The Postpartum Timeline: Weeks 0 to 24
A week by week look at what usually happens after birth, why shedding often peaks around weeks 8 to 16, and how to stay steady with a simple habit.
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What to expect after birth
During pregnancy many hairs stayed in growth. After birth hormones reset and more hairs move into a resting phase. They do not fall right away. They release together later. This is why a surge shows up instead of a slow trickle. Most people see the wave ease over the next few months while new growth comes in.
Your week by week map
Use these ranges as a guide. Everyone moves at a different pace.
Weeks 0 to 2
Hormones begin to rebalance. Most do not notice extra shedding yet. Keep care simple and gentle. Avoid tight styles.
Weeks 2 to 6
Light shedding may begin. Focus on scalp comfort. If you plan a nightly scalp step this is a good time to start.
Weeks 6 to 8
Shedding becomes easier to notice. Consistency matters more than extra products. Keep heat and tension low.
Weeks 8 to 16
This is a common peak. Many hairs release in the same window which looks dramatic. It is usually temporary. Stay calm and steady with your routine.
Weeks 16 to 20
Shedding often eases. New short hairs appear along the hairline and crown. Take a monthly photo of your part line to track progress.
Weeks 20 to 24
Cycles continue to normalize. Keep the routine simple and repeatable. A few styling tweaks can help hair look fuller while new growth gains length.
Use the same mirror and light each month for fair comparisons.
What looks typical and when to check in
Signs that fit the timeline
- Shedding rises near weeks 8 to 16 then starts to ease
- Short new hairs by months 4 to 6
- No areas of pain or swelling on the scalp
Reasons to get input
- Patchy or circular areas of loss
- Shedding that does not ease after about six months
- Symptoms that may relate to iron or thyroid, or scalp tenderness
This page is educational. A clinician can tailor guidance to you.
What to do this week
Cleanse, Calm, Signal
Wash with a gentle shampoo. Keep the scalp comfortable. Apply a scalp serum on clean scalp before styling so the message reaches the root.
Protect new growth
Rotate ponytails. Use soft ties or a claw clip. Detangle from the ends. Keep heat brief and on low settings.
One photo a month
Photograph the same part line in the same light each month. Compare month one, three, and six to see progress you might miss day to day.
Two minute night habit
Do this most nights for 90 days
Small repeatable steps help you through the peak window.
- Part and apply: make four to six lines and place a few drops of scalp serum along each
- Spread gently: use fingertips only and avoid hard rubbing
- Protect ends: add a light leave in on the lengths if needed
Set a reminder • Same time each night • Keep the bottle visible
Look fuller while growth catches up
Quick styling wins
- Zigzag or shift the part to reduce visible scalp
- Lift near the roots with light products instead of heavy creams
- Ask for small dusting trims and a soft shape to keep lift
Fast answers
When does shedding usually peak?
For many it feels strongest somewhere in weeks 8 to 16. The exact timing varies by person.
How long does it last?
Many notice easing by months 4 to 6. Visible fullness improves as short regrowth gains length.
How do I know if it is normal?
Match your signs to the timeline above. If loss is patchy, painful, or not easing after about six months, check in with a clinician.
Keep it simple and steady
Cleanse, Calm, Signal, then style. Two minutes most nights is enough. Take one photo a month and judge progress at ninety days. Small steps add up while the cycle resets.