The shiny lavish locks you enjoyed while preggers are a distant memory. Worse, you’re losing your tresses. Try these shampoos…
Wondering where those luxuriant tresses you had during pregnancy have gone? Postpartum hair loss, which happens to about 50 per cent of new mums and is caused by hormonal changes.
Because of increased oestrogen levels when you were pregnant, your hair was in the “growing phase” for a prolonged period, giving rise to thick and luxuriant locks. Once you gave birth, those oestrogen levels drop, your hair goes into the “resting phase”, which causes it to fall out.
Also, if your hair is longer, thinning tresses or hair loss becomes more noticeable. In order to promote hair growth, use a shampoo that’s enriched with ingredients like biotin (a B-complex vitamin) and silica.
Here are our top picks:
Marc Anthony Volumizing Collagen Bamboo Sulfate Free Shampoo
Price $17.90/250ml
From Watsons
What This shampoo’s thickening formula expands and plumps each hair strand while gently cleansing. It contains bamboo, biotin and silica to strengthen hair, while transforming fine, weak and flat tresses into shiny, healthier hair that’s thicker and fuller.
Parents say You’ll only need a small amount of this shampoo because it lathers extremely well. A tube, which can last you a long time and smells great, cleans well while adding volume to your hair. Fantastic value-for-money buy.
Avalon Organics Thickening Shampoo Biotin B-Complex Therapy
Price $12.86/414ml
From iHerb
What Perk up lifeless locks with this hair cleanser that promises a revitalised scalp and thicker, fuller hair. Containing organic ingredients, it is vegan and biodegradable. Formulated with biotin, saw palmetto (a small palm), plant protein and vitamin E, it’s also free from parabens, harsh preservatives, synthetic colours, fragrances and phthalates.
Parents say Many mums say that their mane has indeed thickened after uses. Another plus point is that it’s made with safe ingredients, which you’ll like, especially if you’re breastfeeding, or if your baby comes into contact with your hair constantly.
Nioxin System 1 Cleanser
Price $38/300ml
From Redmart
What A volumising cleanser that helps to remove follicle-clogging sebum and environmental residue from the scalp, skin and hair. With cleansing ingredients like white tea extract and peppermint oil amongst others, it strengthens hair against damage and breakage, which results in a fuller head of hair. Quite pricey, though.
Parents say Joanne Chua, mum to Nicole, 6 months, says she has noticed reduced hair fall since she started to use this shampoo. “Now, both my husband and I use it ― it cleans well and we love the refreshing smell.”
PHS FEM Hair Loss Shampoo
Price $39/200ml
From PHS Hairscience
What Approved by a trichologist and free from harmful additives, FEM Hair Loss shampoo promotes blood circulation in the scalp to stimulate the regrowth of hair.
Parents say It’s pricey, according to many mums, but effective in helping the hair to regenerate. Says mum of two Bridgette Ng, “It doesn’t feel like it’s lathering much, but my hair felt noticeably shinier and healthier, and there’s less hair loss, too.”
Pura D'or, Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo
Price $56/473ml
From iHerb
What Using bio-based cleansing agents to clean and nourish hair follicles, as well as promote healthy hair growth, this shampoo has a 100 per cent natural preservative system derived from plant-based extracts. The formula contains 15 DHT blockers (the hormone that’s linked to hair loss), and contains biotin to strengthen hair, plus niacin to increase blood circulation.
Parents say Because it’s completely plant-based, it’s great for sensitive scalps and breastfeeding mums. Many also note that their hair growth has visibly improved, although several find it a little drying. To minimise this, finish with a good conditioner.
Phyto Phytocyane Revitalizing Shampoo ― Thinning Hair ― Women
Price $35/200ml
From Redmart
What The gingko biloba and cinchona bark in this shampoo will energise the scalp and stimulate micro-circulation, while grapeseed procyanidins combat free radicals and protect the hair.
Parents say Amy Goh, mum to Ying Ying, 1, says, “My hair wasn’t just fuller, but each strand felt stronger as well.” It has a nice refreshing scent, but be careful when dispensing it as it’s rather watery. It’s also rather expensive.
Check out our other product reviews here.
Main photo: iStock
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