Postpartum Hair Loss and Mom Stress Are No Match for These Volumizing and Hair-Growth Products
by Tanya Edwards
Image Credits: Sephora, Ulta, Walgreens
Get on your way to thicker, fuller hair without having to get the Mom Cut.
If you’ve experienced childbirth, you’ve probably experienced some or all of the weird things that happen to your body before, during, and after you give birth. One of those weird things is postpartum hair loss, usually starting six to eight weeks after giving birth.
What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?
Hair loss after pregnancy is officially called “excessive hair shedding” according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, which explains that “the excessive shedding is caused by falling estrogen levels.”
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“There are lots of hormonal shifts happening [during pregnancy], and one thing that those hormonal shifts do is promote hair growth,” dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD, told Parents.com back in July. Basically, your pregnancy hormones actually prevent your hair from falling out, and then that shedding starts up again after birth—and it often seems like it’s making up for lost time. Hair might fall out all around your head, or clumps may come loose when you brush it or shower. Some women simply lose some strands around their hairline, so their mane looks very fine in the front, as if they’re going bald.
Other Causes of Thinning Hair
Of course, it’s not just childbirth that can cause hair loss or thinning. Everyone’s least favorite feeling (but one that’s been very present over the past couple of years), stress, can also lead to hair issues. According to the Mayo Clinic, stress is a leading cause of hair loss and thinning. Of course, it can also be a sign of illness, so be sure to check with your doctor if you’re concerned.
Loss of thickness and dry hair can make you feel not so great, so if you’re looking to get your hair into shape with some postpartum hair loss vitamins and treatments that can help with growth and also help hide issues, read on for ways to bring back your luscious mane.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Hair and Scalp Treatments for Postpartum Hair Loss
1 of 16 Image Credits: Living Proof
Living Proof Scalp Care Revitalizing Treatment
In a third-party test, 97 of subjects said their hair felt thicker after three months of using this follicle-stimulating scalp treatment. Another lab test saw an immediate 11.5 percent increase in hair follicle thickness, which is pretty convincing evidence that the treatment could help improve your locks after pregnancy hair loss.
2 of 16 Image Credits: Rene Furterer
Rene Furterer Triphasic Reactional Concentrated Serum
This leave-in formula uses ingredients we’ve never heard of, like a lotus mineral complex and pfaffia extract. The point is, this serum is designed to limit the effect of stress on the skin, improve the flow of nutrients to the scalp, and stimulate circulation. French brand Rene Furterer has been gaining quite a following in the U.S., and the number of five-star reviews of this product just keeps on growing, just like their hair. As one such customer put it: “I’m already almost done with my three-month supply, and my hair is now thicker, fuller, and healthier [so] I no longer need to wear my head coverings. I’m so thankful to have found this serum!
3 of 16 Image Credits: Amazon
Regoxidine Women's 5% Minoxidil Foam
Minoxidil, which is found in many topical foams and creams promising hair growth, opens blood vessels on the scalp and improves blood flow to the hair follicle, which can stimulate hair growth. It takes some time—about four weeks—to work, and you’ll see more shedding before it gets better, but this product has been on the market for decades for a reason. One note: It’s not recommended if you’re currently breastfeeding.
Best Postpartum Hair Vitamins and Supplements
4 of 16 Image Credits: Walgreens
Nature Made Prenatal Multivitamin DHA Softgel
Despite the name, you may want to keep taking those prenatal vitamins during the so-called fourth trimester, because they could help you when you’re tired and probably not always eating the healthiest meals. The additional iron will also help if you lost blood during delivery, but make sure not to overdo it, as iron can give you some nasty side effects. Because vitamin deficiencies can lead to hair loss, these have that added aesthetic benefit too.
5 of 16 Image Credits: Amazon
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder
Hair is primarily made of keratin, and one of the things that may boost your keratin is the naturally occurring protein collagen. While more research is needed to prove the connection between ingesting collagen and producing it, there is lots of anecdotal evidence that it may encourage hair growth. As an antioxidant it will also fight the damage caused by free radicals.
6 of 16 Image Credits: Amazon
Hairburst Healthy Hair for New Mums
This beloved multivitamin for hair is formulated with folic acid, vitamin B complex, biotin, zinc, magnesium oxide and other vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, to promote post-pregnancy hair growth and help stop any natural shedding. “I started taking these and the thinning slowed to a stop,” raved one reviewer on Amazon. “I have tons of new growth as well around my edges.”
Best Postpartum Hair Loss Shampoos
7 of 16 Image Credits: Amazon
OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo (and Conditioner)
We love this product because it works hard on your hair, but is easy on your wallet. Packed with strand-strengthening collagen and biotin, this lightweight shampoo will build up your existing locks, without weighing them down.
8 of 16 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
For some people, sulphates can irritate the scalp and can cause hair loss. A sulphate-free product, like this naturally derived purifying shampoo formulated with micelles and white vinegar from Aveda removes dirt and product build-up without stripping the natural oils that promote healthy hair.
9 of 16 Image Credits: Walmart
Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
A little known fact about anti-dandruff shampoos is they’re great for deep cleaning the scalp, eliminating build up that might be hindering hair growth.
10 of 16 Image Credits: Ulta
Virtue Recovery Shampoo
Packed with a protein called Alpha Keratin 60ku and baobab seed oil (an antioxidant), this cult fave restorative product promises to bind directly to areas of damage and fill them in, repairing and revealing hair that’s shinier, stronger and healthier. What’s not to like about that?
Best Postpartum Hair Loss Conditioners
11 of 16 Image Credits: Amazon
John Frieda Volume Lift Weightless Conditioner
This lightweight—almost weightless—conditioner won’t weigh your locks down, leaving them looking luxurious. Caffeine is a key ingredient in this product, which can help hair growth. And, of course we love the price.
12 of 16 Image Credits: Amazon
Rahua Voluminous Conditioner
Another lightweight product, this conditioner is free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates—plus it’s vegan and cruelty-free. Reviewers share that the conditioner makes their hair “more voluminous” and “soft and shiny.”
13 of 16 Image Credits: Sephora
Kérastase Nutritive Mask for Severely Dry Hair
If you’re stressed, you might not be eating and sleeping well, which can dry your hair out. Give yourself a break with a warm bath and this nourishing hair mask.
Best Styling Products for Thicker Hair
14 of 16 Image Credits: Sephora
Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother
Olaplex products are beloved by stylists and beauty editors for a reason: They deliver. Leave in Bond Smoother styling cream daily to hydrate, de-frizz and protect your hair. You’ll start feeling softer strands in weeks, and bonus, this leave-in speeds up drying time.
15 of 16 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Oribe Serene Scalp Thickening Treatment Spray
Several real moms we know swear by this spray that promises to plump hair at the root while creating denser-looking strands over the course of three months.
16 of 16 Image Credits: Ulta
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
You don’t need to damage your hair to create dramatic, voluminous looks. The Dyson dryer will dry your hair without high, damaging heat. It also works quickly, which is a major win for parents.
