Postpartum Hair Loss Explained: The Science Behind Roots² Hair Recovery Supplement

Dr Heng Jiacheng
Jun 23
11 min read

Updated: Jun 24

Written by Dr Heng Jiacheng, MBBS, Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM)Associate Member, ISHRS · Member, AAHRS. Insights from a Singapore-based hair-loss physician

Postpartum hair shedding can be alarming. Hair may begin falling in noticeably larger amounts several months after delivery, often when a new mother is already managing sleep deprivation, nutritional demands and the physical recovery from pregnancy.

In most cases, this represents postpartum telogen effluvium—a temporary shift in the normal hair-growth cycle rather than permanent destruction of the hair follicles.

Roots² Postpartum Hair Recovery Support is designed to provide selected nutrients, amino acids, antioxidants and stress-support ingredients during this recovery period. It does not treat postpartum telogen effluvium or replace medical assessment. Most cases of postpartum telogen effluvium are self-limiting by nature.

Persistent, severe or unusual shedding may require investigation for iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, nutritional deficiency, pattern hair loss or another underlying condition.

The Quick Picture: What to Expect for roots² postpartum hair loss supplement.

Postpartum shedding typically becomes noticeable around two to four months after delivery.
It is often most noticeable between four and six months postpartum.
It improves gradually as the hair cycle normalises.
In many women, hair returns towards its usual growth pattern within six to twelve months. [1–3]

roots² postpartum hair loss supplement cannot reverse the postpartum hormonal shift. Its role is to support nutritional adequacy and normal physiological functions while the hair cycle recovers.

Why Does Postpartum Hair Shedding Happen?

During pregnancy, hormonal changes allow a larger proportion of scalp follicles to remain in the active growth phase, known as anagen.

Following delivery, hormone levels fall and many of these retained follicles enter the resting phase, or telogen, within a relatively short period. The affected hairs are subsequently shed several months later. [2]

This can create the impression of sudden or severe hair loss, particularly around the temples and frontal hairline. The follicles are usually still present and capable of producing new hair.

However, recovery can be affected by factors such as:

Iron deficiency following pregnancy or delivery;
Restrictive dieting or inadequate protein intake;
Thyroid dysfunction;
Significant illness or fever;
Emotional and physical stress;
Sleep disruption; and
An underlying tendency towards female pattern hair loss.

How Roots² Approaches Postpartum Hair Recovery

The formula is organised around six areas of nutritional support:

Hair-cycle and antioxidant support;
Micronutrient restoration;
Keratin-related nutritional support;
Hair-structure support;
Cellular energy and follicular metabolism; and
Nutritional support during periods of stress.

The studies discussed below evaluated individual ingredients, different doses, multi-ingredient products or preclinical models. They should not be interpreted as clinical proof of the complete Roots² formula.

1. Hair-Cycle and Antioxidant Support

Palm Fruit Extract, Standardised to 15% Tocotrienols — 50 mg

Tocotrienols are members of the vitamin E family. They possess antioxidant activity and have been investigated for their potential effects on the follicular environment and hair cycling.

A small randomised, placebo-controlled study evaluated 100 mg of mixed tocotrienols daily in adults experiencing hair loss. After eight months, the tocotrienol group recorded a mean increase in hair count of 34.5%, compared with a 0.1% decrease in the placebo group. Hair weight did not change significantly. [4]

A separate preclinical study found that a topically applied tocotrienol-rich fraction affected E-cadherin and β-catenin signalling and accelerated entry into the anagen phase in mice. [5]

2. Micronutrient Restoration

Micronutrient deficiencies can contribute to diffuse shedding, but supplementation is most likely to help when intake or nutrient status is inadequate. [6,7]

Vitamin D3, as Cholecalciferol — 10 mcg (400 IU)

Vitamin D receptors are expressed within hair follicles and are involved in normal follicular biology and hair-cycle regulation.

Low vitamin D levels have been observed in some people with telogen effluvium and other forms of non-scarring hair loss. Vitamin D is therefore particularly relevant when deficiency or insufficiency has been identified. [6,7]

Vitamin D deficiency has been documented in Singapore despite the country’s equatorial climate. In clinical practice, this may be particularly relevant for postpartum women who spend much of the traditional confinement period indoors, which may further limit sunlight exposure. [19,20]

Iron, as Ferrous Gluconate — 10 mg

Iron is required for haemoglobin production, oxygen transport and normal cellular metabolism. [21]

Iron status can be particularly relevant after pregnancy and delivery because iron requirements rise during pregnancy, while delivery-related blood loss may further reduce iron stores.

Iron deficiency has long been associated with diffuse hair shedding, including telogen effluvium. Correcting a genuine deficiency is an important part of managing affected patients. [8]

Zinc, as Zinc Picolinate — 15 mg

Zinc is involved in protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, cell division and normal tissue repair. [22]

Low zinc status has been observed in some patients presenting with diffuse hair shedding. Zinc support is most relevant in individuals whose intake is inadequate or whose nutritional status has been affected by restrictive diets, reduced appetite or increased physiological demands. Zinc picolinate is the form selected for Roots². [6,7]

Folic Acid — 400 mcg

Folate is required for the synthesis of DNA and RNA and for normal cell division. These functions are relevant to rapidly dividing tissues, including the hair matrix at the base of an actively growing follicle. [6,7,23]

Folic acid supports the formula by contributing to:

Normal cell division;
Normal blood formation;
Normal amino-acid metabolism; and
Reduction of tiredness and fatigue. [23]

Women continuing a prenatal vitamin or multivitamin should check their combined folic acid intake before adding another supplement.

Vitamin B12, as Methylcobalamin — 5 mcg

Vitamin B12 is required for normal DNA synthesis and healthy red-blood-cell formation. It also functions as a cofactor in metabolic pathways involving fatty acids and amino acids. [24]

These functions provide a nutritional rationale for including vitamin B12 during postpartum recovery, particularly because actively growing tissues depend on normal cell division and oxygen delivery.

Vitamin B12 may be especially relevant for individuals following vegan or highly restrictive diets, as well as those with gastrointestinal conditions, reduced absorption or other risk factors for deficiency. [24]

Vitamin B12 deficiency may contribute to anaemia, fatigue and impaired cellular function. However, additional vitamin B12 has not been established as a treatment for postpartum hair shedding in individuals whose vitamin B12 status is already adequate. [6,7,24]

Vitamin C, as Ascorbic Acid — 100 mg

Vitamin C is required for normal collagen biosynthesis and functions as a physiological antioxidant. It also improves the absorption of non-haem iron, the form of iron found predominantly in plant-based foods. [25]

These functions are relevant to the Roots² formulation because vitamin C complements both the iron and marine-collagen components.

Vitamin C supports:

Normal collagen formation;
Connective-tissue maintenance;
Non-haem iron absorption;
Protection of cells from oxidative stress; and
Normal immune function. [25]

This may be particularly relevant for postpartum women whose dietary iron intake is predominantly plant-based or whose iron stores have been affected by pregnancy or delivery.

3. Keratin-Related Nutritional Support

Keratin is the principal structural protein within the hair fibre. Producing keratin requires more than biotin. The process depends on an adequate supply of amino acids, vitamins and cellular energy.

Roots² combines biotin with two sulphur-containing amino acids and vitamin B6 to support the nutritional pathways involved in normal protein and keratin production.

Biotin, as D-Biotin — 900 mcg

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that functions as a cofactor for enzymes involved in normal macronutrient metabolism. [10]

True biotin deficiency can cause dermatological changes, including hair thinning. Supplementation is therefore most relevant when deficiency or an underlying risk factor is present. [9,10]

Roots² contains 900 mcg of biotin. This is lower than the 2,500–10,000 mcg commonly found in many high-dose hair supplements, but it remains substantially above the adult adequate intake of 30 mcg per day.

Important Blood-Test Warning

Biotin may interfere with certain laboratory tests and produce falsely high or falsely low results. Anyone taking a biotin-containing supplement should inform their doctor and laboratory personnel before undergoing blood tests. [10,11]

L-Cysteine — 30 mg

L-cysteine is a sulphur-containing amino acid used in normal protein and keratin synthesis.

The strength and organisation of the hair fibre are influenced by the sulphur-containing bonds formed within keratin proteins. [34]

An experimental study involving cultured human keratinocytes found that cysteine increased keratin expression and counteracted the reduction in keratin expression associated with iron deficiency. [12]

L-Methionine — 30 mg

L-methionine is an essential sulphur-containing amino acid, meaning it must be obtained through the diet.

Methionine is incorporated into proteins and also contributes to the body’s sulphur-amino-acid pathways. Through the transsulfuration pathway, methionine can contribute to the formation of cysteine—an amino acid that is particularly important to keratin structure. [33,34]

Nutritional reviews relating to hair health identify methionine and cysteine as sulphur-containing amino acids relevant to the normal synthesis of keratin proteins within the hair fibre. [33]

Its inclusion alongside L-cysteine provides complementary nutritional support for:

Normal protein synthesis;
The body’s sulphur-amino-acid pool;
Normal keratin production; and
Hair-fibre structure. [33,34]

Vitamin B6, as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride — 2 mg

Vitamin B6 is involved in amino-acid, protein and glycogen metabolism. [26]

It helps the body metabolise amino acids obtained from food and supplements, including amino acids used in normal structural-protein synthesis.

Vitamin B6 contributes to:

Normal protein and glycogen metabolism;
Normal energy metabolism;
Normal nervous-system function;
Normal red-blood-cell formation;
Normal immune function; and
Reduction of tiredness and fatigue. [26]

Its inclusion complements L-cysteine and L-methionine within the keratin-support section of the formula.

4. Hair-Structure Support

Hydrolysed Marine Collagen, Types I and III — 300 mg

Hydrolysed marine collagen provides peptides and amino acids that contribute to the formula’s overall protein and structural nutritional profile.

Why Marine Collagen Is Included

Marine collagen contributes:

Protein-derived peptides and amino acids;
Structural nutritional support;
Nutrients relevant to connective tissue;
Complementary support alongside vitamin C; and
Support alongside the formula’s amino acids and minerals. [13–15,25]

Preclinical research involving fish collagen peptides has reported effects on human dermal papilla cells and signalling pathways associated with follicular activity, including Wnt/β-catenin and BMP signalling. [13]

Further research involving collagen hydrolysate from fish scales observed effects relating to oxidative stress, inflammation, extracellular-matrix factors and hair-growth parameters in laboratory and animal models. [14]

Human clinical research has also evaluated a multi-ingredient supplement containing 300 mg of marine hydrolysed collagen alongside amino acids, iron and selenium. Improvements in several hair-related measurements were reported during the study period. [15]

5. Cellular Energy and Follicular Metabolism

Hair-matrix cells divide rapidly during active hair growth. Normal energy metabolism therefore forms part of the biological foundation of healthy follicular activity.

Roots² contains a targeted B-complex blend selected to support cellular energy production and nutrient metabolism. [6]

Vitamin B1, as Thiamine Hydrochloride — 1.4 mg

Thiamine contributes to normal energy metabolism and supports normal cellular and nervous-system function. It is included to support cellular-energy processes throughout the body, including within metabolically active tissues. [27]

Vitamin B2, as Riboflavin — 5 mg

Riboflavin contributes to normal energy metabolism and helps protect cells from oxidative stress. It also supports normal red-blood-cell and cellular function. [28]

Vitamin B3, as Niacinamide — 20 mg

Niacin contributes to normal energy metabolism and supports normal nervous-system and skin function. Niacinamide is selected as a generally well-tolerated form of vitamin B3. [29]

Vitamin B5, as Calcium Pantothenate — 10 mg

Pantothenic acid is required for the production of coenzyme A. Coenzyme A is involved in fatty-acid synthesis and numerous anabolic and catabolic metabolic processes. [30]

6. Antioxidant and Epithelial Support

Vitamin A, as Beta-Carotene — 300 mcg

Vitamin A contributes to normal cell differentiation and the maintenance of normal skin, vision, immune function and epithelial tissues. [31]

Beta-carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid that can be converted into vitamin A by the body.

Why Beta-Carotene Is Included

Beta-carotene provides nutritional support for:

Normal cell differentiation;
Maintenance of normal skin;
Normal immune function; and
Broader epithelial health. [31]

Both inadequate vitamin A status and excessive intake of preformed vitamin A may affect hair health. Users should check the total vitamin A content of other prenatal or postnatal supplements before combining them with Roots². [6,31]

Vitamin E, as D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate — 3.5 mg

Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. [32]

The formula contains both tocopherol-derived vitamin E and tocotrienols from palm fruit extract, providing complementary members of the vitamin E family.

Vitamin E is included to support:

Antioxidant protection;
Protection of cell membranes from oxidative damage; and
The broader antioxidant profile of the formula. [4,5,32]

7. Nutritional Support During Periods of Stress

L-Theanine — 100 mg

The postpartum period places significant demands on both physical and emotional recovery. Sleep disruption, changing routines and the pressures of caring for a newborn may all contribute to a heightened stress response.

L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in tea leaves. It has been studied for its potential to promote relaxation and support a balanced response to psychological stress without being classically sedating.

In a randomised controlled trial, L-theanine supplementation at 200 mg per day for four weeks was associated with improvements in several self-reported stress-related and sleep measures in healthy adults, including depression scores, trait-anxiety scores and sleep quality. [16]

A separate double-blind study found that an L-theanine-containing nutrient drink reduced subjective stress responses to a cognitive stressor and produced a lower salivary-cortisol response three hours after administration. [17]

A systematic review of human studies concluded that L-theanine may have a role in supporting stress and anxiety management in people exposed to stressful conditions. [18]

Why L-Theanine Is Included

L-theanine provides support for:

Relaxation during demanding periods;
Emotional well-being;
A balanced response to psychological stress;
Sleep-quality support; and
Overall postpartum recovery. [16–18]

L-theanine is not included as a direct hair-growth ingredient. It addresses a different but relevant part of postpartum recovery: the physical and emotional stress surrounding the period in which hair shedding commonly occurs.

References

American Academy of Dermatology Association. Hair loss in new moms: Dermatologist tips.
Gizlenti S, Ekmekci TR. The changes in the hair cycle during gestation and the postpartum period. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2014;28(7):878–881.
Yin GOC, Siong-See JL, Wang ECE. Telogen effluvium: A review of the science and current obstacles. Journal of Dermatological Science. 2021;101(3):156–163.
Beoy LA, Woei WJ, Hay YK. Effects of tocotrienol supplementation on hair growth in human volunteers. Tropical Life Sciences Research. 2010;21(2):91–99.
Ahmed NS, Ghatak S, El Masry MS, et al. Epidermal E-cadherin-dependent β-catenin pathway is phytochemical inducible and accelerates anagen hair cycling. Molecular Therapy. 2017;25(11):2502–2512.
Drake L, Reyes-Hadsall S, Martinez J, et al. Evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of nutritional supplements for treating hair loss: A systematic review. JAMA Dermatology. 2023;159(1):79–86.
Wang R, Lin J, Liu Q, et al. Micronutrients and androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 2024;68(22):e2400652.
Trost LB, Bergfeld WF, Calogeras E. The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and its potential relationship to hair loss. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2006;54(5):824–844.
Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L. A review of the use of biotin for hair loss. Skin Appendage Disorders. 2017;3(3):166–169.
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Biotin: Health Professional Fact Sheet.
US Food and Drug Administration. Biotin interference with laboratory tests.
Miniaci MC, Irace C, Capuozzo A, et al. Cysteine prevents the reduction in keratin synthesis induced by iron deficiency in human keratinocytes. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry. 2016;117(2):402–412.
Hwang SB, Park HJ, Lee BH. Hair-growth-promoting effects of fish collagen peptide in human dermal papilla cells and C57BL/6 mice through modulation of Wnt/β-catenin and BMP signalling pathways. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2022;23(19):11904.
Hwang SB, Park HJ, Lee BH. Collagen hydrolysate from the scales of Mozambique tilapia improves hair and skin health by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation and promoting hair-growth and extracellular-matrix factors. Marine Drugs. 2023;21(9):475.
Milani M, Colombo F; GFM-O-Trial Investigators Group. Efficacy and tolerability of an oral supplement containing amino acids, iron, selenium and marine hydrolysed collagen in subjects with hair loss. Skin Research and Technology. 2023;29(6):e13381.
Hidese S, Ogawa S, Ota M, et al. Effects of L-theanine administration on stress-related symptoms and cognitive functions in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2362.
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Williams JL, Everett JM, D'Cunha NM, et al. The effects of green-tea amino acid L-theanine consumption on the ability to manage stress and anxiety levels: A systematic review. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition. 2020;75(1):12–23.
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NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin D: Health Professional Fact Sheet.
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Iron: Health Professional Fact Sheet.
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Zinc: Health Professional Fact Sheet.
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Folate: Health Professional Fact Sheet.
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B12: Health Professional Fact Sheet.
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin C: Health Professional Fact Sheet.
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B6: Health Professional Fact Sheet.
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Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Roots² is a nutritional supplement and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, particularly during the postpartum or breastfeeding period.