8 Natural Remedies For Postpartum Hair Loss
We all remember the pregnancy days of full thick hair.
You carry a glow and your hair bounces with life.
Then comes labour and delivery day and before you know it, your once full hair starts to lose its life and fall out by the clumps.
Are there natural remedies for postpartum hair loss?
Is it normal?
What’s the cause of postpartum hair loss?
During pregnancy levels of the hormone estrogen rise to higher levels than a woman will experience in her lifetime.
This is what helps the uterus and placenta bring life to the growing baby. It is also because of this sharp rise in estrogen that normal hair fall stops during pregnancy.
Women normally shed up to 100 hairs a day. During pregnancy, this normal hair fall stops and the hair becomes fuller and thicker.
How long does postpartum hair loss last?
After delivery, levels of estrogen lower to normal levels as quickly as 24 hours after birth and continues to decline during breastfeeding.
Postpartum hair loss happens around 3 months after birth and continues to fall for around 3 months. By the 1 year mark after birth, hair should return to what it normally was.
On the other hand, every woman is different and will experience the postpartum period in a way that is unique to her.
So, is there anything mothers can do to promote a healthy and full head of hair?
How can you regrow your hair naturally after pregnancy?
8 Natural Remedies for Postpartum Hairloss
1. Nutrition and Vitamins
Nutrition is one of, if not the most important thing to focus on before, during, and after pregnancy. Pregnancy demands a substantial amount of vitamins and minerals to grow a healthy baby.
This is why pre-conception nourishment is essential for the optimal health of mama and baby. Naturally, if a woman is deficient in a needed vitamin or mineral, the body will take it from her stores to supply it to the growing baby.
There are a few main vitamins and minerals the body needs for healthy hair, skin, and nails.
These are:
- Biotin (a B-vitamin known for hair growth) and all B vitamins
- Collagen
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Iron
- Zinc
Best foods for healthy skin, hair, and nails:
- Pastured eggs (especially the yolk)
- Avocadoes
- Dark leafy greens
- Berries (high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and compounds that promote hair growth)
- Fatty fish (low mercury fish like sardines)
- Pastured meat
- Bone broth/Meat stock
- Nuts and seeds
2. Aloe Vera Juice and Gel
Did you know that drinking just 1 cup of aloe vera juice a day can help you have fuller thicker hair?
Aloe vera has been known as a natural remedy for hair loss. It contains natural compounds that promote hair growth and brims with nutrition like vitamins C, E, and B which are what the body needs for healthy hair.
It also balances pH levels in the body to one that is less acidic.
You can find pure aloe vera juice at most health food stores.
Aloe vera gel applied topically also conditions and moistens the scalp. The scalp is a soft tissue that needs adequate moisture. I use this Aloe Vera Gel because of its purity.
Aloe vera gel applied topically can prevent dandruff and keep hair follicles free from being blocked by oils from the oil ducts.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of my favourite natural oils taken internally and applied topically. Coconut oil is rich in Lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid known to suppress hunger and boost metabolism.
If there is one property of coconut oil that makes it a home remedy for hairloss it is that it’s rich in vitamin E. Vitamin E is one of the essential vitamins for hair, skin, and nails.
This vitamin nourishes and softens the skin and gives hair moisture and shine.
Coconut oil can be used freely in cooking and baking like this coconut ghee recipe. You can also apply it topically directly onto the scalp.
How to do a coconut oil massage:
- warm coconut oil in a pan
- add a few drops of essential oil (optional)
- massage onto scalp for 5-10 minutes
- leave in for 20-30 minutes
- wash as normal
For best results, repeat a few times a week.
4. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil increases blood circulation when applied to the scalp which increases hair growth.
In a study performed on mice, 4 groups were separated. Results showed a significant increase in hair growth in the group that received the peppermint essential oil.
Peppermint Essential Oil can stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the hair follicle cells.
5. Castor Oil for Postpartum Hair Loss
Castor oil is a natural oil rich in ricinoleic acid, a natural moisturizer, and an anti-inflammatory agent. It moistens and nourishes the scalp while increasing circulation which gives the hair shaft a healthy environment to grow.
Castor oil may be one of the natural remedies for postpartum hairloss. Massage onto the scalp before washing your hair or apply it as a leave-in conditioner.
6. Skip Heat Styling
Hair is made of a protein named keratin. During heat styling, proteins can deplete and become disproportionate, weakening the hair.
This is why heat styling can dry hair, cause breakage, and increase hair loss. When high heat is applied consistently, the hair shaft weakens. This means the hair is more likely to break and fall out.
Skip the heat stylers and use natural moisturizers to keep hair frizz-free and natural.
7. Natural Hair Thickening Shampoo
Most hair thickening shampoos contain proteins like keratin or vitamins like biotin and B complex to thicken hair. These are essential taken internally through nutrition for optimal hair growth and full healthy hair.
Applied topically, hair thickening shampoos can give hair a fuller look. This might be something to consider for the short-term during the postpartum hair loss stage to help hair appear thicker.
I prefer not to use shampoos with Sodium Lauryl Sulphate or any other synthetic chemicals because all unnatural build-up from toxins or chemicals accumulates in the liver. A burdened liver takes a toll on how you look and feel.
8. Vitamins for Postpartum Hair Loss
Having a baby demands a substantial amount of nutrition from the mother. If anyone is lacking in her diet, her body will take it from her own stores and supply it to the baby. Incredibly, this means that nutrition is key to a healthy mother and baby.
Nutrition plays a big role during postpartum care. Mama’s body has gone through the enormous task of growing a baby in her womb and delivering that child.
The postpartum phase requires a substantial supply of vitamins and minerals to allow the body to heal, replenish and even supply milk for her little one.
Optimize diet with real and wholesome foods and focus on quality protein and healthy fats.
Next, consider adding a high quality postnatal multivitamin to your diet. Look for a whole food supplement with vitamins C and E to protect that scalp as well as biotin and vitamin A for hair growth.
In conclusion
Postpartum hair loss can be devastating for women who once had a full head of thick beautiful hair. On the other hand, it doesn’t have to be traumatic.
With these simple and science-backed natural remedies for postpartum hair loss, your hair can quickly be restored to its former pre-pregnancy days.
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