Postpartum hair loss can be overwhelming, especially after the long journey of pregnancy. At a time when you expect to be in the home stretch, unexpected shedding can feel demoralizing.
Telogen Effluvium (TE) is a medically recognized form of hair loss triggered by significant stressors such as illness, high fever, or hormonal shifts. Along with birth control and hormonal imbalances, pregnancy and the postpartum period are key examples of how hormones impact hair growth.
This article delves into the causes and symptoms of postpartum hair loss, providing natural remedies—including vitamins, herbs, and dietary guidance—through an evidence-based, integrative approach to help restore your hair’s vitality after childbirth.
Understanding Postpartum Hair Loss: Causes and Symptoms
To understand the root cause of hair loss, we must first know what supports hair growth. Like our skin and nails, hair relies on energy, proper metabolism, and nutrients like protein, iron, B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc, occurring in three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (resting), and telogen (shedding), with 90% of hair typically in the growth phase.
During pregnancy, elevated estrogen and progesterone levels extend hair’s growth phase, making it fuller. After childbirth, these hormones drop, triggering Telogen Effluvium (TE)—a condition where up to 50% of the hair enters the shedding phase. This often begins three months postpartum and resolves within a year unless linked to medication or nutrient deficiencies.
Stress and thyroid health are key factors in hair loss. High cortisol levels can block thyroid hormone conversion and deplete nutrients like B vitamins and magnesium, worsening the issue. Postpartum, women may face low iron, insulin imbalances, zinc/copper imbalances, hormone fluctuations, and thyroid issues—all of which can contribute to hair loss. Managing stress, supporting thyroid function, and maintaining proper nutrition are vital for recovery. If you suspect any of these, it’s important to reach out to your local ND for support.
Natural Remedies for Postpartum Hair Loss: An Overview
Luckily, managing stress, nourishing your body with proper foods, using herbal remedies for hair loss, and following post-pregnancy scalp care tips can help prevent further hair loss.
Herbal Supplements for Hair Regrowth
Several supplements and herbs can support hair growth:
- Fish Oil: Reduces inflammation and promotes thicker hair.
- Aloe Vera Juice (1/2 cup, 2x daily): May help naturally thicken hair.
- B-Complex Vitamins: Aid in stress management, with biotin (B7) for thickness and vitamin B5 for adrenal health.
- Zinc: Supports hair growth, boosts immunity, and helps repair the gut.
Herbs for Hair Regrowth:
The following botanicals have long-standing, traditional uses to support hair regrowth. Evidence is currently emerging for their use.
- Rosemary: Stimulates hair follicles and promotes growth.
- Bhringraj: Known for strengthening hair and reducing hair fall.
- Ginseng extract: Ginsenosides in ginseng maintain skin structural integrity and regulate hair growth.
- Stinging Nettle: High in minerals, builds blood and tissues; drink as tea daily.
- Peppermint: Improves circulation and hair growth.
- Lavender: Soothes the scalp and supports hair health.
- Amla: Rich in vitamin C, strengthens hair byboosting collagen and reduces hair loss.
Use essential oils like lavender or rosemary, or blend dried herbs into oil for a soothing scalp massage.
Note of caution: As with any new topical regimen, always test a small area, especially if you are prone to skin rashes and sensitivity.
Diet and Nutrition: Foods That Promote Hair Growth After Pregnancy
For healthy hair growth, eat a balanced diet with high-quality protein like eggs, fresh organic produce, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish, nuts, seeds, and cold-pressed oils such as coconut oil, pumpkin seed oil, avocado oil, and olive oil. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recommends foods like dark leafy greens, seaweed, spirulina, kimchi, probiotics and bone broth to nourish the blood and support hair health.
Avoid processed, sugary, and fatty foods, as well as alcohol and tobacco. Use cooking methods like steaming and boiling to keep the blood cool.
Key hair-boosting foods:
- Organic foods: Free from chemicals that disrupt hormones.
- Pumpkin seeds: High in zinc which provides the essential building blocks for healthy follicle development and strengthens the foundation for hair growth.
- Wild-caught fish: Rich in omega-3s which reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation in the scalp, which can help hair follicles receive the nutrients and oxygen they need to grow.
- Green tea: Contains antioxidants to support hair growth.
- Super seeds: Chia, flax, and hemp seeds are high in proteins and omega-3s which are known to extend the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle, which can result in thicker, more robust hair.
- Vitamin C and Magnesium rich foods like broccoli, peppers and avocado to balance the stress levels.
- Bone broth: Provides protein, glutamine, glycine and collagen for strong hair.
Post-Pregnancy Scalp Care Tips to Promote Hair Growth
After pregnancy, proper scalp care is key to promoting healthy hair growth. Here are some essential tips:
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Use natural shampoos and conditioners free from harsh chemicals and from sensitizing ingredients such as mineral oils, fragrances and synthetic substances, and avoid bleaching, dyeing or perming your hair as much as possible.
- Limit Heat: Avoid over-washing, blow-drying, and using hot tools. Instead, gently dry it with a towel or air dry.
- Scalp Massage and Oils: A daily scalp massage stimulates circulation—gently tap the scalp with your fingers or a wooden brush for 5 minutes, morning and night. Use a mask with aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and bhringraj or rosemary oil to soothe and promote hair growth.
- Install a Water Filter: Reduce exposure to heavy metals in your water to protect your scalp.
- Regular Trims: Get regular trims to remove damaged ends and prevent further breakage.
These simple steps can help restore hair health and encourage regrowth. If you feel like you need more support on your postpartum journey, don’t hesitate to ask your ND for help!
