15 Best Products for Postpartum Hair Loss to Strengthen Your Mane

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on Feb 13, 2024
Products for Postpartum Hair Loss to Strengthen Your Mane
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Choked combs and drains after showers, or floors sprinkled with endless hair strands after childbirth, are the new common for many mothers. To restore the patchy hairline and reduce the number of strands that entwine your fingers every time you caress your tresses, the best products for postpartum hair loss are vital. 

As new moms, you may run busy with your little ones all day, but in those mini pockets of self-care time, give your mane some extra TLC — which is possible through good-quality post-partum hair loss products. Keep scrolling to learn more about hair loss after pregnancy, ways to achieve fuller and healthier hair, and our editor-approved picks for the best hair products to be used during the postpartum period.

What is Postpartum Hair Loss?

Postpartum hair loss is excessive hair shedding that the new moms experience a few months after they deliver the baby, often duke to fluctuating hormone levels. Our research indicates that this hair loss after pregnancy is temporary and might last for up to six months postpartum. If you are someone reminiscing about those thick locks you had during pregnancy and currently feel bothered by this post-childbirth hair fall, read on to learn about the causes of this dramatic hair loss.

What Affects the Postpartum Hair Breakage?

Postpartum hair loss can boot right after childbirth and usually lasts for up to six months. During your pregnancy, the rise of estrogen levels and increased blood volume and circulation prevent hair fall. Many women love their pregnancies for the bare minimum hair loss that occurs, which is even less than the normal course. With the hormonal changes after having a baby, there is a drop in the estrogen level. This leads to clumps of hair falling out and patchy hairline. 

While all this is quite natural and temporary, there can be some other factors contributing to hair fall. Our contributor Katie McCann, a Breastfeeding Counselor, says, “Beyond the usual hormonal changes, uncommon causes of postpartum hair fall include nutritional deficiencies (like iron or vitamin D deficiency), thyroid imbalances, and stress. New mothers need to discuss these symptoms with healthcare providers for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.”

Inducing your diet with postpartum supplements and incorporating some hair-care products into your regimen can result in regrowth and regaining of the lost hair.

15 Best Products for Postpartum Hair Loss

New mammas definitely deserve some massages and what better than a scalp massaging shampoo brush, like this one, which also soothes the scalp? This manual shampoo brush by HEETA is a soft and gentle, yet effective scalp cleaner. Delivering deep cleansing, this brush removes all the dirt and residue from the scalp, keeping it healthy. Give your shower sessions a massage extension for some relaxation. The regular use of the brush also helps in clearing dandruff.

Pros
  • Soothes itchiness
  • Soft silicone materials
  • Ergonomic design
  • Enhances blood flow
  • Removes buildup
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Stiff brittles
  • Best hair bonding treatment

    OLAPLEX Hair Perfector No 3

    OLAPLEX Hair Perfector No 3
  • After making rounds on social media, the OLAPLEX has quickly become a favorite of beauty gurus. The Hair Perfector No. 3 is a pre-shampoo treatment with patented bond-building technology, composed of rich proteins and amino acids that replenish the building blocks of your hair. While, there’s no definite hair growth aspect to it, the rich ingredients infused in it work to repair and strengthen the damaged hair. This at-home hair-care treatment is supposed to be used two to three times a week for a deeply nourished mane and healthy textured tresses. Free from silicones and oils, this silky formula also protects your hair shafts.

    Pros
    • Reduces strand breakage
    • Leaves hair soft
    • Rich in antioxidants
    • Boosts shine
    • Easy to use
    • Improves hair texture
    • Suitable for all hair types
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best biotin shampoo

    PURA D'OR Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo

    PURA D'OR Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo
  • With a blend of 17 exotic herbal ingredients, PURA D'OR’s shampoo is a true hair and scalp therapy to treat damaged hair with intense nourishment. The shampoo is a fusion of biotin, pumpkin seed, black cumin seed oil, vitamin E, aloe vera, and other plant-based ingredients, which are marvelous in improving blood flow and intensely hydrating dry scalps. Further, adding these elements to hair diet aid a sublime payoff in reducing breakage and hair thinning. The formula is well suited for color-treated hair and safe for everyday use as it gently cleanses without stripping your hair of its natural moisture.

    Pros
    • Sulfate-free
    • Vegan
    • Soothes scalp irritation
    • Supremely invigorating
    • Hypoallergenic
    • For all hair types
    • Heavenly fragrance
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best with protein

    Women's Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Topical Aerosol

    Women's Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Topical Aerosol
  • Rogaine’s scalp-reviving and penetrative topical treatment is specially curated for women and specifically targets hair loss, which also includes the post-partum phase. Imbued with  5% minoxidil, the topical foam helps in treating hair thinning and stimulates gair growth. It is an effective treatment that penetrates the scalp and efficiently revives the follicles. The increase in protein production, with this treatment, stimulates hair cells and the scalp, thereby resulting in healthy hair growth. Being easy to use, this treatment can fit into your daily hair-care routine and you can see results in 12 weeks.

    Pros
    • Controls hair fall
    • Reduces balding spots
    • Fast results
    Cons
    • Not easy to use
  • Best drugstore option

    Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo

    Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo
  • Among the top drugstore hair products, Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo lifts away dandruff and flakes and leaves your scalp feeling cleansed. With reduced dandruff and itchiness, the hair loss can be controlled as well. With a gentle massage on your scalp, the shampoo boosts nourishment into the roots. This shampoo has cleansing properties that efficiently eliminate oil and buildup in the scalp. It is recommended to use this shampoo once a week.

    Pros
    • Leaves hair soft
    • Soothes scalp irritation
    • Controls dandruff
    • Conditioning properties
    Cons
    • Overuse can make hair dry
  • Best nourishment

    OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-breakage Serum

    OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-breakage Serum
  • OGX’s anti-breakage serum levergages coconut derivatives and rich natural humectants that boost your overall hair health. Enriched with coconut milk, the lush and silken serum repairs, replenishes, and generously hydrates the hair. Like an intensive conditioner, this leave-in serum is whipped up with egg white protein and treats the hair with intense moisture and lustrous shine. An added perk — its lovely tropical fragrance composed of coconut, warm vanilla, tangerine, and white peach that mesmerize your senses.

    Pros
    • For all hair types
    • Does not weigh down
    • Tames unruly frizz
    • Hair looks shinier
    • Improves hair strength
    Cons
    • Can feel greasy
  • Best plumping formula

    OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo

    OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo
  • Another OGX product under our radar is this biotin and collagen shampoo, intended to make your post-partum hair look fuller and livelier. As thinner hair is prone to breakage, split ends, and fall out, this shampoo harnesses the power of vitamin B7 to help you achieve fuller hair over time. This shampoo delivers a boost of nourishment to limp and tired-looking hair, making it lush, full, and healthy post-shower. The volumizing formula enriches your hair, whereas the indulgent fusion of bergamot, jasmine, and vanilla leaves your tresses smelling luxuriously citrusy. 

    Pros
    • Paraben -free
    • Affordable
    • Gives a moisture boost
    • Super refreshing
    • Hair looks healthy
    • Voluminizing properties
    Cons
    • Might not work for all hair types
  • Nioxin Therapy Conditioner

    Nioxin Therapy Conditioner
  • Nourish postpartum hair with Nioxin System 2 Therapy Conditioner. Specially crafted for natural hair with progressed thinning, this conditioner, enriched with peppermint oil, treats the sensitive scalp. Formulated to maintain moisture balance, it enhances hair resilience, minimizing breakage. A comforting solution for postpartum hair loss, it leaves hair visibly fuller. Elevate your hair care routine with a conditioner designed to address the unique needs of postpartum hair, providing both soothing care and a fuller, healthier look.

    Pros
    • Formulated for postpartum hair
    • Enriched with peppermint oil
    • Treats sensitive scalp
    • Retains moisture balance
    • Enhances hair resilience
    • Visibly fuller-looking hair
    Cons
    • Fragrance may be too strong for some users.
  • Zenagen Evolve Professional Shampoo

    Zenagen Evolve Professional Shampoo
  • Revitalize postpartum hair with Zenagen Evolve Professional Accelerating Shampoo Treatment. Tailored to address postpartum hair loss, this treatment goes beyond, repairing damage and reducing breakage. Experience luxurious results as the shampoo nourishes and rejuvenates, offering a holistic solution for postpartum hair concerns. Elevate your hair care routine with a professional-grade treatment that prioritizes the health and vibrancy of your hair, promoting strength and resilience for a confident, revitalized look.

    Pros
    • Specifically targets postpartum hair loss
    • Repairs hair damage
    • Reduces breakage
    • Professional-grade formula
    • Luxurious results
    • Nourishing and rejuvenating
    Cons
    • Potential for higher price point
  • VOTALA Hair Growth Oil

    VOTALA Hair Growth Oil
  • The VOTALA oil is a targeted hair oil that shows optimum results when used consistently and diligently. It is enriched with ginger, fleece-flower root, angelica, niacinamide, vitamin E, and salvia sclarea extract. This blend has bio-active nutrients promotes a healthy scalp and activates dormant hair follicles. Inducing hair growth and nourishment, while also boosting thicker hair, this oil can be the new mom’s best friend. With this nutrient-rich remedy, you can also prevent hair breakage.

    Pros
    • Easy to massage
    • Shows hair growth
    • Cost-effective
    • Scalp refreshing
    • Lightweight
    • Non-greasy
    Cons
    • Less quantity
  • JOHN FRIEDA Volume Lift Weightless Conditioner

    JOHN FRIEDA Volume Lift Weightless Conditioner
  • What better than John Frieda’s weightless conditioner that is all about adding a natural volume for new moms who struggle with a steady, hair-tending routine? With its innovative air-silk technology, the creamy formula adds softness to the hair, making it manageable. Your mane has undergone drastic changes and that affects the quality of your tresses. Give your hair deep conditioning which also prevents hair breakage and split ends.

    Pros
    • Safe for color-treated hair
    • Vegan-friendly
    • Detangles well
    • Suitable for fine hair
    • Leaves hair shiny
    • Does not weigh down
    Cons
    • Doesn’t add volume
  • Best gummies

    Baby Blues Hair Loss Vitamins

    Baby Blues Hair Loss Vitamins
  • Postpartum moms already have their plates full, but this tiny addition to the diet can turn out as a great remedy for hair loss. These vitamin gummies by Baby Blues in passion fruit flavor are chock full of key nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, required for healthy mane. With these easy-on-gut gummies, you can give your hair a boost of replenishment and accelerate its growth. Moreover, it also promises a reduction in hair fall and significant strand strengthening.

    Pros
    • Reduces bald spots
    • Promotes shinier hair
    • Hair appears thicker
    • Fast hair growth
    • Tastes good
    Cons
    • Doesn’t work for all
  • Best hair oil

    BOTANICAL Lemongrass Rosemary Hair Growth Treatment

    BOTANICAL Lemongrass Rosemary Hair Growth Treatment
  • With this hair oil by BOTANICAL, you can boot the rejuvenation of your mane from the roots, as the formula targets the dormant follicles and stimulates cellular repair It has essential ingredients like lemongrass, which soothe irritated scalps and reduce hair fall. The rosemary extract nourishes the hair follicles and boosts hydration. The botanicals infused in the potion have increased levels of antioxidants responsible for skin renewal and detoxification of the scalp, which benefits in maintaining the health of your hair, after childbirth.

    Pros
    • Adds volume
    • Paraben-free
    • Sulfate-free
    • Pleasant scent
    • Alcohol-free
    • Mineral oil-free
    Cons
    • Greasy
  • Best for curly hair

    CURLSMITH Scalp Stimulating Booster

    CURLSMITH Scalp Stimulating Booster
  • We all know that curly hair needs a tad bit of rendition when it comes to taking care of their swirly locks. This daily scalp serum by Curlsmith is specially crafted for the curly mane, while also catering to all types of scalp needs. Its potent blend of stimulating ingredients — Baicapil and Anagain, effectively boosts hair growth. Moreover, the topical formula aims at increasing hair density by actively stimulating hair follicles. The infused soybean, wheat germ, and Chinese skullcap are a few more ingredients that complete this premium hair-growth recipe.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Good quantity
    • Delivers fuller hair
    • Pleasant, unisex smell
    • Super-moisturizing
    • Controls hair fall
    Cons
    • Tricky application
  • Act+Acre Cold Processed Apple Stem Cell Serum

    Act+Acre Cold Processed Apple Stem Cell Serum
  • Reaping the benefits from Swiss apple stem cells, this serum by Act+Acre is a win for postpartum moms, struggling with hair loss. This rare and powerful ingredient protects the hair follicles from hair thinning and shedding. The fusion also incorporates bamboo and pea extracts that come together to hydrate and nourish the scalp. Aloe vera soothes the itchy scalp, while the French oak extract delays scalp aging. Lending overall scalp health merits, this serum can come in handy for numerous hair issues.

    Pros
    • Supports hair growth
    • Suitable for oily hair
    • Lightweight serum
    • Tames flyaways
    • Non-greasy/sticky
    • Soothes scalp irritation
    Cons
    • Very slow results

    Enlisted above are products ranging from shampoo treatments and conditioners to serums and oils. If you are wondering which product/s deserves a spot on your shelf, we have boiled down the necessary pointers for you to consider before settling down on an item.

    Things to Look for in Products for Postpartum Hair Loss:

    Ingredients: Biotin, antioxidants, keratin, and collagen are some of the prominent components to look for in hair care products that cater to hair growth. These plant-based ingredients aid in hair cell re-growth for fuller hair, and mitigate the issues related to damaged follicles by protecting them from environmental stressors, and strengthen the hair. Tea tree oil, argan oil, rosemary oil, and coconut oil are some of the other ingredients that are recommended for inducing hair growth and deep nourishment. 

    Formula: Any product that may irritate the scalp or damage the hair strands will lead to fall out and breakage, also causing split ends. The best solution to this is opting for gentle hair-care products that are formulated without harsh chemicals like sulfates. There are some natural and organic shampoos and conditioners available as well. These potions effectively prevent hair fall while also promoting re-growth, and soothing the scalp. 

    Product Type:  There are oils, shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and serums that come together to equip the hair-care arsenal. However, not everything is suitable for every hair and skin type. If you have dry and brittle hair, a conditioner and deep mask are a must. Those with sensitive scalps should go for clean products that soothe and calm the scalp. Oiling therapy is a foolproof option for hydration and nourishment, however, anyone with an oily scalp can avoid oils and opt for lightweight serums. 

    A good and efficient hair-care regimen ensures a healthy mane and scalp. To maintain the right balance from the inside out, your tresses need a little extra care, and here’s how you can do it. 

    Tips on How to Deal with Postpartum Hair Loss:

    • Health from the inside is highly essential, as nutritional deficiencies can be a major contributor for postpartum hair loss. A nutrient-dense diet is vital for hair growth and strengthening the strands. 
    • Vitamins, omega fatty acids, and proteins in the right portion will greatly help your hair and overall health. Postpartum hair loss vitamin supplements are recommended by the experts as well. 
    • Avoid heat styling or salon treatments like perms or other chemical processes like hair dyes, during the postpartum phase. 
    • Treat your hair with gentle products, devoid of chemicals and packed with natural ingredients. 
    • Avoid super-tight ponytails or hair buns, especially with cheap and flimsy elastic bands. Instead, use silk scrunchies or soft-fabric headbands to secure your hair. 
    • If after trying everything from the books, your hair loss persists, it is advisable to see a trichologist or dermatologist. 
    • If you are stepping out, try using a heat-protectant or an SPF-based product for hair to deliver your tresses some additional care. 

    Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum are all beautiful stages of nurturing and transitioning the spheres of mothers’ lives. These phases bring about drastic changes in a woman’s body, including hormonal imbalance. Postpartum hair loss is one of the most common phenomena experienced by moms after childbirth. The excessive shedding of hair can be controlled and reversed over time with the best products for postpartum hair loss and some other protective measures. From shampoos to oils, there are products ranging from drugstore picks to high-end options available in the market. Our list helps you in sorting out the most trusted and high-quality products. 

    Contributor: Katie McCann, Breastfeeding Counselor- From Bump To Bubble

    FAQ's

    Do you regrow the hair after postpartum hair loss?
    Yes, most women notice their normal hair growth and reduced hair loss by the time their baby turns a year old.
    Can prenatal vitamins be helpful for postpartum hair loss?
    Prenatal supplements have overall health benefits for women during postpartum, however, there is no specific evidence to support the effect on hair loss.
    Can postpartum hair loss be prevented?
    Postpartum hair loss is pretty common among women after childbirth. While hair loss cannot be prevented, it can be taken care of with right diet and haircare products.
    Does chopping the hair short help with postpartum hair loss?
    Short hair may impact the appearance of hair loss, however, it does not directly help with reducing hair fall.
    Which vitamin will help in postpartum hair loss?
    Prenatal supplements can be taken in postpartum, however, there are no particular vitamins that help with hair loss.
    Is breastfeeding known to contribute to postpartum hair loss?
    The change in hormones commonly leads to postpartum hair fall, however, it is not connected with breastfeeding.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Alvira D’souza is the in-house hair and beauty expert. She fondly enhances her knowledge about the hair care space and the products that it entails. For postpartum hair loss care, she went on to research the most useful products that are safe to use post-childbirth and showed positive feedback. Her compilation is a thoughtful curation of shampoos, conditioners, and serums that one can use for efficient results. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

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    Alvira Dsouza
    Hair Expert

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More