8 Home Remedies For Postpartum Hair Loss

What Is Postpartum Hair Loss?

Postpartum hair loss, also referred to as postpartum alopecia, is a temporary but sudden shedding of hair or hair loss after giving birth.

Postpartum hair loss occurs because of hormonal imbalances after pregnancy. For some mothers, hair loss can be a few loose strands coming out, while for others, hair loss could be in massive clumps. But both are considered as a normal postpartum change that occurs in about 85% of women in the months following birth.

Eating a well-balanced diet, managing stress levels, and following some postpartum hair loss home remedies can help your hair to grow back strong and healthy.

[Also Read: Ayurvedic remedies for hair loss]

When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Start?

Postpartum hair loss typically starts between 1-6 months after childbirth and is found to peak around the 4th month.

What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?

During pregnancy, the levels of two hormones estrogen and progesterone increase, particularly from the second trimester. Normally, good levels of estrogen help to maintain healthy skin and hair. With the increase in estrogens during pregnancy, many women experience improvements in the quality of skin and hair and faster hair growth resulting in fuller and thicker hair. These changes in the hair are because of the impact of estrogen on the pattern of hair growth.

Our hair follicles that produce hair, follow a pattern of 'growth', 'rest', and 'fall' that repeats several times in one's lifetime. As each hair follicle follows its own growth pattern in its own time, there is a continuous shedding of about 50-100 strands of hair per day.

During pregnancy, high levels of estrogen cause the hair to enter and remain in the growth phase, leading to faster growth and lesser shedding. This also leads to slight synchrony of the follicles in their growth.

Following childbirth, estrogen and progesterone levels fall rapidly to pre-pregnancy levels. This results in a transition of hair follicles from the growth phase to the resting phase. Once the hair follicles enter the resting phase, it takes about 3-4 months for shedding. When the resting phase is accompanied by factors such as lack of sleep and stress of handling the newborn baby, hair loss sets in.

The total volume of hair loss after childbirth is probably not more than the volume you would have lost during the 9 months of pregnancy; it seems more just because it is happening all at once.

How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?

Postpartum hair loss can last a few weeks or a few months, and the duration of hair loss depends on how long one's hair cycles last. The hair typically returns to its normal pre-baby condition 6 to 12 months after childbirth.

Postpartum hair loss can sometimes continue as long as a year. If you have excessive hair loss that continues even after a year of giving birth, you must consult a doctor to rule out other conditions that cause hair loss.

Postpartum Hair Loss Home Remedies

There are several home remedies to minimize postpartum hair loss. These include:

1. Massage Your Hair Regularly

Use organic hair oils like coconut, olive, almond, or castor oil to massage your hair as part of postpartum hair treatment.

How To Use

Massage the scalp using lukewarm oil and then wrap your head with a wet hot towel for 5 minutes before washing your hair with a natural shampoo. For good results, massage 1-2 times a week for at least three months.

2. Postpartum Hair Loss Treatment Shampoo

Select a natural shampoo that helps protect your hair while cleaning your scalp and hair properly.

[Also Read: Natural shampoo for dry scalp]

3. Fenugreek

Fenugreek is very effective in treating postpartum hair loss.

How To Use

Soak some fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Apply this water to your scalp and hair, leave it for a few hours, and then wash your hair with a natural shampoo. This treatment can be done 2-3 times a week.

Another method of using fenugreek seeds is to grind the seeds soaked in water into a paste. Apply the paste to the roots of your hair and leave it for 20 minutes before washing your hair.

[Also Read: Health benefits of fenugreek tea]

4. Curd

Curd is an excellent hair conditioner and is very beneficial; it strengthens the hair follicles and adds shine to your hair.

How To Use

Apply curd on your scalp and massage and leave it for 15 minutes before washing your hair. You can apply curd 1-2 times a week.

5. Egg

Eggs are a good source of protein where applying its mask helps to control hair loss.

How Yo Use

Whisk the egg whites with olive oil and apply it to your scalp. Leave it for 30 minutes and wash your hair with cool water. And consider adding eggs to your diet regularly.

6. Avoid Styling Tools And Colors, Treat Your Hair Gently

Avoid using hair styling tools, hair dyes, and chemical sprays during excessive hair loss. Consider using a comb with wide bristles and avoid combing your hair when wet.

7. DIY (Do It Yourself) Hair Mask

Avocados are a rich source of vitamins that boost collagen production required to make keratin, the protein that makes up hair while coconut milk strengthens the protein structure of your hair that is essential for proper hair growth.

How To Use

Mash an avocado and mix it well with a tablespoon of coconut milk. Apply this mixture on the scalp and leave it to dry before washing your hair with a natural shampoo.

8. Take Supplements - Try Postpartum Hair Loss Vitamins

Studies show that a vitamin called biotin is linked to hair growth. Biotin for postpartum hair loss is recommended as a dietary supplement to boost hair growth and strengthen weak hair.

How To Prevent Postpartum Hair Loss?

Postpartum hair loss can be prevented by maintaining a healthy body and a healthy lifestyle in the weeks and months following childbirth;

• Eat a well-balanced healthy diet rich in nutrients to help postpartum recovery
• Speak with your doctor and consider taking postpartum vitamin and mineral supplements
• Be gentle with your hair because the hair follicles in the resting stage are very fragile
• Manage stress as stress hormones have a negative impact on the hair growth cycle

Hair loss after childbirth is very common, there is nothing to panic about. Follow the postpartum hair loss home remedies which are simple and effective. If you are even suffering from hair loss even after following the home remedies then you must consult the doctor to know the exact reasons for the hair fall.