo or co-wash that actually rinses clean so follicles stay clear. Massage pads of your fingers on the scalp. No nails.
- Condition with time. Choose a hydrating conditioner with good slip. Detangle in large sections with a wide-tooth comb from ends to roots.
- Seal moisture. Apply a light leave-in, then a cream or lotion, then a thin oil on ends only if your hair likes it. Keep layers light so roots do not look flat.
- Air dry or cool diffuse. Avoid high heat. If you stretch, use banding or large rollers instead of a hot tool.
Midweek
- Refresh with a water-based spray and a little leave-in on ends. Re-seal with a drop of oil if needed. Skip daily manipulation.
Once every 2 to 4 weeks
- Protein tune-up. If hair feels overly soft or mushy, use a light protein mask. If it feels stiff or rough, skip protein and add a richer moisturizing mask.
Moisture, protein, and scalp care boundaries
- Moisture first. Dry hair snaps and looks like “more shedding.” Keep water in the routine and seal it in.
- Protein in moderation. Light protein helps fragile strands hold shape, but too much can make hair brittle. Alternate with hydration.
- Scalp matters. Clogged roots can worsen fallout. Use a gentle clarifying wash once a month to lift product and sweat. If you are dealing with flakes or itchy bumps, choose a calm anti-dandruff wash and space it every other week. Ask your doctor about product choices if you are nursing.
Styles that protect edges and hide thinner spots
- Low-tension parts. Switch up your part, keep ponies and buns loose, and avoid tight baby hair grooming.
- Short-term protective styles. Big twists, loose braids, and low manipulation sets that last 3 to 7 days work well. Limit any install that pulls at the hairline.
- Volume tricks. A soft pick at the roots, foam rollers at the crown, or a scarf headband can create fullness without stress.
A simple kit for the next 3 months
- Gentle cleanser that removes buildup without stripping.
- Rinse-out conditioner with slip for quick detangling.
- Lightweight leave-in for daily moisture.
- Moisturizing mask and a light protein mask to rotate.
- Scalp friendly oil or serum for dry patches on the skin, not for heavy greasing of roots.
- Soft tools: wide-tooth comb, satin scrunchies, and a bonnet or pillowcase.
If you need brand ideas, see our product guides in the See Also section below so you can match picks to your curl pattern and porosity.
Nutrition, stress, and when to check in with a clinician
Food, sleep, iron, and thyroid shifts can all influence shedding after pregnancy. A balanced plate, hydration, gentle movement, and realistic rest help. Check in with your clinician if you notice sudden bald patches, scalp pain, heavy scale, or shedding that does not ease over time. Postpartum thyroiditis and low iron are treatable, and a professional can rule those in or out. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology and ACOG patient guidance.
Final Thoughts
Postpartum shedding is unnerving, but it is usually your body resetting. Treat your scalp kindly, cut manipulation in half, rotate moisture and light protein, and choose loose styles that protect edges. As the shed phase cools off, new growth fills back in. You have got this.
See Also
If you want a ready list of strand-friendly products that work for coils, curls, and kinks, start with Natural Hair Products | Best Picks for Coils, Curls, Kinks. Pair that with our Wash Day Routine for 4C Hair Step by Step to keep detangling quick and breakage low.
Edges looking thin after baby or when protective styles are in rotation. Read Edge Care Routine for Protective Styles, then learn Stretching Without Heat Methods Compared for low-stress volume and shape. If you use hot tools, bookmark Best Heat Protectants for Silk Press on Natural Hair for safer settings and technique.
FAQs
How long does postpartum shedding last on natural hair
Most people see a shedding surge for a few months, then a gradual return to normal. If you are still shedding heavily a year later, check in with a clinician.
How can I tell the difference between shedding and breakage
Shed hairs have a small white bulb on one end and are full length. Breakage is shorter and usually does not have the bulb.
Do oils stop postpartum shedding
Oils can help seal moisture on the hair shaft and soothe dry scalp, but they do not change hormonal shedding. Focus on moisture, gentle detangling, and time.
Can I wear braids or wigs while shedding
Yes, if tension is low and installs are short. Keep edges loose, avoid heavy pieces, and cleanse the scalp regularly.
Should I take hair growth vitamins
Ask your clinician, especially if you are nursing. Sometimes a general multivitamin or iron correction is helpful, but supplements are not a cure for postpartum shedding.
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