How to treat hair loss during lactation

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

Updated on February 25, 2025

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Hair loss during breastfeeding is a normal physiological phenomenon. It is caused by hormonal changes in the body during and after pregnancy, especially the decrease in estrogen levels. The amount of hair loss is generally not significant, so there is no need for deliberate treatment. It usually recovers gradually within about a year. However, it is also important to ensure adequate rest in daily life, ensure sufficient sleep, avoid staying up late, enhance nutrition, and intake vitamins or consume fresh vegetables and fruits to maintain emotional stability. It is not recommended to treat this condition with medication.

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Written by Qu Jing

Dermatology

2min 14sec

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Will hair regrow after hair loss from scalp ringworm?

Scalp ringworm causes hair loss, and whether hair will regrow depends on the severity and specific type of scalp ringworm. There are generally four types of scalp ringworm: yellow ringworm, white ringworm, black dot ringworm, and kerion. White ringworm is primarily caused by infection from Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypsum, or Trichophyton violaceum. It is common in school-aged children, starting with small clustered papules that quickly expand outward into round or oval shapes covered with gray-white scale. Hair affected by white ringworm protrudes 2-4 millimeters above the scalp before breaking off. This type of ringworm does not destroy the hair follicles, so it does not cause permanent hair loss. After treatment, no scars are left, and hair can regrow in the affected area. Yellow ringworm, commonly known as bald ringworm, affects hair follicles and destroys them, leading to significant permanent hair loss and leaving behind atrophic scars. Hair will not regrow after healing from this type of ringworm. Black dot ringworm is now less common. It directly affects the hair follicles, characterized by hair breaking off shortly after emerging, leaving black dot-like stumps at the follicle openings. As this is a type of fungal infection, the prognosis includes localized hair loss and spot-like atrophic scars; hence, hair will not regrow in these areas. Kerion is a more severe outbreak where honeycomb-like pus pockets are formed at the follicle openings, allowing pus to be expressed. Triggering bacterial infections can also lead to abscesses. This type also destroys hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair loss and scarring, without regrowth of hair.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun

Traditional Chinese Medicine

44sec

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Hair loss and night sweats, what is going on?

Hair loss and night sweats are mostly considered to be caused by excessive dampness in the body or insufficient kidney qi, among other reasons. For such conditions, timely adjustment is essential. If the issue is dampness, it is beneficial to consume more Chinese yam, barley, adzuki beans, and red beans regularly to help expel the internal moisture; if the issue is insufficient kidney qi, timely treatment is necessary, as severe cases can lead to physical weakness and even symptoms of collapse. Effective improvement can be achieved through medication, and the diet can be supplemented with foods like goji berries and donkey-hide gelatin to help regulate the condition.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun

Traditional Chinese Medicine

39sec

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How to regulate hair loss due to excessive liver fire?

Patients with hair loss due to excessive liver fire can initially try eating some walnuts and black sesame seeds, as these can effectively help manage the condition. Additionally, it is best to avoid alcohol, smoking, and consuming dry, irritating foods. It is also advisable not to lose temper, as being quick-tempered can further exacerbate the symptoms of excessive liver fire. Moreover, it is important to get ample rest and avoid excessive strain. The diet should primarily be light to effectively prevent the issue, or one could take medications to reduce liver fire for quicker treatment. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

41sec

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Can you dye your hair if you have postpartum hair loss?

You should not dye your hair if you experience hair loss postpartum, as the scalp is already very fragile during this period. Using chemical agents to perm or dye your hair could further damage the scalp foundation, potentially accelerating hair loss. Additionally, it is not advisable to use chemical dyes during the breastfeeding period postpartum because these chemicals can enter the bloodstream through the scalp and subsequently make their way into the breast milk, potentially affecting the baby's growth and development. Therefore, it is best to avoid dyeing your hair during the postpartum period, especially while breastfeeding and experiencing hair loss.

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Written by Qiu Xin Hui

Traditional Chinese Medicine

50sec

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Can hair loss caused by kidney yin deficiency still grow back?

Hair loss caused by kidney yin deficiency fundamentally needs nourishment of the kidney yin. Kidney yin deficiency generally presents as a pattern of false heat symptoms. In clinical practice, some yin-nourishing medicines can be used for treatment. You can choose Liuwei Dihuang Wan or Yangxue Shengfa capsules. Consistent use can relieve hair loss symptoms. There are other causes of hair loss, not just kidney yin deficiency. It is closely related to daily habits as well. One should avoid staying up late; staying up consumes heart blood and yin blood, which exacerbates yin deficiency leading to worsened kidney yin deficiency. Therefore, it's important to consume more foods and medicines that nourish kidney yin while also avoiding staying up late.