Postpartum Hair - Science Hub
Study: Postpartum Hair Loss Is Closely Linked to Anxiety
What new research reveals about stress, shedding, and mental health after birth
It’s hard enough to feel like yourself after giving birth.
But when your hair starts falling out too? It can feel like too much.
A new 2024 study confirms what many already know deep down: the more hair loss a new parent experiences, the higher their risk of anxiety.
The connection is real and important.
This research helps us see postpartum hair recovery as more than just physical. It’s emotional. Mental. Hormonal. And your peace of mind matters just as much as your hairline.
Let’s break down the science.
Study Overview
Study Title: Postpartum Hair Loss is Associated with Anxiety
Authors: A. Hirose, M. Terauchi, T. Odai, A. Fudono, K. Tsurane, M. Sekiguchi, M. Iwata, T. Anzai, K. Takahashi, N. Miyasaka
Published In: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 2024
Reference: obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Key Findings from the Study
People who reported experiencing “very much” postpartum hair loss were over 4 times more likely to also report symptoms of anxiety, according to the GAD‑2 anxiety scale.
Even after accounting for other factors, the connection between severe hair shedding and anxiety remained strong (adjusted odds ratio: 4.58).
First-time parents (primiparous individuals) were more likely to experience anxiety symptoms, regardless of hair loss levels.
Sleep problems (measured by the Athens Insomnia Scale) were also linked to increased anxiety scores in the postpartum period.
What This Means for You
If you’ve been feeling more anxious since your hair started shedding after birth: you’re not alone.
This study highlights a real connection between postpartum hair loss and anxiety, especially for first-time parents and those dealing with poor sleep.
It’s not “just hair.” It’s your identity, your confidence, and your nervous system all in transition.
Here’s what the research reminds us:
✔ Feeling anxious after hair loss is common and valid
✔ Sleep, hormones, and stress all play a role in how we feel
✔ Supporting your emotional wellness can support your hair, too
If you’re shedding more than expected, or struggling to feel like yourself - take a breath.
You’re not broken. You’re recovering.
How Anxiety and Hair Loss Are Linked
The study makes one thing clear: the more hair someone lost, the more anxious they felt.
And it’s not just about hair. It’s about how stress, identity, and recovery all mix in the postpartum period.
Here’s what the researchers found:
1️⃣ Hair shedding and anxiety go hand in hand. People who lost “very much” hair had significantly higher anxiety scores.
2️⃣ First-time parents were more likely to feel overwhelmed, regardless of how much hair they lost.
3️⃣ Poor sleep was a major factor. Those with higher insomnia scores also had higher anxiety.
4️⃣ Supporting mental health during postpartum recovery isn’t optional. It’s essential for full-body healing.
When stress rises, your body puts things like hair growth on hold.
That’s why caring for your nervous system is just as important as nutrition or scalp care.
How to Reduce Stress & Support Hair Regrowth
Hair recovery is about how you feel, how you sleep, and how your body finds balance again.
Here are some ways to support both your nervous system and your hair after birth:
✔ Take Time to Unwind
Even 10 minutes of quiet - breathing, journaling, walking outside - can lower stress hormones like cortisol.
✔ Lean on Support
Talk with a trusted friend, partner, doula, or therapist. You don’t have to carry it all alone.
✔ Nourish Your Body
Eat whole foods rich in protein, iron, and B vitamins. These nutrients help rebuild both your energy and your hair.
✔ Balance Stress Hormones Naturally
Adaptogens like Ganoderma lucidum (in Luna Gold NIGHTTIME – Hair Renewal) are traditionally used to support calm and resilience.
✔ Support Circulation
Cordyceps sinensis (in Luna Gold MORNING – Hair Energy) helps support blood flow to the scalp, which may benefit follicles.
✔ Replenish Nutrients Lost to Stress
Inonotus obliquus (in Luna Gold AFTERNOON – Hair Strength) provides natural antioxidant support and works with B vitamins to nourish from within.
This is why we created the Luna Gold Holistic Hair – 30-Day Support System. Tto help you care for your hair and your whole self during recovery.
FAQs: Postpartum Hair Loss, Stress & Recovery
Can stress really cause hair loss?
Yes. High stress levels (especially after birth) can affect your hair’s natural cycle. This study confirmed that people with more postpartum shedding also reported higher anxiety.
How can I reduce stress to support hair regrowth?
- Use adaptogens like Cordyceps, Inonotus obliquus, and Ganoderma lucidum to support your body’s response to stress.
- Try calming practices like deep breathing, gentle stretching, or guided meditation.
- Focus on consistent meals and hydration to keep your energy stable and your body replenished
How long does it take for hair to grow back after postpartum shedding?
Most shedding peaks by 4–6 months postpartum and begins to slow around 8 months. Hair regrowth is gradual and can take up to a year or more to fully return.
Will my hair grow back exactly the same?
For most people, yes, though some notice a change in texture (like curlier or finer strands). It’s part of your body’s natural readjustment.
