Let’s talk about that moment in the shower when you look down and see what appears to be an entire wig circling the drain. Deep breath—you’re not alone. Postpartum hair loss is one of those “why didn’t anyone warn me?” parts of new motherhood that can feel particularly overwhelming, especially when you’re already navigating sleepless nights and the general chaos of life with a new baby.

“Postpartum hair loss is a common issue,” explains Philip B., celebrity hairstylist and founder of Philip B. haircare, offering some much-needed reassurance. “While there’s no way to completely prevent it, there are several measures that new mothers can take to help manage and potentially minimize it.”

Think of it as the perfect storm: postpartum hormones are doing their dance, sleep is more precious than gold, and balanced nutrition often means whatever you can eat one-handed while feeding the baby. While this hair-shedding symphony is virtually inevitable, you’re not completely powerless. “A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for overall hair health,” Philip B. advises. “Foods high in iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E can support hair growth.” (Yes, this is your permission to order that nutrient-packed smoothie delivery service you’ve been eyeing.)

When it comes to choosing products that actually make a difference (because who has time for trial and error right now?), ingredients are your best friends. “Look for ingredients that support hair strength and scalp health,” recommends Philip B. “Key ingredients include biotin, which helps strengthen hair, and proteins like keratin and collagen, which can improve hair resilience. Niacin (Vitamin B3) and caffeine are known to stimulate circulation to the scalp, which can promote hair growth.”

Here’s the real talk about timing: this isn’t an overnight fix. According to Philip B., “users may start to see noticeable improvements within 6 to 8 weeks of regular use.” Think of it like sleep training—consistency is key, and sometimes you have to trust the process even when results aren’t immediate. He emphasizes the importance of following recommended usage guidelines and maintaining a holistic approach to hair care, including a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, to enhance product effectiveness.

Remember: this challenging phase is temporary (repeat as needed), and being gentle with both your hair and yourself during this time isn’t just nice—it’s necessary. While the right products can help manage the situation, any concerns about excessive shedding should be discussed with your healthcare provider, just to ensure there aren’t other factors at play.

The Motherly team has done the legwork (because you’re busy enough) to assemble a carefully curated list of products that can help support healthy hair growth and minimize shedding during the postpartum period. These recommendations combine expert insights with real-world testing—consider it your postpartum hair care cheat sheet.

Here are the products that have proven effective for postpartum hair loss management:

vital proteins collagen peptides

Vital Proteins

Collagen Peptides

$24.98

I started taking collagen for overall joint, hair and nail health, and two things stood out to me almost immediately: my nails have never been this strong before and my hair is growing so fast. So, while I’m still losing a good amount of hair every day (enough to make a bird nest in the shower), I’m also already seeing a good two to three inch line of new hair growth. The famous “baby hairs” all moms rock along their hairline are growing much much faster.

tangle teezer detangling brush

Tangle Teezer

Wet Dry Detangling Brush

$12.99

I use this brush in the shower to get all knots out, and then again after I gently towel dry my hair. It’s been the best brush so far in terms of actually detangling my stubborn knots while also not yanking chunks of hair of my already delicate scalp. Plus, it’s so gentle I also use it on my toddler’s hair to get his knots out.

ouai hair treatment mask

Ouai

Treatment Mask

$38

Keeping my hair tangle-free has been key in preventing more hair loss. Given that I have super thick, curly, long hair and that having newborn twins makes it hard to wash my hair as regularly as I like, it seems like I’m constantly rocking a mom bun. (Hello, knot city.) This hair mask has been a must in my weekly routine. My hair has never been as soft as it is just after treatment.

betty dain shower cap

Betty Dain

Shower Cap

$6.95

I’ve learned that washing my hair less frequently helps it stay healthier—that’s why I love making a statement with a shower cap. This one has over 7,000 five-star reviews and is the number one bestseller on Amazon because it is truly mold-resistant and lasts forever.

Plaine Products Eco-Friendly Shampoo

Plaine Products

Eco Friendly Shampoo

$30

This sulfate-free shampoo keeps my hair clean while preventing further damage. It’s also kid-friendly, keeping the number of products I need taking up space in my shower to a minimum. The bottle is refillable, making this shampoo even more eco-friendly, which is something I’m always looking for.

ouai supplement for thinning hair

Ouai

Supplement for Thinning Hair

$28

I’ve taken this supplement multiple times in my life (never while breastfeeding, always check in with your doctor before taking supplements). It has helped my hair grow faster and stronger since it’s packed with biotin, silica, ashwagandha and amino acids.

vegamour shampoo

Vegamour

Gro Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner Kit

$86

As someone with toddler fine hair, I’ve struggled to keep hair loss to a minimum my entire adult life—not just postpartum. Since my hair is super fine and gets greasy pretty much the moment I step out of the shower, too much serum or post-washing product isn’t really my friend. I’ve tried all kinds of thickening and strand-saving shampoos and conditioners, but Vegamour’s GRO shampoo + conditioner are hands-down my favorite. (And not just because they smell exactly like The Body Shop’s satsuma. Throw back!) The brand’s scientifically-backed botanical formulas use ingredients like wild harvested marula oil, organic murumuru butter and ximenia oil help to condition, hydrate and fight damaging free radicals without leaving build-up or residue. My hair has without a doubt held on to length and volume in a markedly better way than it did before I started using it. Even my stylist noticed at my last haircut!
–Sara Goldstein, Commerce Editor

tineco moda one hairdryer Motherly

Tineco

Moda One Ionic Dryer

$299

When you want to keep the stress on your strands to a minimum, heat is not your friend. But if you’ve got the type of hair that doesn’t lend itself to air drying, you probably depend on a hair dryer from time to time. A real pickle, right? Not if you choose the right tools.

After years of subjecting my poor, thin locks to one cheap drugstore model after another, I became convinced they were making matters worse. That’s where Tineco comes in. By far the most used and smartest hair appliance I’ve had the pleasure of using, Tineco’s Moda One hair dryer makes it practically impossible to overheat or stress out your hair. Armed with an innovative smart sensor that actually senses moisture, it adjusts the heat and airflow to dry hair fast without frying it. Just get to work on a section and when the ring of light on the back changes from red to blue, you know it’s time to move to the next. Since using it my hair has suffered far less breakage and comes out notably smoother and shinier. Even cooler? You can connect it to an app for customized drying modes including ones for kids or pets.

–Sara Goldstein, Commerce Editor

Sans Ceuticals Moisture Protein Infusion

Sans[ceuticals]

Moisture & Protein Infusion

$33.90

If regrowth has bestowed you with a frizzy baby hair crown, a dose of moisture can be helpful to keep it tame and restore your hair as it grows back. The result? A mane that’s stronger, shinier and healthier all around. Plus, it helps detangle the hair with limited breakage — a relief for any mama who’s already struggling with hair loss! We also love that you can count the ingredients that Sans[ceuticals] uses on both hands, and that the brand doesn’t use any chemicals and doesn’t do any testing on animals.

–Sara Goldstein, Commerce Editor