Hair loss, or alopecia, after childbirth is a topic that leaves many women embarrassed and ashamed. However, it is extremely common with around 50% of women affected [1]. Thankfully there are several effective home remedies for the treatment of postpartum hair loss that will boost your hair growth and hopefully your confidence with it. Postpartum hair loss specifically effects women after giving birth or for many during pregnancy itself. It may be a gradual process, or more sudden with clumps of hair falling out often when you shower or brush your hair. Postpartum hair loss may start anywhere within two to five months postpartum [2] but the good news is that for most the hair loss is temporary and regrowth occurs after 6 months, but just to be safe, try our postpartum hair loss remedies for an effective treatment of hair loss.
What causes postpartum hair loss?
Giving birth is the main reason of postpartum hair loss. When a woman is pregnant, her estrogen levels increase. This increase of estrogen in the body will ‘suspend’ the hair in its growing phase, which is why hair is thick and lustrous when pregnant.
So instead of the usual small amount of fall-out that occurs in hair every day (on average it is thought 100 hairs fall out over the course of a day), your hair will effectively ‘stay put’ during pregnancy resulting in thicker healthier looking hair. The down-side is that after giving birth your estrogen levels decline as does the normal ‘cycle’ of hair growth and loss. The result is more hair than normal will fall out, often in quite large clumps.
The down-side is that after giving birth your estrogen levels decline as does the normal ‘cycle’ of hair growth and loss. The result is more hair than normal will fall out, often in quite large clumps.
In some cases, hair loss may be induced by telogen effluvium.[3] Telogen effluvium or thinning hair, is a point when the roots of the hair are prematurely pushed from their growing phase to their resting phase. This resting phase is called “telogen.” This may happen to about 30 to 50 percent of women during their postpartum period [4] and is mainly thought to be a result of stress and anxiety brought on by childbirth.
Postpartum Hair Loss Remedies
Although postpartum hair loss is not permanent there are some quick and easy remedies to keep your hair looking as healthy as possible postpartum.
1)Enjoy a healthy diet
Eating well postpartum is important to keep your strength up, particularly for women that breastfeed. But it will also help maintain healthy, strong hair and hopefully lesson any postpartum hair loss. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins is ideal but below are the top five superfoods to include:
- Blueberries contain antioxidants and high levels of Vitamin C which will help stimulate circulation of the scalp. Blueberries are also an excellent home remedy for postpartum depression.
- Leafy Greens such as kale, spinach, and cabbage are rich in iron, beta-carotene and vitamin C all of which will help strengthen hair and boost its shine and luster.
- Salmon is rich in something called Omega-3 fatty acids which are fish oils that help keep both your skin and hair hydrated and healthy.
- Carrots contain beta-carotene and also Vitamin A which help stimulate the production of healthy sebum needed by the scalp [5]
- Eggs (as mentioned above) are rich in vitamins, proteins, and fatty acids all of which are vital to nourish your hair after giving birth.
2) Onion juice
Yes, as unpleasant as it sounds onion juice is thought to help maintain healthy hair. Onions are rich in sulphur – a mineral thought to increase nourishment and shine in hair. They also have anti-bacterial properties to help with scalp infections that might lead to further hair loss.
Peel and cut the onions and blend into a paste. Squeeze the paste through a fine sieve to extract any juice. Then massage the juice into the scalp and leave for five to ten minutes.
Studies have shown the raw juice has had a significant impact on hair growth of alopecia sufferers. [6]
3) Indian Gooseberry or Alma
Indian gooseberry or Amla is used in Ayurvedic medicine and is particularly beneficial to hair growth. It is thought to strengthen the roots of hair, maintain color, and improve shine. Alma oil contains carotene, iron and anti-oxidants all of which help reduce damage and hair loss.
Clinical Studies have demonstrated a herbal taken from the gooseberry effectively stimulates hair growth and promotes hair health.[7]
If available you can either eat fresh alma or purchase the oil from a good natural medicine shop which can then be rubbed onto the scalp and roots.
4) Eggs
Eggs are rich in proteins, vitamins and fatty acids that help nourish hair, prevent breakage, and aid growth by restoring the natural oils present in the hair and scalp.Eggs can be used for hair growth in two ways; either by being included in your daily diet or by being used in a hair pack.
If you have very oily hair it may be best to use just the egg whites for your hair pack. On the other hand for dry and damaged hair, the egg yolks will act as a moisturizer to nourish and protect your hair.
Simply crack one or two eggs in a bowl with a small amount of olive oil. Mix well and apply to scalp and the roots of your hair and leave for around twenty to thirty minutes. Wash off with cool water before following with your usual shampoo and conditioning routine.
5) Fenugreek seeds or leaves
The fenugreek leaves and seeds contain vitamins B, C and E alongside zinc and biotin. All these nutrients are said to help maintain healthy hair and prevent postpartum hair loss.
Clinical studies on fenugreek extract have shown positive results for promoting hair regrowth. [8]
In addition, fenugreek is said to remove dryness on the scalp, cure dandruff and condition hair.
Fenugreek is normally found in seeds. These can be soaked overnight before being made into a paste which can be applied to the scalp and hair and left for up to thirty minutes.
6) Brewer’s yeast
As unappealing as it sounds, it has been said that the yeast found in beer has many nutritional properties including helping strengthen the hair postpartum and aiding in hair loss.
Brewer’s yeast is so called because it is an essential ingredient in beer-making. Its official name is Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and it is particularly rich in vitamin B, biotin (which contains keratin and aids cell growth) and folic acid all of which aim in the prevention of postpartum hair loss.
Studies using medicinal yeast have demonstrated that yeast can prevent hair loss and promote regrowth. [9]
7) Licorice
The Licorice root, which has apparently been used by Ancient Egyptians since 3rd century B.C., is said to be very soothing for dry, irritated skin, perfect for getting rid of dandruff or an irritated scalp. Because it is also said to help open pores and strengthen the hair shaft, it is also thought to be a great home remedy for postpartum hair loss.
A study comparing licorice extract to the commercially sold hair-growth drug Minoxidil showed licorice to be the winner. [10]
The easiest way to use licorice is to buy Licorice Extract from a good health store and add a little of the extract to your usual shampoo. You then massage your scalp and the roots of your hair to hopefully leave your hair healthy and strong.
8) Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil contains lauric acid, a fatty acid thought to protect your hair and help prevent postpartum hair loss. It helps bind hair proteins which in turn protect the hair’s root and prevents breakage. Coconut oil is also rich in vitamin E, vitamin K and iron. One major effect of coconut oil is thought to be that it aids blood circulation in the scalp which creates an ideal environment for healthy hair growth. [11]
It is possible to use coconut oil in your diet so you ingest all the good nutrients or you can simply add a little coconut oil to your shampoo to help improve your hair’s softness and shine and protect the scalp against dryness and dandruff.
9) Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is a great moisturizer and studies suggest that it may also help stimulate the growth of hair making it a good and natural method to fight off hair loss without experiencing toxicity.[12] Add several drops of Peppermint oil to your usual shampoo each time you wash your hair to increase its strength and shine.
10) Moisturize your hair
Moisturizing the hair is important. Un-Moisturized hair can lead to dry, brittle hair that is prone to breakage. During postpartum hair loss, it is important to prevent further damage so using a sensitive, natural hair moisturizer is ideal.
11) Get a hair cut and avoid styling too much
Although cutting your hair is not going to help with hair loss, it will obviously cut away all damaged locks leaving a shorter, easier to maintain hair-style.
It might also be an idea to put damaging styling aids away for a few months. Hot curling or straightening irons and even blow dryers can damage the hair and also make it appear thinner. Excessive brushing should also be avoided to prevent further hair loss.
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