Speaking from experience, postpartum hair loss can feel overwhelming, especially when there’s so much misinformation out there. It’s tough enough dealing with clumps of hair falling out every time you turn around, let alone sorting through all the haircare advice (and misinformation) out there. From old wives’ tales to social media tips, it’s time to set the record straight. Let’s debunk five common haircare myths for postpartum moms so you can focus on real solutions that actually work.
Myth 1: “Washing your hair too often makes it fall out more.”
Fact: After giving birth, we experience one of the biggest hormonal shifts the body can go through. During pregnancy, estrogen levels can rise up to 1,000 times higher than normal. That's the equivalent of taking around 400 to 600 birth control pills a day... now let that sink in for a minute. But that's not even the scary part, because after delivery, these hormones drop dramatically within just a few days to a week. Now I understand my mood changes a little better. This hormonal rollercoaster (to put it lightly, might I add) affects everything, including your hair. While TikTok might have you worried about washing your hair too much, it’s actually important to keep your scalp clean for healthy growth. Just use a gentle shampoo without harsh chemicals and consider an oil treatment like Ritual Nourish to support your scalp and encourage new hair growth.
Myth 2: “There’s nothing you can do about postpartum hair loss.”
Fact: You can’t prevent postpartum hair loss because it’s caused by hormonal changes, often worsened by a lack of vitamins, sleep deprivation, and stress. However, there are steps you can take to support your hair’s recovery. Scalp massages, a nutrient-rich diet, protective hairstyles without using too much heat, and targeted haircare products can make a big difference.
Look for products designed with postpartum moms in mind, like Ritual Nourish, which nourishes the scalp, reduces shedding, and supports regrowth. With a consistent routine, you’ll see progress!
Myth 3: “Brushing your hair will make you lose more.”
Fact: Brushing your hair doesn’t cause hair loss—it simply removes hair that’s already shed. In fact, gentle brushing with a wooden brush can help by stimulating the scalp, improving blood flow, and promoting healthier hair growth.
Brushing your wet hair with the wrong brush and too harshly, however, can cause breakage! So you do need to be careful with that.
Myth 4: “All oils make your scalp greasy.”
Fact: Not all oils are created equal or serve the same purpose. Lightweight, high-quality oils—like the ones in Ritual Nourish—absorb quickly into your scalp, delivering hydration and essential nutrients without leaving a greasy residue.
The oil helps make your scalp healthier, which in turn reduces the excessive production of sebum. Customers have already reported that their scalp becomes less oily after using the oil and that they don't need to wash their hair as often.
The key is choosing the right oil for your hair and scalp’s needs and washing correctly after leaving it in for the proper amount of time.
Myth 5: “Your hair will never go back to how it was before pregnancy.”
Fact: Good news! With time and the right products and care, many moms find their hair returns to its pre-pregnancy thickness and shine. Actually, my hair is better now than it was in my twenties when I used so much heat (so, so much), drugstore hair dye (oh, I would never ever in my life again), and even... dare I say it, I permed it. I used drugstore shampoo, the one that starts with an A—we all know them—and never used nourishing hair oils to care for my scalp. My hair was falling out and kept falling out after giving birth. It was a dry, brittle mess, and it made me very insecure.
But hormones will eventually balance out, and using consistent haircare with quality products will make your hair so much fuller, healthier, and shinier.
Remember: consistency is key, and every mom’s journey is unique.
Break Free from Postpartum Haircare Myths
Navigating postpartum hair loss doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By understanding the facts and focusing on solutions that work, you can take control of your hair journey and start feeling confident again.
“Explore our postpartum haircare guide”