6 Natural remedies to tackle postpartum hair loss
A natural phenomenon called Telogen Effluvium or postpartum hair loss happens to about 50% of women after they give birth.
The high levels of hormones in your body during pregnancy stop your hair from falling out leaving you with thick, luscious locks. After birth, your hormones go back to their pre-pregnancy levels, so all that hair you should have lost during nine months of pregnancy, just falls out at once.
Telogen Effluvium is temporary and your hair should regain its normal thickness within 12 months. Here are some natural remedies to help you deal with postpartum hair loss.
1. Vitamins
Vitamins B, C, E, zinc and selenium are all nutrients you need for healthy skin, hair and nails, so don’t stop taking vitamins after you give birth. In fact, switch to a postpartum vitamin supplement which can give you the right mix of nutrients you need.
2. Biotin
Biotin is actually a member of the Vitamin B family, but it is especially important for hair because it helps the body build proteins like keratin. Biotin deficiency has been linked to hair loss, hair breakage and brittle nails. To get more biotin, you can consider taking a 5 mg biotin supplement in addition to your diet. You can also buy shampoos and conditioners that have been enriched with biotin, although these results aren’t confirmed.
3. Yeast
Have you ever heard that washing your hair with beer makes it shiny and strong? It’s not so ridiculous after all, because beer is made from yeast, which contains biotin, folic acid and riboflavin. That doesn’t mean you need to soak your hair in Tiger beer all day. Consider making a DIY hair mask out of brewer’s yeast.
4. He Shou Wu-hk
If you’re following a confinement diet after childbirth, one of the Chinese herbs you should definitely include is He Shou Wu. This herb has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in zinc. It is renowned for its effects on hair, with some claiming that it can reverse greying hair. When taken after childbirth, it can reduce postpartum hair loss and encourage healthier hair growth.
5. Essential fatty acids
Make sure you’re eating plenty of fish with Omega-3 oils or taking an Omega 3-6-9 supplement from flaxseed or fish oil, as these essential fatty acids are not just great for cholesterol but also make your hair healthy and shiny.
6. Get a hair cut
You may hear from your elders or your hairdresser that you should cut your hair short after childbirth. The idea is that short hair requires fewer nutrients and may not fall out as much. There is some merit in this since long hair is more likely to tangle and form split hairs. In any case, a short hairstyle will save you the time you need to maintain long hair!
Written by
Divya Maniar
