Breakage vs Shedding: Fast At-Home Check
Thirty seconds with one strand can tell you if you are seeing true postpartum shedding, surface breakage, or both. Here is the simple check and what to do next.
Shop Fleur Postpartum SerumNon hormonal • Lightweight feel • Built for daily use
Why this difference matters
Postpartum shedding comes from inside the follicle cycle and usually follows a predictable wave. Breakage is mechanical stress on the strand itself. They can look the same on your shower wall but the fixes are different. A quick strand check helps you avoid panic and choose the right habits.
The 30 second strand check
Step 1: Pick one strand
Take a hair from your brush or shower. Lay it on your palm or a light towel.
Step 2: Look at the ends
- If one end has a tiny white bulb and the hair is full length, it is shed from the root.
- If there is no bulb and the piece is shorter or frayed, it is breakage.
Step 3: Check the pattern
- Mostly full length pieces with bulbs: normal shed wave is likely the main story.
- Many short, rough pieces with no bulb: styling or care habits are chipping away at strands.
- A mix of both: common in postpartum and a sign to protect while the cycle resets.
How shedding usually looks in postpartum
Signs it is the normal wave
- More hair in brush or drain between weeks 8 and 16
- Strands are full length with bulbs at one end
- Thinning looks even, not patchy
- New short hairs begin to show by months 4 to 6
Signs habits are stressing strands
- Short pieces that stick out along the part and hairline
- No bulb present, sometimes a rough or split end
- Linked to tight styles, aggressive brushing, or high heat
- Hair feels dry or rough even when clean
Support shed at the root, protect strands on the surface
Use a light scalp serum for follicles and gentle care habits for the lengths. Fleur is built to slot into that pattern.
See How Fleur Fits Postpartum ShedApply on clean scalp • Keep ends cushioned • Track at 90 days
If it is mostly shedding
Calm and signal
Keep the scalp comfortable and clean. Use a lightweight serum on the part line, crown, and hairline most nights. This helps you stay consistent while the cycle moves forward.
Month to month, not day to day
Take one photo of your part in the same light each month. Compare month one, three, and six to see the trend instead of reacting to a single shower.
If it is mostly breakage (or both)
Ends first, always gentle
Work from the ends up, with one hand holding above any knot. Choose a wide tooth comb or cushioned brush.
Lower tension, softer tools
Rotate ponytail spots, use soft ties or a clip, and choose loose styles on heavy shed days.
Light at the root, care at the ends
Keep heat brief and warm, not scorching. Use rich oils and creams only on mid lengths and ends so roots can lift and cover.
Pair smart habits with a nightly serum
Cleanse, Calm, Signal. Two minutes most nights is enough to support visible density while your cycle resets.
Start Your Postpartum RoutineNon hormonal • No heavy film • Built for consistent use
Fast answers
Can breakage grow back?
Yes. New growth keeps pushing from the root. Gentle care prevents more snapping while you wait for length.
What if I see bulbs and breakage?
Common in postpartum. Treat both: keep habits gentle and support the scalp with a targeted serum.
When should I check with a clinician?
If loss is patchy, painful, or not easing after about six months, or if you are worried, a clinician visit is the right next step.
Make the strand check part of your reset
A calm, informed approach beats counting hairs. Use this check, build soft habits, and let Fleur cover the nightly signal step.
Shop Fleur Postpartum SerumJudge progress at 90 days • Same simple routine