The way your hair responds to hormone changes is one of the most unpredictable adverse effects of pregnancy. Some women have longer, thicker hair, while others have greasier hair than usual, and yet others have dry, brittle hair that is prone to breakage. The good news is that many supplements can help with postpartum hair development.

Understanding how your hair functions and how it reacts to pregnancy and postpartum changes will help you figure out how to best support it. Let's begin by identifying the causes of postpartum hair loss, which all mothers want to know for choosing the right postpartum hair loss supplements.

Postpartum hair loss: why do you have it?

Your body changes throughout pregnancy because of the new hormone levels required for the baby's development. The new hormonal balance, notably higher estrogen, affects your hair growth cycle. Rather than transitioning to a resting state, hair stays in a growing phase longer during pregnancy. You do not lose as many individual scythes each day since the hair does not conclude its development cycle as rapidly. 

However, your hormone levels will return to pre-pregnancy levels after you give birth to your child. The decrease in estrogen causes your hair to return to its initial growth, rest, and fall out cycle. A significant portion of your hair will enter the resting phase instantly. The scythes have finished their resting period and began to come out some months later.

Postpartum hair loss is significant since it exceeds the daily hair loss of 100 strands. Telogen effluvium, or excessive shedding, is the technical term for the cause of hair loss. Hormone variations in postpartum women cause more strands to enter the resting stage than typical, then fall out a few weeks later.

Natural remedies vs. supplements for postpartum hair loss

Trying out natural remedies and consuming supplements are the best ways to slow postpartum hair loss. The pros of using natural remedies are the affordable price and easy to find natural ingredients at any market. However, compared to supplements, mommies should remember that natural remedies work slower, so you should be patient and wait for the best results. Here are some small tips to deal with postpartum hair loss.

Daily tips for dealing with hair loss

• Select the appropriate accessories: Instead of elastic bands, use scrunchies or barrettes to hold hair, and avoid pulling hair into tight ponytails.
• Try a new hairstyle: It will make your hair appear more voluminous. Longer styles may damage your hair, so keep it short.
• Be extra mild: Avoid tangling, shampoo only when essential (as if you have time to shampoo at all! ), and use a decent conditioner and a wide-toothed comb.
• Avoid using blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons: Extreme heat and twisting with hot rollers or curling irons can dry out your hair and cause hair to thin or fall out. Additionally, the equipment also causes hair breakage, split ends, and changes your hair texture.
• Avoid using treatments based on chemicals: Mom should postpone highlights, perms, or straightening procedures until the shedding stops.

Natural remedies for growing hair

Going natural is the ideal option for hair problems because it has no negative effects and produces long-lasting results. Fortunately for us, there are a variety of well-known and effective treatments that can be put to use. 

DIY Natural Hair Masks

Fenugreek: Mom needs to prepare several soaked fenugreek seeds overnight. The next day, grind them and apply the paste to your scalp and hair well. Allow it to sit for an hour before washing it off with regular water. Fenugreek is one of the most effective substances for balancing Vata. Using this hair mask twice a week will significantly reduce postpartum hair loss.

Egg white: Combine two egg whites and two tablespoons of olive oil in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly and apply to your hair from the roots to the tips. Allow for a half-hour of drying time before washing it off with an Ayurvedic shampoo. Once a week, apply an egg white mask to your hair for deep conditioning and healthy hair growth.

Coconut milk: Apply coconut milk-soaked cotton to your hair roots. Allow it to sit for around 20 minutes before rinsing it off with plain water. Your hair will be deeply conditioned and nurtured with coconut milk. Caregivers should use a coconut milk mask on the hair once a week.

Massage Your Scalp With Hair Oils

Massage with hair oils and treatments stimulates the scalp and may promote hair thickness. 

Stretching during a massage is supposed to promote hair development and thickness in the dermal papilla cells, found at the base of the hair follicle. These cells play vital roles in hair development, growth, shedding, and regeneration.

Massage is also proven to help with blood circulation and scalp health. According to a 2019 study, hair growth increases blood flow and improves scalp health.

Taking the time to massage your scalp daily can also help you relieve stress and tension, which is beneficial if these emotions cause your hair loss. 

As far as I know, there are three types of oil that help to grow hair fast:

Coconut oil 

One of our favorite natural treatments for postpartum hair loss is coconut oil, a key ingredient to seek in every good anti-breakage shampoo or conditioner. This oil, which can be obtained in practically any grocery store, has been shown to decrease hair loss by reaching the hair shaft and preventing protein loss. Overall, coconut oil is a hair powerhouse and a fantastic cure for postpartum hair loss.

Flaxseed oil 

Flaxseed oil is another oil that can help with hair loss and breakage. This natural hair loss therapy can also be found in grocery stores, though it may be more prevalent in natural or health food stores than in larger chains. Vitamin E (one of those excellent vitamins we mentioned earlier!) is abundant in flaxseed oil, and it is known for preventing flaking, breakage, and even boosting new hair growth.

Castor oil 

Castor oil is an old remedy used in traditional medicine for a long time. It is high in ricinoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids, both of which help with hair development. It is said to improve the health of hair follicles and, as a result, encourage hair growth and prevent hair loss when applied to the scalp.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

As opposed to the healing process following surgery, doctors may implant platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is generated from your own blood. PRP, which is high in growth factors, may aid hair development as well.

You supply a little amount of blood, which is spin in a centrifuge to isolate platelet-rich plasma protein. It is then injected into various spots on your scalp. PRP patients often remark that their hair grows back fuller than before.

Are supplements for postpartum hair loss safe for breastfeeding moms?

Opposite to natural remedies, supplements bring faster results in hair growth. To grow your hair, you should only use a daily value of only 30 micrograms of biotin. Also, studies have shown that it is not safe for breastfeeding women, so talk to your doctor before taking it, especially if you are lactating. 

When should you take supplements for postpartum hair loss?

When you notice your hair is getting thinner after giving birth, you can start to use supplements. Postpartum hair loss often begins after five months of giving birth and gradually slows down after three months.

You will not be able to stop the process, but being patient with your hair and experimenting with different hair treatments and styles will help you get through it.

Possible side effects of supplements for postpartum hair loss

Before using the supplements, you should consider some side effects like constipation, diarrhea, or an upset stomach. The side effects are usually temporary and disappear as your body responds to the medication. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, talk to your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

These supplements seldom cause a severe allergic reaction. However, if you detect any symptoms of severe allergic response, such as a rash, itching/swelling (particularly of the face/tongue/throat), extreme dizziness, or problems breathing, seek medical treatment right once.

Best supplements for postpartum hair loss

Biotin, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 are commonly found in larger quantities in postnatal supplements. This boost in vitamins helps mom and baby stay healthy. These nutrients may also assist in the prevention of postpartum hair loss.

Some ladies claim that taking a biotin chewable supplement as part of their daily regimen has helped them stop losing hair. However, some women have had negative side effects.

Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women

Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily Women's is a shelf-stable probiotic that requires only one capsule each day. Once Daily Women's is a vegan-friendly supplement with a high probiotic ratio to sustain a healthy microbiome and the unique health needs of women. Dr. Perlmutter developed this specific recipe for women's digestive and immune system health, with a high count of helpful probiotics derived from a variety of strains, including Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, that are resistant to stomach acid and bile. David Perlmutter, M.D., is a board-certified neurologist, Fellow of the American College of Nutrition, America's brain-health specialist, and #1 New York Times best-selling book.

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BosleyMD Hair Growth Vitamin Supplement 

DHT-inhibiting botanicals, Biotin, Niacin, and Zinc may prevent hair loss and promote thicker, fuller-looking hair. Zinc is a necessary nutrient that aids in the maintenance of healthy hair and the prevention of hair loss. Niacin revitalizes hair and reduces hair loss. Biotin increases hair follicle strength. You can also see the improvement in your nails and skin after using the product.

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OLLY Ultra Strength Hair Softgels

Unique components in this potent blend work their magic from within to support healthier, fuller-looking locks. It can even assist in the protection of hair pigment and the promotion of healthy hair development. This supplement ingredient contains a lot of biotin—a nutrient aiding in the metabolism of lipids and proteins, promoting healthy hair and nails. Keratin is a crucial protein that helps nourish your hair from the inside out. Silicon is necessary for the generation of Collagen and Keratin, which aid in growth and resilience. Copper, Vitamin D, B12, and folic acid with copper contribute to healthy hair follicles.  

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Emil Nutrition Multi Collagen Plus Pills 

Dr. Emil Nutrition's Multi Collagen Plus Pills were created by a doctor to help you live a more fulfilling life. These collagen pills consist of 5 different forms of collagen for optimal hair, skin, nail, and joint support, as well as BioPerine to aid in bloodstream absorption.

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Collagen Pills with Vitamin C, E 

This supplement is designed to tighten the skin over time, reducing facial wrinkles, dark bags under the eyes, forehead wrinkles, and wrinkles. In small gelatin capsule form, the product contains a combination of hydrolyzed collagen peptides powder Type I, III from bovine, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Rose Hips. Collagen peptides help the body repair tissues and maintain a healthy complexion. For best results, you can combine the collagen supplement with the collagen anti-wrinkle cream and collagen moisturizing serum.

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Biotin (5,000 mcg) with Coconut Oil 

Biotin 5,000 mcg is manufactured in cGMP-compliant facilities and quality-tested by a third party in the United States. The supplements have been proven to be safe for both men and women. For a three (3) month supply, the product includes one hundred twenty (120) Biotin pills for hair development and skin support. Add this supplement to your daily routine for a simple way to get your vitamin B7!

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DrFormulas DHT Blocker for Men and Women 

HairOmega DHT Blocker guarantees that your hair receives all of the nutrients. HairOmega DHT Blocker is a hair growth supplement containing a combination of over 41 nutrients and vitamins, including biotin, that can strengthen and increase hair growth.

Country of origin: USA

Closing

Postpartum hair loss is normal and should not be cause for concern. There is so much to think about and so little time to think about yourself, especially if you are having trouble with pregnancy symptoms.

As a consequence of postpartum hormonal changes, you should choose natural remedies like DIY hair masks or massaging your scalp to avoid side effects.

To grow your hair faster, mommies can choose some suitable supplements to use. The most important factor in choosing the supplements is knowing the amount of biotin you use daily and if it is safe for breastfeeding women.

After a short period, your hair will grow back as long as you want it to if you know how to use the right supplement.