Short answer: most sudden hair shedding in women is "telogen effluvium" — a temporary phase where stress, childbirth, illness or rapid weight change pushes many hairs into the resting/shedding stage at once. The reassuring part: it's usually temporary, and hair typically regrows once the trigger passes.
Why hair sheds in waves
Each hair follicle cycles through growing, transitional and resting phases. Normally these are staggered, so you lose around 50–100 hairs a day without noticing. A shock to the system — giving birth, a stressful period, crash dieting, illness, or stopping certain medications — can synchronise many follicles into the shedding phase, so two to three months later you see a dramatic increase in fall. Postpartum shedding is the classic example, peaking around 3–4 months after birth.
What supports regrowth
Time and patience are the biggest factors, but you can support the process. Make sure you're getting enough protein and iron (deficiency is a common, fixable cause of shedding in women), manage stress where you can, and be gentle with styling. If shedding is severe, persistent beyond six months, or comes with bald patches, see a doctor to check for thyroid issues, iron deficiency or other causes.
Where targeted nutrition fits
Hair is built from protein and relies on a range of micronutrients. Our Pomegranate Hair Vitality is formulated with nutrients associated with hair strength and growth support, and a collagen drink like Collagen Glow Berries contributes amino acids used by hair and skin. Supplements support the building blocks — they can't override a medical cause, which is worth ruling out if shedding is significant.
FAQ
How long does postpartum hair loss last? It usually peaks around 3–4 months after birth and resolves by 6–12 months.
Can supplements stop hair loss? They support healthy growth by supplying nutrients, but won't fix shedding caused by thyroid issues, iron deficiency or hormonal conditions — get those checked.
When should I worry? Bald patches, shedding lasting beyond six months, or hair loss with other symptoms warrant a doctor's visit.
General education only, not medical advice. Persistent or patchy hair loss should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
