Nutrafol has rolled out what it calls a first-of-its-kind, physician-formulated nutraceutical supplement—Nutrafol Postpartum, which targets the root causes of hair thinning for women in the postpartum period.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, 50% of women experience postpartum hair shedding three to four months after giving birth, yet there are few products on the market that support hair growth during this important time.
“Hair thinning is one of the most common and frustrating issues that women experience in the postpartum stage of life. I’ve worked with thousands of women who experienced postpartum hair thinning, but never truly understood the weight of it until it happened to me,” said Dr. Anne Kennard, DO, FACOG, a board certified OB/GYN who helped develop the product. “Nutrafol Postpartum uses safe and clinically-tested ingredients that work together to support women’s hair health as they navigate the incredible yet oftentimes challenging transition from pregnancy to motherhood.”
Nutrafol Postpartum comprises its proprietary Synergen Recovery Complex, a blend that includes shatavari, apple extract and nettle, which supports hair health after childbirth. The ingredients in the daily supplement target common root causes of hair thinning during this transition—like nutritional gaps, physical stress from childbirth and emotional stress of a new routine—to help women get through the period of excess shedding and grow healthier hair.
Nutrafol Postpartum is breastfeeding-friendly, compatible with most prenatal supplements and multivitamins, and can be taken immediately after birth, according to the company. Many of its natural ingredients are known to be used during lactation and can provide secondary benefits like supporting a stable mood, healthier skin, less stress and relaxation—which can help with sleep and energy demands during this time.
“Most women who have gone through childbirth have experienced this type of hair shedding. It’s just that doctors and experts have struggled to know what to do about it. And most have simply relied on the passing of time for it to resolve,” Dr. Sophia Kogan, co-founder and chief medical advisor, told Happi. “As much as we fear postpartum hair shedding and resent it, this experience is a very normal transition the body takes after childbirth. During pregnancy, hormones like progesterone and estrogen rise tremendously and they help maintain the hair in the growth phase, which is why we often see such luscious hair in pregnant women! Then suddenly those hormone levels drop back right after birth, which of course impacts sensitive follicles, many of which suddenly shift from growth to the resting phase (telogen). And this is why 3-4 months later, they shed at once.”
“At Nutrafol, we apply biology and holistic medicine to further push the boundaries of hair health innovation and help people navigate their hair recovery with knowledge and science,” said Kogan. “Our expansion into the postpartum wellness space is a result of ongoing research and listening to the needs of our customers and physician partners without whom we wouldn’t be here today. Nutrafol is committed to empowering women to embrace their hair growth journeys and providing support at every step of the way.”
In March, Nutrafol rolled out Stress Adaptogen MD and Hairbiotic MD booster supplements.