There are several vitamins that play a part in growing thick, healthy, strong hair.

Biotin is one of the only natural supplements backed by science that show growth for those having deficiencies.

Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing biotin deficiency, which can lead to symptoms such as hair loss and brittle nails.

Ensuring adequate biotin intake through diet or supplementation is crucial for both mothers and babies during pregnancy and postpartum care.

That said, as a new mom struggling with postpartum hair loss I was curious if it would be a hero product to help.

Postpartum Hair Loss:

My doctor shared with me that after giving birth (along with a hormone/estrogen drop) a mother’s body sheds the vitamins they have been holding onto while pregnant.

This sudden shedding can lead to a sudden deficiency extremely common in postpartum women.

The vitamins shed include vitamins needed to grow and maintain strong and healthy hair, and often times hair is the last to be replenished.

This is why it is so common for postpartum hair loss and shedding to occur. It is important to take postnatal vitamins, including biotin, to support hair health during the postnatal phase.

Additionally, your body really is still reeling and recovering from pregnancy and healing from childbirth, at the same time you are most  likely experiencing insufficient sleep, skipped meals, and exhaustion.

Moms really are superheroes.

What is Biotin Deficiency?

Biotin is part of the Vitamin B family. A water-soluble vitamin that your body needs to convert certain nutrients into energy. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of biotin deficiency, which can lead to postpartum hair loss.

Biotin also plays a significant role in the health of your hair, skin, and nails along with managing blood sugar levels.

If you aren’t getting enough biotin, you may notice your hair shedding, dry eyes, brittle hair, fatigue, loss of appetite, insomnia, depression and even a red scaly rash (also often seen in postpartum women).

Supporting Studies:

While limited studies have been done a 2015 study (by the Hindawi group) gave women who were experiencing thinning and shedding hair a biotin pill for 90 days with digital images taken of affected areas of the scalp before the study began. (image 1 below shows hair before supplementation began)

Within 90 days the participants had a significant amount of new hair growth along with a decrease in hair shedding (see new hair growth in image 2).

There have been other studies providing similar results in regards to growth and slowing of hair shedding. Biotin may help stimulate hair growth and mitigate loss, particularly for individuals experiencing existing hair loss, and improve hair growth overall.

Where to get Hair Growth Supplements:

 

For those not experiencing sudden postpartum vitamin deficiencies, biotin can be consumed by upping ones intake of biotin rich foods such as: eggs (specifically the yolk), bananas, cauliflower, mushrooms, soybeans and nuts to name a few.

As it’s a water soluble vitamin, overcooking can kill it. Go for non processed ingredients if trying to add biotin rich foods, and eat as fresh as possible while not overcooking your food.

As a supplement, there are capsules, tablets, and most recently gummy forms like the Baby Blues postpartum hair loss vitamins with biotin to take. Biotin supplements can help with issues like thinning hair and hair fallout, making customers feel more confident in the appearance of their fine hair. When supplementing you should start to notice a difference within 90 days in regards to growth and hair texture and shine.

The thought is the longer you consume your supplement the better your results should be.

Choosing the Right Biotin Supplement:

When it comes to selecting a biotin supplement, making an informed choice is crucial to ensure you’re getting the best product for your needs. Here are some tips to help you navigate the options and find a high-quality biotin supplement:

• Check the Biotin Content: Look for a supplement that provides a sufficient amount of biotin. While the recommended daily intake is 30-35 mcg, many hair growth supplements contain higher amounts to address deficiencies and promote hair regrowth.

• Read the Ingredient List: Ensure the supplement contains only biotin and avoids unnecessary additives. A clean ingredient list is a good indicator of a quality product.

• Opt for Natural Sources: Consider supplements made from natural, plant-based ingredients. These are often gentler on your system and align with a healthy lifestyle.

• Choose Reputable Brands: Select a supplement from a reputable company that follows good manufacturing practices (GMPs). This ensures the product is safe and effective.

• Read Reviews: Customer reviews can provide insights into the supplement’s effectiveness and any potential side effects. Look for feedback from other postpartum women to gauge how well the product works for hair regrowth.

By following these tips, you can find a biotin supplement that supports your hair health and helps combat postpartum hair loss effectively.

Other Nutrients for Hair Growth:

While biotin is a superstar for hair growth, it’s not the only nutrient your hair needs to thrive. Here are some other essential nutrients that can help promote healthy hair growth:

• Vitamin E: This powerful antioxidant helps protect hair follicles from damage and supports hair growth. Incorporating vitamin E into your diet or through supplements can lead to healthier, stronger hair.

• Vitamin D: Vital for the health of hair follicles, vitamin D can help stimulate hair growth. Many people, especially postpartum women, may have low levels of vitamin D, so it’s worth considering a supplement.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These healthy fats nourish hair follicles and promote hair growth. Foods rich in omega-3s, like fish and flaxseeds, can improve hair health.

• Zinc: An essential mineral, zinc helps regulate hair growth and repair. Zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so ensuring adequate intake is crucial.

• Iron: Important for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to hair follicles, iron supports hair growth and prevents thinning hair. Iron-rich foods or supplements can help maintain healthy hair.

Incorporating these nutrients into your diet or through hair growth supplements can significantly improve hair health and combat postpartum hair loss.

Breastfeeding and Biotin:

For breastfeeding moms, maintaining hair health while ensuring your baby’s safety is a top priority. Here’s what you need to know about taking biotin while breastfeeding:

• Safety First: Biotin is generally considered safe for breastfeeding women, but it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. They can provide personalized advice based on your health needs.

• Monitor Your Intake: Biotin is excreted in breast milk, so it’s essential to monitor your baby’s health and adjust your biotin intake if necessary. Keep an eye out for any changes in your baby’s behavior or health.

• Promote Hair Growth: If you’re experiencing hair loss or thinning while breastfeeding, biotin supplements can help promote hair growth and maintenance. Combining biotin with other postpartum hair vitamins can enhance the benefits.

• Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Always discuss any supplements you’re considering with your healthcare provider, especially while breastfeeding. They can help you determine the right dosage and ensure it’s safe for both you and your baby.

By following these guidelines, you can safely use biotin to support hair growth and maintain healthy hair during the postpartum period.

Will biotin prevent my hair loss? 

Yes and no.

The initial trigger for postpartum hair loss is hormonal, so you will often times hear someone say.. "oh there's nothing you can do about it."

However, something you can do is focus on getting hair to the growth stage faster, which will minimize the shedding stage and encourage thicker hair regrowth.

Since I’ve started taking biotin in the Baby Blues postpartum hair vitamins, my hair and nails are definitely stronger.

I’ve been taking for three months which really is necessary to gauge the effects of adding a supplement into your routine.

My hair feels stronger, softer, and less thin.

The shedding that goes along with postpartum hair loss has noticeably decreased as I see new hair growth popping up.

The biggest difference I’ve found between two pregnancies is how much quicker my hair regrowth has taken place and how much faster it grows now. Biotin supplements can contribute to longer and thicker hair, making them a popular choice for those looking to improve hair thickness.

Baby Blues Vitamins for Postpartum Hair Loss contains 6000 mcg of Biotin per serving (along with a combination of collagen, vitamin c, d, a, zinc, folate and more) and has proven to be a highly effective way to replenish vitamins and encourage new and faster hair growth in the postpartum period.