Check out the best gentle, safe shampoo for postpartum hair loss that you use while breastfeeding as well. These gentle cleansers suit all hair types.
What amount postpartum hair loss is too much. According to our Medical Reviewer Dr Bhavika, (MD in Dermatology and DNB Dermatology)"Although postpartum hair loss mostly fixes itself, here are a few reasons why you may have to seek help. You continue to lose over a hundred strands of hair a day even after one year of giving birth or if you notice bald patches on your scalp."
The right postpartum shampoos should give you thick, healthy hair, prevent breakage, and contain all-natural ingredients that don't interfere with hormone levels or breastfeeding.
Some of them are even trichologist recommended and help you deal with the hair loss that is caused by hormonal imbalances after childbirth. I have reviewed the top shampoos below.
Here are the best shampoos I recommend for postpartum hair loss
| Shampoos For Postpartum Hair Loss | Best For |
| Avalon Organics Thickening Shampoo | Thick Hair |
| Phytocyane Shampoo | Sensitive Scalp |
| Nourishe Beaute Vitamins Shampoo | Best Vitamin Shampoo |
| Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo | Vegan Shampoo |
| Marc Anthony Bamboo Shampoo | Shiny Hair |
| Ultrax Labs Hair Stimulating Shampoo | New Hair Growth |
| Majestic Pure Biotin Hair Shampoo | Damaged Hair |
The best postpartum hair loss shampoo would be something like the Avalon Organics Thickening Shampoo which is sulfate-free, paraben-free and contains no harmful chemicals. It instead has saw palmetto which is a DHT blocker as an ingredient that decreases hair loss. It also contains biotin that helps make hair look thicker by promoting moisture absorption and new hair cell generation.
Top Shampoo for Postpartum Hair Loss 2024
Avalon Organics Thickening Shampoo
According to Dr Bhavika, "Losing about 50-100 strands of hair a day is normal but in the postpartum period, you may lose much more. " So using a shampoo that doesn't exacerbate the situation is important .
And this is why I loved the Avalon Organics Shampoo so much!
So no parabens, synthetic colors, or fragrances in here. This means, that you can use it if you have a sensitive scalp as well.
Another thing I liked is how the shampoo contains a blend of vitamin E, saw palmetto, biotin, and plant proteins.
Now saw palemetto is a type of DHT blocker which helps control hair loss post pregnancy due to excess dihydrotestosterone in the body. So it's great for postpartum mums!
I noticed it nourished my hair from scalp to tip, leaving it thicker, stronger, and shinier in just 4-6 weeks of use.
So if your hair’s been a victim of postpartum hair loss, this shampoo fixes them right up.
But in my opinion, the best part about this product is that it is completely vegan and biodegradable.
This means you not only take care of your hair but the environment too. I mean it's all about leaving a better world for your kid isn't it?
Now coming to the downsides of this shampoo. While it suited my slightly oily straight hair perfectly fine, I do think it can feel a bit drying on curly or Afro hair types.
Also don't worry if the shampoo doesn't lather, that's just cause of the lack of sulfates. It cleans hair just fine!
Pros:
- No sulfates, so it won't strip hair color
- No artificial colors or fragrances, so it suits sensitive scalps
- Vegan, GMO-free formula that is EWG approved
- Contains DHT blockers that help in hair growth
Cons:
- Doesn't suit curly hair types as it's not moisturizing enough
- Doesn't lather easily due to lack of sulfates
My Ratings:
- Hair Loss Control - 4.5/5
- Safety of Ingredients - 4.5/5
- Hair Thickening Power - 4.5/5
Phytocyane Shampoo
I was excited to use the Phytocyane Densifying shampoo product because firstly, it contains a completely natural blend of ingredients like Ginkgo Biloba and cinchona bark that are both lauded for their hair growth abilities.
For another, it’s chock full of grape seed procyanidins that helps fight free radicals that damage your hair fiber. According to this clinical trial procyanidins showed "hair follicle cell growth promoting activity...similar to minoxidil in in-vitro." (Kamimura, A et al. “Investigation of topical application of procyanidin B-2 from apple to identify its potential use as a hair growing agent.” Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology vol. 7,6 (2000): 529-36. doi:10.1016/S0944-7113(00)80040-9)
According to Dr Bhavika, "While Minoxidil (Rogaine) is safe to use while breastfeeding, there is no evidence that it helps with postpartum hair loss."
So did it deliver on it's promise? Well, yes sure it did.
I used this shampoo for about 8 weeks and found that it left my hair healthier, denser, and stronger at the roots. I also saw a lot of less hair fall after using this shampoo.
It also contains a pleasant natural fragrance. So shampooing your hair becomes a nice little hair spa-break from the baby.
But it's not all perfect. This shampoo contains SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). Sigh. So it can get a bit drying if used everyday.
And I wouldn't recommend it for color-treated hair for this reason. Also the fragrance might be pleasant but it's from a synthetic perfume source. So if that is a trigger for your scalp sensitivities, be careful.
Pros:
- Stimulates hair growth as it contains chinchona, ginkgo biloba and other herbs
- Densifies hair strands thanks to the hydrolyzed protein
- Panthenol in formula helps soothe inflamed scalp
- Natural, mild fragrance that won't upset pregnant or postpartum women
- Good for oily scalp and hair as it contains surfactants that deeply cleanse hair
Cons:
- Contains SLS so it will strip hair color
- Contains added perfume that won't suit sensitive scalp
- Can leave hair dry due to lack of nourishing ingredients and presence of sulfates
My Ratings:
- Hair Loss Control - 4/5
- Safety of Ingredients - 3.5/5
- Hair Thickening Power - 4/5
Nourishe Beaute Vitamins Shampoo
If you’re really worried at the sheer amount of hair you’re losing postpartum, I suggest you try this shampoo by Nourishe Beaute.
What interested me most about it's formula is that it contains a blend of DHT blockers, and hair growth ingredientts like the patented Procapil, and Baicapil technologies.
And yest I could see some effect in just a month of using this shampoo as my hair felt stronger and hair fall had reduced.
This shampoo also contains keratin and biotin and is supposed to make hair thicker. But I couldn't see that effect.
However, it do a good job at controlling hair fall.
Another thing I liked about this shampoo is that thanks to ingredients like castor oil and coconut oil it is suitable for curly hair types as well.
It's left my straight hair feeling frizz-free and soft too!
You can use this shampoo without any stress as it is free of parabens, mineral oils, or any other harmful chemicals.
Unfortunately, it does contain sulfates. So only use this if you have oily hair or are looking for something clarifying to remove product buildup. And also if you don't have color-treated hair.
If you do, I'd say stick to the Avalon Organics shampoo.
Note: The Nourishe Beaute Vitamins shampoo is not just for postpartum hair loss. It is also effective for hair loss due to stress, hormonal issues, thyroid problems, and male pattern baldness. So bonus points for that!
Pros:
- Alcohol, dairy, yeast and gluten-free products
- Patented hair growth ingredients that help deal with hormonal hair loss
- 60-90 days money back guarantee if you're buying it online
- Contains DHT blockers that prevent further hair loss
Cons:
- Contains SLS so it can strip hair color
My Ratings:
- Hair Loss Control - 4.5/5
- Safety of Ingredients - 3.5/5
- Hair Thickening Power - 4.5/5
Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo
This sulfate-free shampoo is one of the best out there for postpartum hair loss.
In fact, it was created with hair growth compounds like BioRestorative Complex and Amino Acid Complex just to tackle the problem of thinning, weakened hair.
The shampoo improves the microcirculation scalp, boosts its oxygen consumption, and stimulates the hair follicles to grow.
It is perfectly safe for new mothers to use as it does not contain parabens, alcohols, hormones, or harsh chemicals.
It's also vegan and cruelty-free! With regular use, this shampoo reduces postpartum and age-related hair loss, leaving tresses strong, thick, and shiny.
Pros:
- Make hair shiny
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Moisturizes withouot leaving hair greasy
- Suits keratin-treated or color-treatd hair
Cons:
- Not for dry scalp and hair
- Strong perfume
My Ratings:
- Hair Loss Control - 4/5
- Safety of Ingredients - 3/5
- Hair Thickening Power - 4.5/5
Marc Anthony Bamboo Shampoo
The thickness and shine that the pregnancy glow gives hair seem to vanish after birth sometimes.
Only to be replaced by thin, fragile postpartum hair. The Marc Anthony Bamboo shampoo is here to fix that.
It is formulated with biotin, silica, and bamboo extracts that help add plumpness and gloss to hair strands. Plus, the silica keeps hair fall in control too.
Another thing we love about this Marc Anthony shampoo is how reasonably priced it is.
Plus, it lathers well without any sulfates and also in soft water. So you get great value for your money.
If your hair is naturally curly and prone to frizz, this product will be a great choice.
Pros:
- Contains mild surfactants and not sulfates
- Thickens hair
- Helps control hair loss
- Can be used in soft water
Cons:
- Contains perfumes and artificial coloring
- Not for color treated hair
My Ratings:
- Hair Loss Control - 4/5
- Safety of Ingredients - 3.5/5
- Hair Thickening Power - 4/5
Ultrax Labs Hair Stimulating Shampoo
Looking for a detoxifying hair cleanser that also helps with postpartum hair loss and thinning? You’ve got it! The Ultrax Labs Hair Stimulating shampoo does just that.
The chief ingredient in this product is caffeine that helps stimulate the hair growth phase (anagen phase) in the follicles and extends this period. Result? Longer and stronger hair.
Caffeine compounds are also supposed to block the effects of testosterone, which is a major culprit in postpartum hair loss.
What we like is that this shampoo contains ketoconazole and saw palmetto, known anti-inflammatory and antifungal compounds.
So if you have scalp problems like itching, psoriasis, dandruff, etc. this Ultrax Labs shampoo is just the thing for you.
Pros:
- Stimulates hair growth
- Helps soothe scalp
- Detoxifies scalp by removing product build-up and grease
Cons:
- Contains SLS
- Not suited for curly, type 4c hair
- Not for dry scalp types
My Ratings:
- Hair Loss Control - 4.5/5
- Safety of Ingredients - 3/5
- Hair Thickening Power - 5/5
Majestic Pure Biotin Hair Shampoo
Ah, biotin! One of the best foods for hair. It is actually a form of vitamin B3 that boosts the growth of healthier, thicker hair.
And it is also one of the major components in the Majestic Pure Biotin Hair shampoo.
The best thing about this shampoo is that it does not contain any parabens, sulfates, or DHT-promoting chemicals.
So it’s perfectly safe to use on your thinning postpartum hair.
Regular use of this biotin shampoo helps restore hair elasticity and increases the strength of follicles.
If you have color-treated hair, then this product might be the one for you, as it protects the vibrancy and life of hair dyes.
Pros:
- Safe for color treated hair
- Thickens thinning strands
- Free from sulfates
Cons:
- None
My Ratings:
- Hair Loss Control - 4.5/5
- Safety of Ingredients - 4.5/5
- Hair Thickening Power - 4.5/5
Can You Prevent Hair Loss Postpartum?
Postpartum hair loss, also known as postpartum telogen effluvium, is a common occurrence for many women after giving birth. It's typically a temporary condition that happens due to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
According to Dr Bhavika, "Normally, about 15% of the hair is in the telogen phase (the hair shedding phase)."
She continues, "About 2 months after delivery, this doubles to about 30%. This is why postpartum hair fall is maximum at about two to four weeks after delivery. This is known as telogen effluvium and it gets reversed automatically when the hair cycle returns to normal over time."
Dr Bhavika also says, "Factors such as stress and lack of sleep in the postpartum period also play a role. Depending on the birthing process, there may also be excessive blood loss that further accelerates hair fall. Hair loss recovers slowly after a complicated birth. Iron supplementation can help in these cases."
"The mainstay of treatment is ensuring good nutrition and using gentle products. Most people don’t have a diet rich enough in protein so it’s most important to up your protein intake. This is important throughout pregnancy as well. Prenatal vitamins can also be continued postpartum."
While you can't completely prevent postpartum hair loss, you can take steps to minimize its impact and encourage healthy hair regrowth:
Balanced Diet: Eating a nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those that promote hair health, can help. Focus on foods with biotin, iron, zinc, and vitamins A and C.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health, including the health of your hair and scalp.
Gentle Hair Care: Be gentle with your hair. Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the hair and use a wide-toothed comb to minimize damage. Limit the use of heated styling tools.
Mild Shampoo: Use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo that is gentle on your hair and scalp. Avoid overwashing your hair, as it can strip natural oils.
Scalp Massage: Gentle scalp massages can increase blood circulation to the hair follicles, which may promote hair growth.
Postpartum Supplements: Consult with your healthcare provider about supplements or vitamins that may support hair health. They may recommend postpartum-specific supplements.
Hormone Balancing: Hormonal fluctuations are a major factor in postpartum hair loss. Give your hormones time to stabilize after childbirth. If you're concerned about hormonal imbalances, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Stress Management: High stress levels can contribute to hair loss. Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Consult a Dermatologist: If your hair loss persists or is severe, consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider. They can rule out underlying medical conditions and offer treatments or recommendations.
Wear Sun Protection: Protect your scalp from the sun's harmful rays by wearing a hat or applying sunscreen to prevent sunburn, which can damage hair follicles.
It's important to note that postpartum hair loss is usually temporary and self-correcting as hormone levels stabilize. Most women start to notice a reduction in hair shedding and regrowth within a few months after childbirth.
How to select the best shampoo for postpartum hair loss?
New mommies should be very careful about the products they use on their skin and hair.
Not only should these be safe for them and the baby. These products should also help deal with postpartum issues such as hair loss.
Before buying the best shampoo for postpartum hair loss, keep in mind the following points:
Here are some ingredients to avoid:
Sulfate-free: Sulfates are common ingredients in shampoo. They create lather and help cleanse your hair.
But they are also too harsh and drying. The most common form of sulfates are Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
It's better to avoid these surfactants as they can strip natural oils from hair leaving them dry and more prone to breakage.
Artificial Dyes and Fragrances: Some people are sensitive to the dyes used in shampoos and conditioners.
Postpartum, a lot of women become more susceptible to these sensitivities. So it's best to use a shampoo that doesn't contain artificial dyes or fragrances.
The strong perfumes added in shampoos are mostly alcohol-based and can dry out hair further. This can worsen the hair loss problem. So you're better off without these ingredients.
Parabens: Parabens are another common ingredient found in shampoos and other cosmetic and skincare products. Methylparaben, Butylparaben, etc. are some common names you can find in the ingredients list.
These are used as preservatives to increase the lifespan of shampoos, but parabens are known to disrupt the endorcine (hormonal) function in the body, and even increase estrogen production.
So it's better to err on the side of caution and look for a shampoo without these ingredients.
Propylene Glycol: This ingredient can trigger sensitivity in some people, leading to skin rashes, redness and irritation.
DEA (Diethanolamine) - This ingredient helps create foam and bubbles, so it's a form of surfactant. Like other surfactants, it can strip hair's natural oils and leave the scalp dry.
However, DEA can also react with other chemicals, and can have carcinogenic effects.
Here are some ingredients to look for:
DHT Blockers: Speaking of hormones, one culprit responsible for hair loss is the hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). So it's best to look for a shampoo that contains DHT blockers.
Some of the common DHT blockers include saw palmetto, caffeine, green tea, pumpkin seed oil, among others. These block or reduce the production of DHT, preventing hair loss.
Vitamins and L-arginine: Vitamins A, B, E, and B12 are essential for hair growth. Vitamin b12, also known as biotin is one of the building block for hair fiber. It helps in the production of keratin, the hair protein, strengthening your strands.
The chief vitamins here are biotin (vitamin H) and niacin (vitamin B-3).
L-arginine is another amino acid that boosts collagen production and increases the elasticity of hair. This prevents easy breakage and reduces hair loss. Look for these ingredients when buying a shampoo.
Conclusion
Welcoming your precious bundle of joy in this world is a beautiful experience. Don’t let hair loss put a damper on things.
It’s such a fragile time for most women, and it seems like such an unnecessary complication on top of taking care of a baby.
Fortunately, using the right shampoo and hair products for postpartum hair loss can do wonders to heal your hair.
So the next time you’re shopping for diapers and baby products, don’t forget to add your pick of these shampoos to the cart. Good luck, new mama!