If Shedding Persists Past 6 Months

If Shedding Persists Past 6 Months

If Shedding Persists Past 6 Months: What To Check Next
Postpartum Hair 101

If Shedding Persists Past 6 Months: What To Check Next

Most postpartum shedding eases between months four and six. If you are past that mark and still seeing heavy loss or thinner coverage, it is not a reason to hide and hope. This guide walks through simple checks and when to loop in a clinician.

Support Your Routine While You Investigate

Educational only • Not a diagnosis • Partner with your clinician

First, zoom out on the timeline

The classic pattern: shedding rises around weeks 8 to 16, then gradually settles as new growth comes in. Some people shed a bit longer and still fall in a normal range. But if you are well past six months and feel stuck, or if your hair looks clearly thinner than before pregnancy, it is reasonable to ask why.

A quick decision guide

Is shedding clearly easing?
If the amount in your brush and drain is down compared to peak months and you see new short hairs, you are likely on the normal recovery track. Keep your gentle routine and give it a few more months.
Still heavy at 6+ months?
If you are shedding handfuls daily, seeing scalp more than before, or feel worried most days, it is time to check in with a clinician (primary care, OB, or dermatologist) rather than adding more products alone.
Patchy or unusual patterns?
Distinct bare spots, circular patches, broken hairs, or redness and pain are not typical for postpartum shed alone. These patterns deserve a prompt medical review.

What to track before your appointment

  • Timeline: when shedding started, when it peaked, and what it looks like now.
  • Pattern: overall thinning vs distinct patches, temple/hairline changes, or wide part only.
  • Symptoms: scalp pain, itching, burning, flaking, fatigue, cold intolerance, mood shifts, heavy periods.
  • Photos: part-line and hairline photos from early postpartum and from the last few weeks.
  • Products & medications: list of anything new you started, including supplements.

Bringing this snapshot helps your clinician move faster toward the right next steps.

Labs often discussed (ask, do not self diagnose)

Iron studies

Iron and ferritin

Pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding can deplete iron stores. Low iron or ferritin can be linked with diffuse shedding. If shed is ongoing, ask if checking iron and ferritin makes sense for you.

Thyroid

Thyroid function tests

Thyroid shifts after birth are common and can affect hair, energy, and mood. If you notice fatigue, feeling cold, palpitations, or mood changes plus persistent shed, ask about thyroid labs.

Other checks

Selected additional labs

Depending on your history, your clinician may consider vitamin D, B12, or other tests. Recommendations should be personalized to you.

This list is informational and not a request to start, stop, or change any medication or supplement. Always review results and options with a licensed clinician.

Keep supportive habits while you get answers

Gentle cleanse rhythm, low tension styling, and a light signaling serum can support the look of density while you and your clinician rule out underlying causes. They are partners to medical care, not replacements.

See How Fleur Fits A Longer Journey

Non hormonal • Lightweight • Pairs with clinician-guided plans

Red flag signs: do not wait it out

  • Sudden patchy bald spots or distinct circular areas of loss.
  • Scalp pain, burning, swelling, or thick crusting.
  • Loss of brows or lashes along with scalp hair.
  • Noticeable shedding plus severe fatigue, dizziness, or feeling unwell.
  • Any change that makes you worry there is “something more” going on.

These are cues to contact your clinician or a dermatologist promptly. Bringing photos and your notes makes that visit more efficient.

Is it truly not easing, or just loud day to day?

Compare by month, not by shower

Lay out part-line photos from months 3, 6, and now. If coverage is stable or better, you may be improving even if some days still feel dramatic.

Check your habits

Tight styles, high heat, and harsh brushing can create ongoing breakage that mimics constant shed. Softening those habits often improves how things look within a few weeks.

Look for baby hairs

Short new hairs along the hairline and part are a good sign of regrowth, even if your ponytail still feels different than pre pregnancy.

Stay curious, not frantic

If shedding lingers, combining clear medical input with a simple, sustainable routine is more powerful than panic buying. Fleur is designed to be one steady piece of that routine.

Add A Steady Signal Step

Use alongside professional guidance • Judge progress over months

Your “past six months” checklist

  • I have checked photos over time, not only bad hair days.
  • I have softened styling habits that can cause breakage.
  • If shedding feels heavy or worrying, I plan to talk with a clinician.
  • I know iron and thyroid are common topics to ask about, not DIY.
  • My at home routine is simple enough that I can keep doing it.