Pregnancy comes with many things; change, excitement, and, yes, there’s surprises. Talking about the changes in the body, hair changes are often known as among the most common. Some women get thick locks, luscious hair and others will get the totally opposite of it, hair thinning or shedding.

No denying this is completely natural but one should know about these changes and must have a solution if things go their way. So if you desire your hair to grow as well as your baby’s, it’s possible. Let’s discuss how and why these hair changes happen and how we can keep the hair healthy and beautiful with natural hair care tips.

Why Does Pregnancy Change Your Hair?

The rising estrogen level during pregnancy is the reason why women experience hair changes. Generally speaking, there can be three possible changes:

1- The Hair will Become Thicker

Estrogen plays a very important role in hair growth. Some women experience thicker and shinier hair than ever which is the reason for higher estrogen levels.

2- Hair Thinning or Shedding

It isn’t a common change because higher estrogen contributes to the growth but it is a possibility. The more reasonable answer to this would be stress, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances.

3- Changes in Hair Texture

While this is also not common, some women might experience their hair texture starting to change. The hair texture will alter to curly, dry, or even straight, with no specific texture. The interesting thing about it is that there’s no proper explanation as to why this happens.

What Happens to Hair After Pregnancy?

Before we lay down the roadmap to how you can take care of your hair after pregnancy, let’s discuss a little about what happens afterward.

Put simply, the situation turns upside down. The estrogen level decreases gradually after the baby is born all the way to its original state.

What this will do is result in hair shedding of the hair that you got due to higher estrogen levels during pregnancy. This phase is called postpartum hair shedding and starts around 3 months after pregnancy. On the other hand, one more thing can happen which is the hair texture or thickness change.

Is Postpartum Hair Shedding Normal?

Yes, it is completely normal. For the more concerned, it is a temporary stage so don’t stress if you see more hair in your comb because this will make things worse. The actual hair state will be back in 6-12 months of the pregnancy.

Hair Care Tips During Pregnancy

Now let’s discuss the elephant in the room, how to take care of your hair loss during pregnancy. Don’t stress, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Just keep these points in mind and your hair will stay healthy and shiny:

Wash and Condition Gently

A tip that almost 7 out of 10 women make is not to be gentle on their hair no matter whether they’re washing, shampooing, or conditioning. What this does is decrease overall hair health. The best would be to use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo in order to clean your scalp and condition regularly. This will keep your hair’s natural oils, hydrate your hair, and don’t tangle your hair.

Skip Harsh Treatments

Avoid chemical treatments like coloring, perming, or straightening, especially during the first trimester. Some chemicals might be absorbed through the scalp and could affect your baby. If you must dye your hair, consider highlights or natural dyes like henna.

Be Gentle When Brushing

Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle hair without pulling and avoid brushing wet hair, as it’s more prone to breakage.

Follow a Hair Friendly Diet

You and your hair are exactly what you eat, we are saying it out loud. There are no two opinions on this because many essential nutrients you need can only come through your mouth, by eating.

Include these nutrients in your diet:

• Protein: Found in lean meats and beans.
• Vitamin D: Found in eggs and fortified milk.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish and walnuts.
• Iron and Vitamin C: Found in spinach and citrus fruits.

Minimize/Avoid Heat Styling

Heat Styling is a major issue that damages hair greatly and the damage is for everyone. Heat can weaken your hair and make it prone to breakage so opt for air-drying or styles that don’t require heat. Anyone who frequently and at a high temperature will end in damaged hair.

Postpartum Hair Care: Going Through the Shedding Phase

Once the delivery is completed your hair might start shedding more than usual. But as we told you earlier it’s temporary and manageable. Here are some postpartum hair care practices to adopt:

1. Continue Eating Well

A nutritious diet supports hair regrowth. Keep eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals, just like you did during pregnancy.

2. Use Volumizing Products

Volumizing shampoos can add body to your hair and make it look fuller and avoid heavy conditioners that weigh hair down.

3. Handle Hair Gently

Avoid tight hairstyles like ponytails and buns that pull on your scalp and use soft hair ties and avoid twisting or tugging your hair.

4. Practice Stress Management

Stress can exacerbate hair loss and try relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.

5. Get Regular Trims

Frequent trims can prevent split ends and keep your hair looking healthy.

When to See a Doctor

While most hair changes during pregnancy and postpartum are normal, there are times when you should consult a doctor:

• Excessive hair loss.
• Bald patches or thinning.
• If you experience other symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or dry skin, which could indicate an underlying condition like thyroid issues or anemia.

Key Takeaways

Pregnancy is a time of transformation, and your hair is no exception. Here’s a quick recap:

• Pregnancy hormones can make your hair thicker, shinier, and fuller.
• After pregnancy, it’s normal to experience temporary shedding.
• A balanced diet, gentle hair care, and stress management can keep your hair healthy.
• Consult a doctor if you notice unusual hair loss or other symptoms.

Ending Note

Taking care of your hair during and after pregnancy doesn’t just make it look good, it’s also a great way to practice self-care during this life-changing journey. If you have concerns or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to your gynecologist or a dermatologist.