Dermatologists Swear By This $14 Shampoo for Postpartum Hair Loss

If you’re searching for the best shampoos for postpartum hair loss and hair thinning, you’re not alone. Pregnancy comes with a lot of unexpected (some wonderful!) changes to a woman’s body, but one of the more perplexing is the excessive hair shedding that happens a few months after the baby is born. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), falling estrogen levels causes postpartum hair loss. Though it’s completely normal, for some, the amount of hair falling out after brushing or showering is so intense, and the hairline so sparse, that it causes panic. We spoke with dermatologists to help find expert-recommended shampoos for postpartum hair loss.

Our top picks

First, what causes postpartum hair loss?

Postpartum hair loss, also known as telogen effluvium, is the direct result of a disrupted hair growth cycle. “In the last trimester of pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels delay the onset of anagen [the growth phase] and extend the telogen [the resting phase],” Rahi Sarbaziha, MD, a double-board-certified integrative aesthetics doctor in Beverly Hills tells Glamour. “Rather than shedding hairs in sync with the regular cycle, these hairs shed a few months after childbirth, coinciding with a drop in estrogen levels as your hair returns to its typical growth cycle.”

In most cases, women will notice thicker and fuller hair throughout their pregnancy and barely see any hair fall. But once you give birth, those hormone levels, estrogen levels in particular, balance out and hair eventually resumes its normal, prepregnancy cycle. “Around three to four months postpartum is when you will end up losing all of the hair you were supposed to shed normally, and that’s when the results can sometimes be shocking to new moms,” Shab Caspara, founder of Leona, a hair care retail platform, tells Glamour.

How long does postpartum hair shedding last?

Thankfully, this form of alopecia is temporary, generally only a few months, but sometimes as long as six, says Dr. Sarbaziha. We get it, though: That’s a long time to wait if your hair seems to be coming out in clumps.

How does a postpartum hair loss shampoo work?

“Generally speaking, the main role of a shampoo is to cleanse the scalp and hair, not to meaningfully impact hair growth—though a healthy scalp is important for hair growth,” Sara Perkins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist for Hers, tells Glamour. There are, of course, hair growth products that can combat thinning hair and help achieve fuller, thicker hair. In general, volumizing shampoos are a great way to strengthen hair when dealing with postpartum hair loss, Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City tells Glamour. “These shampoos often contain biotin, which strengthens the hair follicle to improve the appearance of fuller hair.” Shampoos targeted for thin hair can also help with postpartum hair loss, since they contain nourishing and hydrating ingredients and lightweight oils. And if you have an oily or flaky scalp, a shampoo containing ketoconazole (for greasiness), salicylic acid, or zinc pyrithione can be helpful, says Dr. Perkins.

Keep in mind that continued stress or a neglected diet can also affect the new growth. “It’s essential to be mindful of what you’re eating and your nutrient intake as well as how you treat your scalp,” says Caspara. In addition to suds up with the right shampoo, incorporating vitamins and supplements into your daily routine can help minimize hair loss’s severity. “Nutrafol is a hair growth supplement targeting hormonal and nutritional changes to improve hair retention through DHA omega-3s and marine collagen,” says Dr. Green. This means it promotes a conducive environment for hair growth. Bonus tip: Avoid heat styling, such as straightening irons and curlers, as well as tight hairstyles, which can lead to more hair breakage.

The best shampoo for postpartum hair loss

So you don’t have to dig too deep, we asked the experts we spoke to about postpartum hair loss for their personal favorites—and the formulas they’ve seen proven success with. It doesn’t matter if you have fine hair, dry hair, or color-treated hair, the pros say these formulas will do the trick. Ahead, are the best shampoos for postpartum hair loss.