Postpartum Hair Loss
Simple and effective ways to manage postpartum hair loss
Introduction
Postpartum hair loss is an all too common phenomenon experienced by women across the board – of varying diets, lifestyles, and ages. Some women may experience postpartum hair-thinning after multiple births, and some may only experience it after one birth. As with most female afflictions, hormones appear to be the main culprit. It seems entirely unfair that throughout our pregnancies, we get to experience thicker hair growth than usual (especially for us naturally thin-haired ladies), only to be depleted of it at an alarming rate after giving birth.
You may have experienced postpartum hair loss mildly, or you may have experienced it much more aggressively, no doubt leaving you feeling insecure and self-conscious. This change in hair growth often leads women to adopt a shorter style – a la, The Mum Bob, in order to disguise the drastic hair loss – giving the illusion of thicker and more even hair growth.
But what actually is postpartum hair loss and who does it affect?
Arti Chhaganlal – Certified Nutrition Consultant and owner of Nourish Me Mama, offers her wisdom.
During pregnancy, high estrogen levels prevent hair from falling out at its normal rate, which is why many mamas enjoy luscious, thick hair. However, once those estrogen levels drop after childbirth, the extra hair begins to shed, and this is what causes postpartum hair loss.
For most mamas, hair loss typically peaks around four-months postpartum. While it can feel overwhelming, rest assured that this is completely normal and the hair will eventually grow back. However, if the shedding seems more drastic than expected, or it continues for an extended period of time, there are holistic ways to support healthy hair regrowth.
Arti's holistic and nutritional recommendations
How to nourish your body and hair during this time
1. Eat a Well-Balanced Diet with Omega-3s and Healthy Fats
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for hormone regulation and overall hair health. Incorporating foods rich in omega-3s and healthy fats can help nourish your hair follicles and support hair regrowth. Good sources include fatty fish like salmon, chia seeds, walnuts, avocado, and olive oil. These foods not only help combat postpartum hair loss but also support hormone balance as you recover from childbirth.
2. Silica for Hair Regrowth
Silica is an incredible mineral that plays a key role in encouraging hair regrowth. One of the best natural sources of silica is horsetail, which can be enjoyed as a tea. If you're in New Zealand, the Raglan Herbal Dispensary offers a good organic option. Other silica-rich foods include whole grains, cucumber skins, almonds, sunflower seeds, and leafy greens. Regularly including these foods in your diet can help strengthen your hair and improve its overall health.
3. Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is another fantastic addition to your postpartum wellness routine. Not only is it rich in silica, but it also helps balance hormones, boost energy, and provides essential vitamins and minerals. You can find wheatgrass in fresh, frozen, powdered, or tablet forms, making it easy to incorporate into your day.
4. Biotin
Biotin is well-known for its ability to support hair growth. It helps strengthen hair and nails, and supplementing with biotin during postpartum can support healthy regrowth. You can find biotin in supplement form, or opt for biotin-rich foods like eggs, nuts, and seeds.
5. Collagen for Healthy Hair
Collagen is a key protein that supports hair, skin, and nails. It plays a vital role in strengthening hair follicles and improving hair texture. Incorporate collagen into your diet through bone broth, gelatin, or collagen supplements to help support your hair growth during the postpartum period.
Treatments and haircare for postpartum thinning hair
Our top supplement and haircare picks to help you on your journey back to fuller, healthier hair
An effective way to tackle hair loss is from the inside out. That's why it makes so much sense to first consider your diet and what you can be adding to it to help truly nourish your body – in a holistic way. Supplement for an additional boost, and then select the right haircare. If tackling everything at once feels too much. Start with one approach first – whatever one feels the most manageable for you at this time.
HINU – Hair Growth Oil
Meet cult status hair growth oil by HINU. This nourishing, light and natural botanical blend is truly wondrous.
Formulated to help restore the hair's integrity from root to tip. This oil uses key active ingredients designed to promote healthy hair and improve your hair quality. It's easy to wear and wash out, and suitable for all hair types and lifestyles. Make this delightful, uplifting and effective botanical hair oil part of your nightly self-care ritual. Your locks will thank you.
Contains the following ingredients – to help strengthen and repair your hair:
Aloe vera extract – strengthens and repairs scalp, clears dead skin cells. Rosemary oil – prevents hair loss, and increases growth. Peppermint oil – prevents hair loss by improving circulation to the scalp. Grape seed extract – protects from heat and strengthens weak hair. Bhringraj leaf extract – helps improve thickness and luster. Green tea extract – stimulates hair growth.
Vida Glow – Hairology
Introducing Hairology by Vida Glow. A convenient once-daily ingestible capsule from Vida Glow’s Advanced Repair range. Targeting the cause of thinning, lacklustre hair, Hairology optimises the environment necessary for hair to grow and thrive.
Powered by Hero Active, AnaGain, and a robust blend of targeted micronutrients, Hairology supports and maintains healthy hair follicles to revitalise and strengthen your strands from within.
Vida Glow – Natural Marine Collagen
Vida Glow also offers an incredible range of marine collagen that comes in single-sachet servings.
The collagen boost helps repair and nourish your skin and hair from within. Vida Glow collagen is activated to help increase absorption (so your body can actually use it and stimulate fresh collagen production.
Once integrated into your daily routine – Vida Glow's Natural Marine Collagen has been clinically proven to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and enhance your skin elasticity.
Comes in natural and three other delicious flavours.
Kerastase – Genesis Haircare Range
The Kerastase Genesis Range is a breakthrough range from premium haircare line Kerastase. It's designed to be a daily routine for fine or thin hair that is prone to breakage and falling. It provides your hair with the ultimate anti-breakage protection, with a dual-action fortifying system professionally formulated to strengthen your hair and reduce breakage.
With multiple anti-breakage products in the Genesis range, you can pick and choose or opt for the full range.
The Mum Loop has partnered with Buoy Salon and Spa for the month of April, to bring you Shop & Glow. When you place any order on The Mum Loop throughout the month of April 2025, you will be emailed a special 20% discount code to use at Buoy online on Vida Glow, Kerastase, or any of their other amazing haircare and beauty products.
Keep the following in mind
While postpartum hair loss is generally due to hormonal shifts, it can also be linked to thyroid dysfunction, adrenal fatigue, or anaemia. If you're experiencing excessive shedding or other symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider and consider getting a blood test to rule out any underlying issues. – it is, after all, a personal journey.
If you're looking for more holistic guidance on managing your pregnancy or postpartum journey through whole foods and nutrition, Arti is here to support you with hands-on tailored advice.
You can follow Arti over at @nourishmemama.nz for helpful tips and recipes, or visit her website www.nourishmemama.nz for more information.
Here’s to a nourished and healthy postpartum journey!
