Impact of Birth Control on Hair Loss (& How You Can Treat It)

You might have heard of postpartum hair loss - a common, though unwelcome, after-effect of giving birth. But did you know that hormonal birth control can also influence your hair growth cycle?

Just as fluctuating hormones during and after pregnancy affect your body in countless ways, the hormones involved in many contraceptives can play a similar role. Because hormones are central to regulating the hair growth cycle - and birth control works by altering hormone levels - it’s not surprising that the two are closely connected.

If you suspect your contraception may be contributing to hair thinning or shedding, you’re not alone. Keep reading to discover how hormonal birth control can affect your hair, why these changes occur, and most importantly, how you can treat hair loss from birth control. 

So, How Does Birth Control Influence Hair? 

There are so many types of birth control out there, but according to a recent NHS survey, the pill is still one of the most popular options for women in the UK. And it’s not just used to prevent pregnancy - many people take it to help manage acne, balance hormones, or treat conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It’s safe to say the Pill has become a bit of a multitasker when it comes to women’s health.

How the Pill Affects Your Hair

Here’s where things get interesting: not all birth control pills affect your hair type in the same way. Some can actually trigger more hair shedding, while others might help with thinning - especially in cases of female pattern hair loss (FPHL), also called female androgenetic alopecia.

It all comes down to the type of progestin (a synthetic version of progesterone) in your pill. Different progestins act differently in your body - some can increase the effects of androgens (male hormones that can cause hair loss), while others do the opposite and help keep your hair thicker and healthier.

The Pill and Hair Shedding: What’s Really Going On

Here’s the thing - certain types of birth control pills can trigger temporary hair loss, especially those that contain progestins with what’s called a “high androgen index.” A 2018 study found that these progestins act more like male hormones in the body. For women who are sensitive to hormonal changes, that extra androgen activity can make existing female pattern hair loss (FPHL) worse, or even bring it on.

But that’s not the only way the Pill can affect your hair. Some women experience telogen effluvium, a temporary type of shedding that happens when a large number of hairs suddenly shift into the resting (or telogen) phase of the growth cycle.

Why It Happens

Hormonal ups and downs are one of the biggest triggers for telogen effluvium - and oral contraceptives are no exception. A 2020 review even listed birth control pills among the medications most likely to cause this type of hair loss. The tricky part? The shedding doesn’t always happen right away. It often shows up a few months after starting, stopping, or switching your pill.

The Good News

If you’re noticing extra shedding, don’t panic - telogen effluvium is usually temporary and reversible. Once your body adjusts to the hormonal changes (or you switch to a different formulation), your hair growth cycle typically returns to normal, and new strands start coming through again.

Below is a quick breakdown of how common contraceptive formulations used in the UK compare in terms of their androgen profile:

How to Treat Hair Loss from Birth Control

If you think your birth control might be contributing to hair loss, don’t worry - there are ways to manage it and get your hair back on track. The key is understanding what’s triggering the shedding and giving your body the support it needs to rebalance.

1. Talk to Your Doctor

Start by speaking with your GP or a women’s health specialist. They can help determine whether your hair loss is linked to your birth control or something else (like the stress hormone, diet, or thyroid changes). If your pill is the likely cause, they may recommend switching to a lower-androgen formula or trying a non-hormonal option such as the copper IUD or barrier methods.

2. Give Your Body Time to Adjust

If you’ve recently started or stopped the pill, you might notice shedding a few months later - that’s telogen effluvium at work. The good news is, this kind of hair loss is usually temporary. Your hair growth cycle should return to normal once your hormone levels stabilise, typically within six to nine months.

3. Support Hair Growth from the Inside Out

Healthy hair starts with proper nutrition. Make sure you’re getting enough protein, iron, zinc, and biotin, as deficiencies in these nutrients can slow regrowth. A balanced diet rich in leafy greens, whole grains, and healthy fats can make a noticeable difference. Some women also benefit from a hair-specific supplement, but always check with your healthcare provider before starting one.

4. Try Proven Topical Treatments

Products containing minoxidil (like Regaine) are clinically proven to stimulate new hair growth and can be especially helpful if your hair loss persists beyond six months. Consistency is key - it can take a few months to see visible results.

5. Be Gentle with Your Hair

Avoid harsh treatments or tight hairstyles that put strain on your scalp. Opt for gentle, nourishing haircare using clarifying shampoos and hair serums that support growth, minimise heat damage, and choose volumising or strengthening products designed for thinning hair.

6. Manage Stress and Prioritise Rest

Stress hormones can worsen shedding, so incorporating relaxation techniques - like yoga, meditation, or simply getting enough sleep - can help restore balance to your body and your hair growth cycle.

Can The Pill Support Hair Growth?

Yes - birth control medication can also support hair growth! Birth control pills that contain progestins with anti-androgenic properties, i.e. blocking the effect of male hormones, may offer protection against hair thinning. Similarly, contraceptives that are balanced with oestrogen may help promote hair growth, as this is the hormone that prolongs the growth phase of follicle growth known as anagen.

Can Birth Control Be Used to Treat Hair Loss?

The answer is yes. Combined oral contraceptive pills, i.e. those containing both oestrogen and progesterone, can help, particularly when the progestin has anti-androgenic properties, for example, brands like Yasmin (as noted in the table above). 

A 2006 study reported that 62% of women with FPHL showed improvement when using a combination of finasteride and a contraceptive pill containing drospirenone and ethinylestradiol. However, birth control pills are a form of medication, and not everyone is suited to every type. It’s important to consult your doctor to assess your individual suitability and to let them know you are considering them specifically for hair loss.

Our Final Thoughts

In simple terms, different birth control pills can affect your hair in totally different ways. Some may cause shedding, whilst others can actually help if you’re prone to thinning. If you start noticing extra hair fall after beginning or switching contraception, it’s worth checking in with your doctor - they can help you find a formulation that’s better suited to your body and your hair.

We hope this guide has helped you understand the link between birth control and hair health a little better. At rhute, we’re all about helping you feel confident in your hair - whether that means learning more about what’s causing changes or finding products that support stronger, healthier growth.

If there’s a topic you’d love us to cover next, drop a comment below - we’d love to hear from you! And if you’re curious about more expert tips and advice, head over to our blog page for everything you need to know about caring for your hair at every stage.