Hair loss while breastfeeding: what to ask before using treatments

Many new mothers notice heavy hair fall a few months after giving birth, often while they are still breastfeeding. It is natural to want to do something about it. But anything you put on your scalp or take by mouth could reach your baby, so it helps to know which hair loss is likely to settle on its own and what to ask before using treatments.

Is breastfeeding causing my hair loss?

Breastfeeding itself is not usually the cause. The most common reason for hair fall at this time is postpartum shedding. During pregnancy, higher hormone levels keep more hairs in the growth phase. After birth, hormone levels fall and those extra hairs enter the resting phase and shed together. Shedding starts a few months after delivery and usually peaks around four months ¹. This is a form of telogen effluvium ².

The American Academy of Dermatology describes this shedding as normal and temporary, and says most women see their hair return to its usual fullness by their child's first birthday ¹. Read more in our guide to postpartum hair loss.

When it may be something else

It is worth seeing a doctor if:

• Shedding is still heavy after your baby's first birthday
• You notice a widening parting or thinning at the crown rather than general shedding, which can suggest female pattern hair loss
• There are bald patches, or the scalp is itchy, red or scaly
• You feel very tired, breathless, cold or low in mood, which can point to anaemia or a thyroid problem

Low iron is common after birth, especially if there was heavy bleeding, and thyroid problems can develop in the year after delivery. A blood test can check for both. See anaemia and hair loss and thyroid and hair loss.

Hair loss treatments while breastfeeding

Always tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are breastfeeding before starting any medicine, including those applied to the skin.

Topical minoxidil

Minoxidil is the most widely used hair loss treatment. LactMed, the US National Library of Medicine's database on medicines and breastfeeding, states that topical minoxidil is acceptable once breastfeeding is established. It also advises avoiding contact between the baby and skin treated with minoxidil, because it can be absorbed by the infant and cause side effects such as excessive hair growth ³.

In practice, that means:

• Apply it when your hair can dry fully before you hold your baby
• Wash your hands well after applying
• Do not let your baby rest their head or face against treated areas while still wet
• Consider using a pillowcase you do not share with your baby

Because postpartum shedding usually settles by itself, many women choose to wait. If you do decide to use minoxidil, talk it through with a doctor or pharmacist first. Our minoxidil guide and minoxidil side effects explain more.

Oral minoxidil

LactMed advises using oral minoxidil with caution because there is very little information on it, particularly at higher doses or when breastfeeding a newborn ³. This is a decision for a doctor who knows your situation.

Anti-androgen tablets

Medicines such as spironolactone and finasteride, sometimes used for pattern hair loss, work on hormones. They are not usually started while breastfeeding without specialist advice. Finasteride is not used by women who could become pregnant ⁴.

Supplements

If a blood test shows low iron or another deficiency, your doctor may recommend a supplement. Many mothers continue a postnatal vitamin while breastfeeding. Taking high doses of vitamins without a proven deficiency is not shown to help hair, and some, such as vitamin A in excess, can be harmful. See vitamin deficiencies linked to hair loss.

Hair oils and herbal products

Products labelled "natural" are not automatically safe while breastfeeding, and most have little evidence for hair loss. If you use them, avoid applying anything to the breast area and check with a pharmacist.

What you can do now

• Eat regular, balanced meals. Looking after a baby makes this hard, but enough protein, iron and other nutrients supports your recovery ⁵
• Be gentle with your hair. Avoid tight ponytails and buns, and limit heat styling and chemical treatments while shedding is heavy ⁶
• Use a volumising shampoo and a lightweight conditioner, which dermatologists suggest can help hair look fuller ¹
• Try a shorter cut. Many mothers find shorter styles easier to manage and better at hiding thinning
• Rest when you can. Sleep and support matter for your overall health, not just your hair

Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist

• Is this normal postpartum shedding, or could something else be involved?
• Should I have a blood test for iron or thyroid function?
• Is this treatment suitable while I am breastfeeding, and how should I use it safely?
• How long should I wait before considering treatment?

The bottom line

Hair loss while breastfeeding is usually postpartum shedding, and it tends to settle within the first year without treatment. If you want to use something, topical minoxidil is considered acceptable once breastfeeding is established, as long as your baby does not come into contact with treated skin. Always check with a doctor or pharmacist first, and get checked if shedding is very heavy, lasts longer than a year or comes with other symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Does breastfeeding cause hair loss?

Usually not directly. Hair fall after birth is mostly postpartum shedding, which is temporary ^{1 2}.

Can I use minoxidil while breastfeeding?

LactMed states topical minoxidil is acceptable once breastfeeding is established, but avoid contact between your baby and treated skin. Check with a doctor or pharmacist first ³.

When will postpartum hair loss stop?

Most women see their hair return to normal fullness by their child's first birthday ¹.

Should I take supplements for hair loss after birth?

Only if a blood test shows a deficiency, or as advised by your doctor. Extra vitamins without a deficiency are not shown to help ⁵.

Educational content. Not medical advice.