Postpartum Hair Loss: Effective Supplements and Remedies for Restoration

Hair loss due to hormonal changes or stress is a common issue for many women. It’s often a natural response of the body. Nonetheless, hair thinning can be somewhat reduced, which makes the situation seem less dramatic. For example, paying attention to the right vitamins and minerals can help.

Of course, hair loss can have various causes. It can be due to hypothyroidism or vitamin deficiencies. Therefore, before blindly reaching for supplements, you should get blood tests first. This will help you find out exactly what’s going on in your body.

I’m writing this article not only for you but also for myself. After two pregnancies and years of breastfeeding, my once thick, curly hair now looks like straw. Yes, I’m not kidding. That’s why I’m determined to find effective ways to restore its former shine.

There are plenty of tips available online on this topic. But I’m interested in facts. I want to learn about ingredients whose effectiveness is backed by scientific research. It turns out there’s quite a bit of evidence. Let’s see what helps.

Vitamin A

First and foremost, vitamin A is essential for cell growth, including hair cells. It’s worth checking its levels before starting supplementation, as too much vitamin A can actually cause hair loss. The highest amounts of vitamin A are found in liver and butter. I particularly recommend butter from grass-fed cows, such as Kerrygold. Other sources include ghee (clarified butter) and cod liver oil.

Vitamin B Complex

Various B vitamins, such as biotin (B7) and riboflavin (B2), are crucial for cellular metabolism. Therefore, supplementation can be especially helpful in case of deficiencies, which can lead to hair loss. When taking B-complex vitamins, it’s important to choose methylated supplements for the best absorption. One of the best sources of B-complex vitamins is nutritional yeast. The latter tastes similar to Parmesan cheese and is great for making vegan cheeses, giving them that characteristic “cheesy” flavor.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis and iron absorption, which indirectly affects hair health. The highest amounts of vitamin C are found in wild rose fruit, black currants, acerola, and camu camu fruit.

Vitamin D

Low vitamin D levels are linked to hair loss, so supplementation can improve the condition of your hair and scalp. It’s important to regularly check the vitamin D levels in your body. The highest amounts of vitamin D are found in egg yolks, fatty fish (e.g., salmon – remember, wild is better than farmed 😉), cod liver oil, and wild mushrooms.

Iron

Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, especially in women. Therefore, iron supplementation, particularly when mixed with vitamin C, may improve hair growth. The highest amounts of iron are found in liver. If you live in the UK, the only supermarket that sells organic liver is Waitrose. If you don’t like liver, dried liver is also available. For supplementation, the best-absorbed form of iron is iron bisglycinate, such as Solgar’s Gentle Iron.

Spirulina, a multicellular blue-green algae, is also rich in iron – a true superfood for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Studies show that when breastfeeding mothers consume a spirulina-enriched diet, it has anti-inflammatory effects. This diet also supports the immune system in newborns’ brains.

Spirulina also improved anemia and immune system weakness in older individuals in a 2011 study .

Hawaiian Spirulina is the best spirulina on the market. This is because the quality of spirulina depends on the purity of the water and air where it’s grown. It’s worth asking the manufacturer where their spirulina comes from. If it’s produced in China, it’s better to avoid that product. Spirulina “collects” all the pollutants and heavy metals from its environment.

Zinc and Selenium

These trace elements are crucial for hair health, but both deficiency and excess can lead to hair problems. The highest levels of zinc are found in seafood like oysters, which are a true zinc powerhouse. The highest amounts of selenium are found in Brazil nuts. Just a few of them cover your daily selenium requirement.

Fish Collagen

Above all, fish collagen, especially from tilapia scales, is gaining recognition as an effective ingredient for improving hair health. What’s more, in a study on mic

e, oral collagen supplementation over 6 weeks supported hair growth. Its effects were comparable to a popular hair growth medication.

Similarly, in human studies, people taking collagen noticed an improvement in hair volume. Additionally, improvements in scalp coverage and hair thickness were observed after 90 days. Interestingly, after 6 months, there was also an improvement in hair shine, moisture retention in the skin, and skin smoothness. Furthermore, sun-damaged skin improved, especially in terms of thickness and elasticity. Importantly, no adverse effects were reported, which indicates that patience is key.

Fortunately, collagen (of good quality) is tasteless and odorless, and it dissolves well in morning coffee. Hot temperatures do not destroy its properties. However, it is recommended to consume it along with vitamin C, such as with orange juice. The best collagen I’ve used so far is Bare Biology. It’s type 1 collagen, the best type for skin and hair. This company is known for its transparency and regularly tests its products for heavy metals. It’s the best choice when you’re pregnant. Its biggest downside is the price. My newest discovery and a much cheaper alternative is collagen from Revive. Also type 1, it dissolves excellently in coffee and comes from wild-caught fish.

Organic Sulfur (MSM)

Sulfur is truly a fascinating phenomenon. No wonder so many YouTube videos have been made about it! Moreover, there are plenty of scientific studies confirming its effectiveness. It not only supports hair but also nails, joints, and even skin. I read about it. I couldn’t resist. I ordered my package. Now, I am starting my tests.

It’s worth noting that sulfur is almost tasteless. For better absorption, it’s recommended to dissolve it with a juice containing vitamin C (just like collagen).

In 2022, scientists conducted a study on cats and discovered that sulfur supplementation significantly improved the quality of their fur. Importantly, the effects were observed after just 65 days!

But that’s not all. Sulfur works on two fronts: internally and externally. For example, in another study on mice, sulfur was shown to significantly reduce hair loss. This is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sulfur and vitamin C make an excellent duo – they enhance each other’s effects, even when applied to the scalp. In a 2009 study, scientists were looking for a natural remedy for hair loss. As a result, they discovered that a 10% sulfur solution mixed with 7.5% vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate) effectively supported hair growth.

Omega 3 and 6

Supplementation with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is also important as it can improve hair density and reduce hair loss. For instance, a 6-month treatment with omega-3 and omega-6 showed effectiveness in combating hair loss. It improved hair density significantly. It decreased the number of hairs in the shedding phase. It also reduced the proportion of hairs that were too thin. We already know that omega-3 is found in fish and flaxseed oil. Omega-6, on the other hand, is found in the highest amounts in evening primrose oil and borage oil. Fortunately, many supplements are available on the market. If you want to know my favorites with high doses of DHA, click here.

Rosemary Oil

Let’s start with rosemary oil. According to a 2022 study, a solution with 10% rosemary oil can be effective in stimulating hair growth. What’s more, its effectiveness is comparable to 2% minoxidil (a popular hair loss medication).

Additionally, a 2017 study suggests that rosemary may be helpful in treating bacterial infections. For example, if hair loss is caused by a bacterial scalp infection, rosemary oil can support infection elimination.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil may be just as effective. For example, in studies on mice, it had a significant impact on hair growth. Interestingly, it improved skin thickness. It also increased the number of hair follicles and their depth. This suggests it may effectively support the hair growth phase.

A 2014 study showed that a 3% solution of peppermint oil was more effective than a 3% solution of minoxidil. These results suggest that peppermint oil may accelerate the hair follicle growth phase more effectively than other treatments.

Conclusion

Time for change – I’m starting my treatment and will be back with results!
Now that I know what to do, I’ve decided to begin my treatment. Over the next few months, I’ll personally test collagen, MSM, vitamins, and hair oils. I will use the proportions that scientific studies have used. If it helps my straw-like hair, it will surely work for you too! Let’s meet here in a few months with an update. Let’s do this! 💪

If you have any questions, leave a comment. If you want to share your experiences, feel free to contact me. I’m here to help! Also, check out my Facebook to stay up to date with new posts.