I’ve been pregnant several times and enjoyed the thick hair that often comes with it. However, postpartum hair loss is a reality, and I’ve also experienced hair loss due to thyroid issues. These experiences led me to explore natural ways to promote hair growth and maintain hair health.
While some hair shedding after pregnancy is hormonal and unavoidable, there are natural methods to improve damaged and thinning hair. Here’s what I’ve learned on my journey to healthier hair.
The condition of our hair reflects our overall health. To improve hair health in the long run, it’s crucial to focus on the body as a whole, which includes eating a balanced diet and managing stress.
I often wonder if these tips also help with a baby’s hair growth during pregnancy. All my children were born with a lot of hair, especially my daughter, who had nearly two inches of hair at birth. Her hair has always been naturally thick, curly, and easy to manage.
These natural tips not only benefit hair but also support overall health, so there’s little to lose by trying them!
Protein is vital for hair growth. Many people don’t consume enough protein, which is essential for providing the building blocks for hair. Complete protein sources like meats and fish are particularly beneficial. Meats also contain iron, which is crucial for healthy hair.
Foods such as meats, fish, eggs, and bone broths are excellent for hair growth. They also provide essential fatty acids that promote healthy hormones and scalp health.
Certain vitamins, like vitamin C and biotin, are known to support hair growth. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production, which is important for healthy hair and skin. It also aids in iron absorption, which promotes hair growth and boosts the immune system. Since our bodies can’t produce vitamin C, we need to obtain it from food or supplements. Good sources include citrus fruits, broccoli, bell peppers, and spinach.
Biotin, along with other B vitamins, can enhance hair growth and is also beneficial for skin care. Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that helps the body digest fats and sugars. Foods like eggs, nuts, berries, fish, and some vegetables provide small amounts of biotin, and supplements can help boost levels if needed.
Other nutrients are involved in conditions like alopecia, hair damage, and premature greying. Zinc deficiency is linked to hair loss, and a 2013 study suggested that early greying might be due to deficiencies in calcium, ferritin, and vitamin D3. Low levels of selenium, B12, and folate can also be factors.
Consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods and getting healthy sun exposure (without sunscreen) are essential for optimal hair appearance.
I’ve previously discussed the benefits of gelatin for healthy hair, skin, and nails. I consume gelatin daily, either in bone broth or gelatin powder. Gelatin is rich in amino acids like glycine and proline, which are often lacking in modern diets. These amino acids are crucial for proper skin, hair, and nail growth, as well as immune function and weight regulation.
Glycine, which makes up about a third of the amino acids in gelatin, is anti-inflammatory and can even speed up wound healing. Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate gelatin into my diet.
Hormones and gut bacteria have a significant impact on health. Even with a great diet and supplements, hormone imbalances can affect health. Some studies show that certain hormone reactions can help heal brain trauma.
Hormones are often a major cause of hair loss or poor hair growth, and there are many potential causes of hormone imbalance. This is also why hair loss occurs after pregnancy. We can take steps to improve hair while working to balance hormones.
Stress and lack of sleep are major contributors to hormone imbalance and can also trigger dandruff. High stress levels can lead to increased cortisol, which causes inflammation, oily hair, and scalp buildup, eventually leading to dandruff.
While internal factors are the main causes of poor hair quality and growth, external treatments can help improve existing hair and prevent breakage. I’ve tried many DIY hair treatments, like castor oil and gelatin, and found them effective.
Bleaching hair and using conventional hair color can harm hair and scalp health, not to mention the toxins in conventional hair care products. However, natural hair products can also have issues.
Conventional shampoos and products can be problematic, sometimes even linked to cancer, while natural ones often aren’t pH-balanced for the scalp and can strip important natural oils. This led me to create my own line of healthy hair care products, suitable for different hair types like curly or dry hair.
Another option is a natural clay-based shampoo, which I’ve tried with great results. They don’t lather like traditional shampoos but clean my hair, nourish my scalp, and are pH-balanced.
Eating the right foods and using healthy shampoo are important, but an unhealthy hair care routine can still cause problems. Tight hairstyles can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss. Blow drying wet hair on high heat and using heat styling tools can cause damage and split ends.
Overusing heat tools can lead to dryness and breakage. To avoid this, use a lower heat setting and limit the use of curlers, flat irons, and hair dryers. Heatless curls are a popular, less damaging way to add volume without heat.
If you often use leave-in conditioners to detangle your hair, consider using a silk pillowcase or hair bonnet to reduce frizz and tangles while you sleep.
Experiment to find what works best for you! How do you keep your hair healthy? Share your tips below!
