A baby comes with all the surprises for the new parents. There are beautiful moments in a new mommy’s life like holding your baby in your arms, the feeling of first feeding, when the baby smiles for the first time, the list is overwhelming. But with these joys also come some post-pregnancy issues like sore nipples, stretch marks, or postpartum hair loss; which last for a few months. After a long period of good hair during pregnancy, most of the new mothers experience heavy hair fall after delivery. Hair fall being a distressing problem, there are home remedies for postpartum hair fall and regrowth which you can try for hair loss after pregnancy.

It is important to understand the root cause of hair fall after pregnancy, as it can be more than the stress of managing a newborn or days of loaded baby work schedule.

What Are The Causes Of Hair Fall?

Women enjoy thicker, fuller, luscious hair during their pregnancy period; and when the pregnancy ends, in no time start stressing about their hair fall after delivery. Let’s understand the causes of hair fall after pregnancy.

Hormonal changes

On average, a person loses 50-100 hair strands in a day.  Normally, 90% of our hair is in the growing phase and the remaining 10% are in the resting phase. After the resting phase, the hair falls off and gets replaced by new strands of hair.

• During pregnancy, the raised levels of estrogen hormone send hair into a resting phase. As the majority of the hair is in the resting phase, it gives a thicker pregnancy hair. Hence the pregnancy hair fall is much lesser compared to the aftermath of postpartum hair fall.
• After pregnancy, the estrogen levels come down to normal, and the hair cycle comes out of the resting phase, leading to postpartum hair loss. Hair fall after delivery is known as ‘Telogen Effluvium’ and usually persists for three to six months after delivery.

Nutritional deficiencies

Hair growth and hair structure are significantly affected by the calorie and protein malnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies. Nutritional deficiencies can be due to dietary practices, medical conditions, or genetic disorders:

• Crash diets: After pregnancy some women tend to go on a crash diet, to shed the extra pounds added during pregnancy, which causes sudden weight loss, leading to nutritional deficiencies causing postpartum hair fall.
• Decreased protein intake: Proteins are the building blocks of  hair follicles. Lack of protein intake after delivery causes postpartum hair loss. Adequate protein consumption provides the body with the required amino acids to promote  hair growth.
• Less consumption of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids: Omega-3s and 6s help build cell walls. Lower levels of these cause brittle hair and dry scalp. Deficiency of these causes skin rashes and dandruff in hair.
• Iron deficiency: It may not only cause hair loss but male-female-pattern baldness. Iron deficiency can be related to lower consumption or lower ferritin blood levels(ferritin helps store iron in the body). Post-pregnancy the chances of having an iron deficiency can be due to heavy bleeding during delivery or multiple births. Iron deficiency can last up to 6 to 12 months after giving birth, which makes it a major causative factor in hair fall after delivery.
• Deficiency of vitamin A, E, C, B, and D: These vitamins are necessary for new hair growth. Vitamin A helps sebum production, which moisturizes the scalp and keeps hair healthy. The deficiency of vitamin D causes hair thinning and stops hair growth. Vitamin C and E act as antioxidants, helping create collagen in  hair. Iron absorption is enhanced by vitamin c. Vitamin B helps in the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. Post-pregnancy deficiencies of these vital vitamins cause hair fall after delivery.
• Zinc and Selenium deficiency: Zinc deficiency can cause hair breakage, hair damage, and hair loss. Selenium deficiency may disrupt thyroid functioning, causing hair loss. Checking their levels is important for postpartum hair fall treatment.
• Biotin: Its deficiency can cause hair thinning and progressive overall hair loss of the body, scaly-red rash around body openings like eyes, nose, mouth, and perineum.
• Folic acid deficiencies: Graying of hair and hair loss can occur due to the deficiency of folic acid. Many women undergo folic acid deficiency after childbirth which leads to hair fall after delivery.
• Over-supplementation: Excessive intake of certain nutrients needed for hair growth can cause adverse effects of hair fall instead, these include supplements like selenium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E.
• Antioxidants: Free radical damage can block hair growth and cause hair aging. Antioxidants facilitate hair growth, maintain the collagen and the connective tissues of the hair follicles. It protects the scalp cells that promote healthy hair growth. Antioxidants act as a remedy for hair fall and regrowth.

Thyroid issues

Severe, untreated, and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. This hair loss is diffused, involving the entire scalp. The scalp appears uniformly sparse due to hair fall. Treating any thyroid issues is essential to treat postpartum hair loss.

Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)

In PCOS there is excessive secretion of androgen hormone, which can lead to dry scalp, lack of hair luster, hair damage, breakage, thinning, and hair loss. Getting the ovaries checked for any such condition is important to treating postpartum hair fall.

Birth control pills

Birth control pills usually have the hormone progestin in them. Progestin is a hormone that  has an  androgenic activity that can lead to hair fall. Using such pills routinely to avoid new pregnancy, after a recent delivery can cause postpartum hair loss.

Stress

Stress is not good for the body! Stress pushes a large number of hair follicles into the resting phase. Affected hair may fall out while combing and washing within a few months. Managing  stress helps regain hair growth. 

Hairstyling products

Frequent over-use of hot styling tools, such as hairdryer, curling wand, and straighteners, can make hair dry, prone to breakage, and fall out. 

Often the use of hair colors with bleach can also cause hair fall. Excessive use of chemicals leads to loss of hair elasticity. Over-dyed hair becomes straw-like with uneven layers, split ends and thin.

Chlorinated water from the swimming pools can leave hair dull and dehydrated, resulting in hair loss.

Hence using chemical-free, natural hair care products for hair fall is important when fighting  postpartum hair loss.

Change in season

The hot summers and dry winters both damage the hair. The root cause of this is  dehydration. Harsh exposures to sun, water, and cold can lead to faded hair color, split ends, brittle and dry textured hair leading to hair loss. Hair loss is also seasonal for some people, proves research!

Side effects of certain medications

Certain drugs used to treat any medical condition can have side effects like hair loss, as they may interfere in the normal cycle of  scalp hair growth.

Medications may cause two types of hair loss: 

• Telogen effluvium: Being the most common form of drug-induced hair loss, it usually appears within 2 to 4 months of drug intake.
• Anagen effluvium: In this,  hair loss occurs during the actively growing phase. This type of hair loss usually occurs within a few days to weeks after the drug intake. It is commonly seen in people taking chemotherapy drugs for cancer.

Some known medications that have hair loss side effects are:

• Acne medications containing excessive vitamin A (retinoids)
• Some Antibiotics and antifungal drugs
• Antidepressants
• Birth control pills
• Anti Clotting drugs
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Immunosuppressants
• Cancer drugs
• Epilepsy drugs (anticonvulsants)
• High blood pressure medications (anti-hypertensives), such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Mood stabilizers
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Parkinson’s disease drugs
• Steroids
• Weight loss drugs

Lack of sleep

Lack of sleep has a negative impact on the body, it loads the body with unwanted stress. Prolonged lack of sound sleep hampers the normal cellular functioning of the body, resulting in hair loss and hair thinning. New moms tend to get very limited sleep causing hair fall after delivery. Asking for some help from family and friends to get your sleep is important.

But, don’t worry, ladies! With some good care, persistent efforts, and the best home remedies for hair fall, we are sure you’ll get those beautiful locks back in no time.

What Should I Eat For Thick Hair?

A healthy and nutritious diet during and after pregnancy is beneficial for preventing hair loss and maintaining good health. Drink plenty of fluids and eat a balanced diet to replenish all the lost minerals and nutrients during pregnancy and delivery from your body. To have a healthy diet ensure you include food items like:

Fruits and berries

Fruits and berries are a rich source of vitamins and minerals helping your hair get its essential nourishment resulting in healthy hair growth and thickness. They enhance the keratin production in the hair follicles, making hair strong, shiny, and voluminous.

• Apple: Best source of vitamin A with  plenty of antioxidants
• Banana: Fights dandruff and makes hair manageable, smooth and shiny
• Apricots: Provides essential fatty acids
• Kiwi: Source of vitamin C, E, K, and potassium. Prevents premature graying of hair, dandruff, and hair loss. It also improves blood circulation in the scalp
• Oranges: Rich source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Prevents any scalp infection, dandruff and hair fall
• Papayas: Add moisture to the hair, prevents hair thinning, and impart  antifungal properties to the scalp.
• Avocados: Super-fruit rich in protein, vitamins like A, B, E, and C, linoleic acid, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and biotin. It promotes hair growth and produces effects like hair conditioning.
• Grapes: It contains polyphenolic compounds and antioxidants, which reduce cellular damage. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) found in grapes help to prevent dihydrotestosterone production which is the causative factor in hair loss.
• Gooseberries: It enhances hair follicle growth and hair texture. Gooseberries, also known as Amla, are widely used in Indian home remedies for hair growth as it is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Strawberries: Rich source of Vitamin C, slows down hair loss, prevents baldness, treats dandruff, and makes hair smooth and glossy.
• Raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry: These are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These encourage hair growth, feed hair follicles with Vitamin C, and promote blood circulation on the scalp.

Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables: are full of nutrients that prevent hair loss. Vegetables like:

• Kale 
• Spinach
• Collards 

contain vitamin A, iron, beta carotene, folate, iron, and vitamin C. 

A cup of cooked spinach contains about 6 milligrams of iron. Iron helps the red blood cells of the body to carry oxygen which aids growth and repair of the cells and hair follicles.

Vegetables like:

• Sweet peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, helping hair growth.
• Pumpkins are loaded with iron, beta-carotene, vitamins C and E that help repair the body’s cells from damage, and strengthen hair promoting growth.
• Carrots are a rich store of Vitamin B7 (Biotin) which is a hair tonic, it helps strengthen the hair roots so that hair does not fall out easily.
• Onions are an affluent source of zinc, iron, and biotin. In addition to hair growth, onion prevents premature graying of hair.
• Garlic is a hair tonic having high sulfur content, which is best for hair regrowth.
• Tomatoes are rich sources of antioxidants, having effective cell-repairing effects on the body. Tomatoes help remove impurities and toxins from the surface of the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.

Sweet potatoes

It is an excellent source of beta-carotene, which our body can transform into Vitamin A. Beta-carotene is required for the body’s cell repair process which prevents hair follicles from regressing.

Curry leaves

Curry leaves act as an excellent antidote for hair loss, as it contains keratin, needed for hair follicle formation resulting in hair growth and lustrous hair.

Nuts

Nuts like:

• Walnuts
• Cashews
• Pecans
• Almonds
• Brazil nuts

provide zinc required for healthy hair. Walnuts also contain alpha-linoleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids that act as natural hair conditioners.

Brazil nuts contain selenium, which maintains scalp health.

Flax seeds

Flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B, and Vitamin C to help  reduce postpartum hair fall and increase hair growth making hair stronger.

Chia seeds

It is a rich source of omega-3s, fiber, and antioxidants. Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse of complete protein and help promote beautiful and luscious hair. It can be a healthy snack for hair fall after delivery.

Fatty fish, shrimps, and oysters

These are a great source of proteins, selenium, vitamin D3, and B vitamins, also are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, that promote strong and healthy hair growth. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, and mackerel promote hair growth. These sea foods are also rich in antioxidants. Shrimps provide adequate amounts of vitamin D, B, iron, and zinc for promoting hair growth.

Eggs

Eggs are rich in protein and biotin, and a good source of zinc, selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, which boost hair health. Biotin aids in keratin production which is needed for healthy hair. 

Protein-rich foods

Protein is the most important component needed for strong, voluminous, and lustrous hair growth. Refilling the lost proteins of the body during pregnancy is essential in treating postpartum hair loss. Foods like:

• Unsweetened yogurt: It is packed with proteins and prebiotics. It also contains vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid preventing hair thinning.
• Peanuts: These are a super filling, high protein source providing biotin, antioxidants, and fibers stimulating hair growth.
• Pulses: These are full of folic acids, fibers, vitamin B-complex, aid in the cell renewal process and hair growth.
• Red meat: It is a rich source of iron and ferritin which helps make the hair protein.
• Beans: These aid in hair growth and the cell repair cycle. In addition to being protein-packed, beans also have high zinc content.
• Soya-rich food products: These are rich in iron, omega-3, vitamin B2, magnesium. It helps in collagen formation that surrounds the hair strands keeping hair from breaking

Asparagus

It has an abundance of vitamin B folate, which helps in gene synthesis and red blood cell formation. It also breaks down protein and provides it to the hair follicles. Consuming asparagus post-delivery helps increase the production of breast milk and also fights the postpartum hair fall.

What you eat has a significant effect on your hair health. Consuming all the hair health-promoting foods aid as natural home remedies for hair growth and thickness.

Home Remedies For Hair Fall After Delivery

Following these home remedies for hair fall can end your hair fall and other hair problems:

Massage your hair regularly

Pick good quality organic hair oil like coconut, almond, castor, or olive oil to massage your hair as a part of home remedies for postpartum hair loss.

• Use lukewarm oil to massage the scalp at least once or  twice a week.
• Follow this step by wrapping a wet hot towel on your head for five minutes.
• Thereafter wash your hair with chemical-free and natural shampoo.

This hair care routine if followed regularly for at least three months, can get great results in treating hair fall after delivery. It is an ancient Indian home remedy for hair growth.

• Mixing amla powder or its oil with coconut oil or lime juice and massaging it to the scalp to keep hair strong and shining is also the  best home remedy for hair growth and thickness.
• Using Neem hair oil for massage gives an antibacterial effect and promotes hair growth.

Select the correct postpartum hair loss treatment shampoo

Shampooing your hair has two aspects.

First – the selection of  correct shampoo.

Secondly – the technique of shampooing.

• Pick a natural shampoo that protects your hair while cleaning your scalp and hair effectively.
• Check labels to ensure that the ingredients are natural and healthy for your hair. 
• See that the shampoo does not have Parabens, SLS and SLEs, Silicones, or any other potentially harmful chemicals.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is great for treating hair loss during pregnancy. Follow this remedy two-three times a week:

• Soak a few Fenugreek seeds in a bowl of water overnight.
• Apply this fenugreek water to the scalp and leave for a couple of hours.
• Shampoo your hair.
• Additionally, you can also grind the soaked fenugreek seeds into a paste, apply it to  the roots and wash it off after 20 mins.

It does wonders for the hair.

Curd

An excellent conditioner for the hair, curd has uncountable benefits. Regular curd massage on the scalp and hair will strengthen the hair follicles and help them regain their lost sheen. 

• Apply once or twice a week and leave for 15 minutes. 
• Rinse and shampoo thoroughly.

Egg

We recommend adding eggs to your diet as well as applying it to  your mane.

• Use the white of two eggs and add some olive oil to it.
• Mix well, apply and leave for half an hour.
• Once dry, shampoo thoroughly with cool water. 

Neem water wash

Boiling neem leaves, and using this neem water to wash your hair is one of the amazing home remedies for hair fall and regrowth.

Treat your hair gently

Be gentle, do not apply too much pressure to tug and pull your hair.

• Abstain from using hair styling products, hair dyes, and chemical sprays when you are suffering from excessive hair loss.
• Use a comb with wide bristles and avoid combing when the hair is wet.
• Regularly brushing the hair stimulates blood circulation to the scalp. 

DIY Hair Mask

This DIY hair mask is easy to make and use which is one of the excellent home remedies for hair fall. 

• Avocado hair mask:
• Take a ripe Avocado, mash it up well and add a tablespoon of coconut milk to it.
• Apply on the scalp and leave it to dry.
• Wash it off with a natural hair shampoo.

1. Onion hair mask: Onions are rich in sulfur that  aid as a hair fall treatment at home.

• Make a paste by grinding some chopped onions.
• Apply all over the hair and scalp in a massaging manner.
• Leave it for 20 minutes
• Wash it off with lukewarm water using chemical-free shampoo.

1. Milk and Honey Hair Mask: Honey has keratin which strengthens the hair preventing breakage and hair fall.

• Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 4 tablespoons of milk and make a mixture.
• Apply it on the scalp and allow it to soak for 15 mins.
• Wash it gently.

1. Banana and Olive Oil Mask: These are the most common ingredients in the kitchen which adds to the list of excellent home remedies for hair growth. It will moisturize and hydrate dry dull hair and scalp. Olive oil makes your hair shiny and smooth.

• Blend a ripe banana with a spoonful of olive oil and make a homemade hair mask.
• Apply evenly to the hair and massage the scalp gently with this  creamy mixture.
• Let it sit for 20 minutes
• Wash off with lukewarm water.

1. Wheat flour hair mask: Wheat is an easily  available kitchen ingredient that has excellent proteins promoting hair growth. . To make this hair mask:

• Mix 3 tablespoons of wheat flour with 2 tablespoons of milk and 2 tablespoons of yogurt.
• Apply it onto your hair
• Leave it for 15 mins
• Rinse hair with lukewarm water.

1. Bhringraj hair mask: Bhringraj or false daisy is a magical herb to reverse hair fall.

• Take a handful of bhringraj leaves and grind them into a paste
• Apply the paste directly to your hair or mix it with coconut milk.
• Let it sit for 15 minutes
• Wash gently with cold water.

Trim! Trim! Trim!

What better time to get a new look! Shorten your hair length by a few inches so that they are easier to style. Now that you are busy with the baby, a shorter hairstyle will be easy to manage and take care of. Regular hair trimming also prevents split end formation and hair breakage.

Take supplements

Check with your doctor for vitamin deficiency and ask them if you should take vitamin supplements. You could start with a multivitamin or a biotin supplement. Biotin boosts hair growth and adds strength to the weak and dull locks of hair.

Giving these home remedies for hairfall a shot is completely worth it! 

All these home remedies for hair fall after delivery help fight the hair problems in no time if done regularly. Along with these home remedies for hair loss, you can also try our suggestions of the best haircare products for postpartum hair fall.

The Moms Co. Recommend The Best Products To Add In Your Home Remedies For Hair Fall Regime:

1. NATURAL PROTEIN HAIR SERUM

It has the goodness of Moroccan argan oil, wheat, pea, and oats proteins that protect, repair and smoothen the hair. The marula oil in it has high vitamin C and oleic acid that moisturizes hair, reduces frizz, and prevents hair-damage. It is completely natural and silicone-free serum.

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NATURAL KA+ DAMAGE REPAIR SHAMPOO

This is the best natural Keratin shampoo that gently repairs  damaged hair. It has a low-leathery coconut-based cleanser that cleans the hair while restoring the softness, reducing hair breakage, and preventing  split ends. Ingredients like Moroccan argan oil, shea butter, murumuru seed oil, and moringa oil in this shampoo nourish and condition the hair.

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NATURAL KA+ DAMAGE REPAIR HAIR CONDITIONER

It is enriched with Keratin and Moroccan argan oil that repair hair structure, shine, and manageability. Shea butter and protein in this hair conditioner form a protective layer around the hair, making it softer, smoother, and silkier. The Pro-Vitamin B5 deeply nourishes the hair and wheat protein strengthens the hair while adding hair volume and promoting hair growth.

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NATURAL KA+ DAMAGE REPAIR HAIR KIT

This comes with a shampoo and a conditioner that have natural Keratin, aloe vera, argan oil, shea butter and packed vitamin E and B5. It improves hair strength, reduces breakage, and repairs the damage caused by heat, chemicals, and environmental factors. This is a complete damage repair hair kit preventing hair loss.

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THE MOMS CO NATURAL HAIR STRENGTHENING OIL

It is a blend of 8 natural oils like Amla, Bhringaraj, Coffee, and tea tree oils. It has proven to improve hair strength by 77% while noticeably reducing hair fall. Coffee stimulates the hair follicles and encourages hair growth. Bhringraj and amla strengthen hair and improve blood circulation to the scalp. It is completely paraben-free and natural.

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ANTI HAIR FALL 3-STEP PROTEIN KIT

This complete kit to fight hair fall and repair hair damage includes a natural protein-filled shampoo, conditioner, and hair serum. Using this kit regularly prevents hair loss, treats itchy, dry scalp, fights dandruff, and acts as a natural hair detox system. It is completely sulfate-free and paraben-free. This kit shows results from the first 4-5 washes as it moisturizes, and strengthens hair while reducing hair fall.

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NATURAL ANTI-HAIR FALL COMPLETE CARE KIT

This kit comes with the best natural hair oil, shampoo, and conditioner. It is a perfect solution for hair strengthening,  repairing hair thinning, breakage and split ends. The natural hair strengthening hair oil is proven to reduce hair fall while nourishing and moisturizing the hair. This is the one complete hair fall solution kit.

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When Should I See A Doctor?

A sudden patchy hair loss or more than usual hair loss while combing or washing your hair may be concerning. You should see a doctor!

A sudden hair loss can be signaling an underlying health condition.

Visiting a dermatologist for skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, and scaling skin conditions causing hair fall is important.

Other health conditions that require medical attention for hair loss can be:

• Malabsorption disorders like cystic fibrosis can cause deficiency of the polyunsaturated essential fatty acids linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid).
• Hair loss is not limited to the scalp hair but is seen with eyebrows as well.
• Hair fall is accompanied by a change in hair color.

As per statistics, about 85% of new moms suffer from hair fall after delivery. There is nothing unnatural about it. Follow these simple home remedies for hair fall to treat your hair fall woes. Eat right, drink plenty of water, and avoid all sorts of stress. Stressing about it might do more harm than good to the postpartum hair fall. Take a break from the unhealthy foods and unhealthy habits and give it some time, your hair will be back to its former glory.