Bringing new life into our world is a beautiful journey, but for many mums, postpartum hair loss can be an unexpected and distressing downside.
Once glorious, thick tresses present during pregnancy often thin out, leaving new mums frustrated. The good news? Postpartum hair loss is a common condition with several proven solutions.
This guide details the most effective postpartum treatments to restore your hair, ways you can control hair fall as much as you can at home, and which DIY methods to consider.
TL;DR
- While hair may grow back once within 6-12 months several treatments can accelerate this process and even promote healthier, more robust hair growth than before childbirth.
- Treatment options include;
- Hair growth lasers
- Hair restoration injections
- Oral medication
- Oral supplements
- Microneedling
- FUE hair transplant
- To accelerate your results, you can also supplement your treatment with scalp massages and gentle shampoos.
Table Of Contents
When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Start?
Postpartum hair loss typically begins around three months after giving birth. This timing coincides with the drop in pregnancy hormones and the body’s return to its natural hair growth cycle.
It’s also worth noting that the stress of childbirth, changes in diet, and lack of sleep can further exacerbate postpartum hair loss conditions.
When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Stop?
Most new mums might notice that shedding peaks within four to six months after delivery and then tapers off, usually resolving by the baby’s first birthday. However, consider consulting a specialist if hair loss persists or worsens after 12 months.
Does Postpartum Hair Grow Back?
Yes, most women see their hair return to its pre-pregnancy state as hormone levels normalise. However, for some, it can take longer, and the texture or thickness of the regrowth might differ. Treatments can help accelerate this process and even help with more hair growth than before childbirth.
Treatments for Postpartum Hair Loss in Singapore
Below is a list of professional treatments provided at our clinic:
Fotona Hair Growth Laser
- What it is: A non-invasive laser treatment that stimulates dormant hair follicles for natural hair growth.
- How it works: The Fotona Hair Growth Laser gently heats the scalp to stimulate tissue and improve circulation, enhancing follicle function and promoting hair regeneration.
- Results: Significant improvements in overall hair thickness and growth occur after several sessions. Results vary but can last up to a year with maintenance.
- Downtime & Cost: No downtime. Pricing varies as per the number of sessions required. Pricing begins at $350 per session.
Oral & Topical Minoxidil
- What it is: Medication available in both oral and topical forms to promote hair regrowth and reduce hair loss.
- How it works: Minoxidil improves blood flow to the hair follicles, extending the growth phase.
- Results: Results are generally noticeable within three to six months.
- Downtime & Cost: Minimal to no downtime. Costs vary depending on the form and duration of treatment.
MIRIQA® Hair Extra Strength
- What it is: A potent hair supplement formulated with key ingredients like KSM-66 Winter Cherry and Curcumin Bio-max, two extensively proven ingredients for reducing hair loss.
- How it works: Nourishes hair follicles, reduces hair loss, and promotes a healthy scalp. It should not be confused with the over-the-counter supplement named MIRIQA® Hair Nutrition.
- Results: You can see improvements in hair quality, thickness, and density over six months, with noticable improvements at two months.
- Downtime & Cost: No downtime. The price of a box of MIRIQA® Hair Extra Strength supplements (60 capsules) at our clinic is $158.
Nourkrin® Hair Loss Supplement
- What it is: A line of hair loss supplements. Its main active ingredient is Marilex®, which is clinically proven to help promote hair growth. Nourkrin also contains marine extracts, vitamins, and minerals that improve hair health.
- How it works: Nourkrin utilises Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy, which helps regulate the hair growth cycle for better hair growth.
- Results: Expect to see results in hair strength and thickness within a few months.
- Downtime & Cost: No downtime. The price of a box of Nourkrin Hair Loss Supplements (90 tablets) at our clinic is $160.
Oral Spironolactone
- What it is: An anti-androgen medication that blocks the effects of androgens on hair follicles, mainly used by females. Spironolactone is seen as a common alternative for women who do not respond to Minoxidil.
- How it works: Reduces hormone-related hair thinning.
- Results: Gradual improvements in hair density and reduced shedding. You’ll likely see positive changes in your hair from 6-12 months of Spironolactone medication.
- Downtime & Cost: No downtime. Requires a prescription and regular monitoring for side effects). Oral Spironolactone for hair loss starts from $25 at our clinic.
Plinest Fast
- What it is: A bio-revitalising injectable treatment using purified polynucleotides (PN) to improve scalp health, improve hair growth and reduce hair loss. Plinest Fast can be tailored to target specific areas of hair loss.
- How it works: Plinest Fast is injected on the scalp. PN targets contributors of hair loss such as inflammation and DHT (dihydrotestosterone), and promotes the rapid growth of hair follicle cells, resulting in thicker, healthier hair.
- Results: Noticeable improvement in hair density and thickness in a few months, after a few treatment sessions.
- Downtime & Cost: Minimal downtime. Cost varies according to treatment areas, and starts at $600 per session. Each session takes just 20-30 minutes!
Regenera Activa Hair Restoration
- What it is: A regenerative hair restoration procedure using the patient’s young, healthy cells to produce healthy hair follicles.
- How it works: Micrografts from healthy scalp tissue in the back of your nape are painlessly extracted and injected into thinning areas to stimulate growth. These progenitor cells contain growth factors crucial for healthy hair growth.
- Results: An increase in hair density within 30 days. You can expect improvements in the thickness and quality of hair shafts, and reduced hair loss.
- Downtime & Cost: Minimal downtime. Cost varies based on each individual’s treatment plan but starts at $2,300 per session.
RF Gold Microneedling
- What it is: A combination of microneedling and radiofrequency to enhance hair growth.
- How it works: RF Gold Microneedling stimulate inactive hair follicles to enter the active growth phase, resulting in thicker and fuller hair. It also strengthens hair follicles and improves blood circulation in the scalp.
- Results: Healthier, denser hair growth after multiple sessions.
- Downtime & Cost: Minimal downtime. Costs depend on the number of sessions, starting at $500-$800 per session
Disclaimer: If you are breastfeeding, please consult with your doctor to discuss the suitability of hair loss treatment options, as certain treatments may not be recommended during this period.
Can You Prevent Postpartum Hair Loss During Pregnancy?
While postpartum hair loss can’t always be prevented, there are several steps you can take to support hair health during pregnancy and after birth:
- Balanced Diet: A diet rich in essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals (like iron, zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids) promotes hair strength and growth.
- Prenatal Vitamins: Continue taking prenatal vitamins postpartum as they contain nutrients like folic acid and biotin that support hair health.
- Manage Stress: Stress impacts hair growth, so relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises can be helpful.
- Practice Gentle Hair Care: Reducing physical stress on the hair can help minimise hair loss. Avoid excessive heat styling, harsh chemicals and tight hairstyles; use gentle shampoos and conditioners, and wash your hair regularly to keep your scalp clean. Our sister brand, TrichoLab, can help with ensuring your scalp is in prime condition so you get best results.
As with any successful take-off, the runway is just as important as the final lift into the air. You can set yourself up for healthy tresses on your road towards giving birth.
Do DIY Methods Work For Postpartum Hair Loss?
Here are some popular at-home methods touted to help with postpartum hair loss:
- Rosemary Oil: Studies show that rosemary oil effectively promotes hair growth. Apply a few drops mixed with carrier oil to your scalp a few times a week.
- Biotin Supplements: Biotin is known for its role in healthy hair growth. Research suggests that biotin deficiency can contribute to hair thinning. Taking biotin (or other) supplements daily can support hair health!
- Scalp Massages: Gentle daily scalp massages improve circulation, encouraging hair follicle health and growth.
- Sulphate-Free Shampoos: Switching to shampoos free from harsh chemicals like sulphates can help reduce hair damage and breakage.
- Peppermint Oil: Some studies indicate that peppermint oil can increase hair growth and density. Do mix it with a carrier oil before applying it to the scalp!
* While many DIY methods have been proven effective by myriads of online users, severe or prolonged cases of postpartum hair loss heal best with professional attention and more advanced methods.
Conclusion
If postpartum hair loss has left you feeling anxious, you’re not alone. Our doctors at SL Aesthetic Clinic are ready to tailor a treatment plan that fits your hair restoration goals and lifestyle.
Contact us to regain hair that you deserve.