You might have noticed that your skin tends to go through all kinds of changes during pregnancy, possibly including acne, melasma and stretch marks, but your hair also can take you on a wild ride.
Just as every mom-to-be is different, so too is her head of hair, with some pregnant women sporting faster-growing locks that adapt to any style, while others are surprised to find that their hair is suddenly a new texture.
If your hair isn’t what it once was, know that these changes are completely normal. For more on the most common pregnancy hair changes, such as locks that are drier, oilier or growing faster than usual, read on.
Does pregnancy change your hair?
It can — and you can thank those famous hormonal surges you’ve probably been reading and hearing so much about. Some pregnant women notice that their hair grows faster than ever (put the salon on speed dial!), while others might experience changes in texture, such as locks that are suddenly drier, oilier or frizzier than they were pre-pregnancy.
Hair may also start to grow in new places (think face, chest, belly and arms), due to those same hormones, plus increased blood circulation, revved-up metabolism that brings more nutrients to your hair — and nails.
If you're not thrilled by any hair changes you're experiencing, there’s some good news: Your hair should return to normal within six months after birth.
What are the most common pregnancy hair changes?
While pregnancy hair changes aren’t usually permanent, they might feel frustrating or unwelcome, especially as you’re also dealing with other changes to your body.
Here's a look at some of the most common hair changes you may notice during pregnancy, and how to manage each.
Hair that grows faster than usual during pregnancy
By week 20 of pregnancy, your hair might feel thicker and look shinier and healthier than usual. It's probably growing faster, too. Your nails are also likely growing more quickly.
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You can credit those pregnancy hormones again for the changes in your hair and nail growth during pregnancy, making your hair both grow faster and be less likely to fall out. Your increased blood circulation, pumped-up metabolism and prenatal vitamins — which are bringing more nutrients to your hair and nails — also deserve some thanks.
Like all of the pregnancy symptoms you’re experiencing, the changes to your hair and nails are temporary. You can rein in the extra growth by keeping regular appointments with your stylist.
Hair that’s more prone to frizz during pregnancy
Some moms-to-be notice texture changes during pregnancy, which might mean more frizz. Switching to moisture retention formulas for shampoos, conditioners and serums can help, says Koni Bennett, hair stylist and owner of Vanity Boutique Salon. When applying product on your hair, focus on the hair shaft and ends, which tend to be drier.
If you prefer a straight style, keep in mind that chemical straightening treatments may be potentially unsafe for your baby during pregnancy, so check with your practitioner before using.
Hair that’s more limp than usual during pregnancy
Pump up the volume on limp hair with texture spray or mousse at the roots, then turn your head upside down to blow dry using the lowest temperature setting with a vented round brush. (Take care when leaning over and standing back up, since you’re more prone to dizziness right now.)
“Washing at night, and allowing your fully-blown dried hair to rest in a high bun while you sleep can be the volumizing hair hack you never knew you needed,” notes Bennett. A high pony helps the roots retain volume, while the bun adds a beautiful bouncy curl to the ends, she adds.
Other smart steps to take include avoiding leave-in conditioners, thick gels or pomades that weigh down hair. Some experts say a quick cold-water rinse after you condition can seal hair cuticles, creating a natural shine. If that doesn’t do the trick, try a clarifying shampoo with a light conditioner, focusing on the ends.
Hair that’s drier than usual during pregnancy
Over-cleansing robs your already-dry locks of their essential oils, so don’t wash your hair too often if you've been experiencing dry hair during pregnancy. And don’t skip conditioner, as extra-dry hair benefits from a moisture-rich softening agent after shampooing.
If you blow dry your hair, always use the lowest heat setting and remember to have patience: Low heat typically means longer drying times, says Bennett. Amp up the sun protection too, using a leave-in conditioner with zinc oxide.
If you’re a swimmer, wet and condition your hair before diving in and wear a cap for an extra layer of protection.
Hair that’s more brittle than usual during pregnancy
Some women who experience dry hair during pregnancy may also notice that it feels more brittle and prone to breakage. Nix this situation by always conditioning and shampooing gently (no rubbing!).
Air dry hair or wrap it in an absorbent towel rather than turning on the blow dryer. Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair to detangle, rather than a brush, which can pull and snap delicate strands.
You might also consider a different approach to styling. For mamas with kinky or curly hair, choosing updated tension-free cornrows, box braids and twists are recommended. “Brittle hair is usually fragile, so these protective styles are clutch for this texture type because they allow the hair to rest without being manipulated,” says Bennett.
Other ideas to try include wearing your hair naturally or loosely pulled back with a hair tie made of soft fabric instead of sporting a big bun or high ponytail.
Hair that’s more oily than usual during pregnancy
Although hormones trigger dry hair in some expecting women, others have the opposite challenge and notice that their strands become more prone to oil, but don’t be tempted to wash too much.
Reach for exfoliating shampoos and moisture retention conditioners to manage oil without over-stripping moisture from your hair. It’s smart to skip products with silicone, oils or lanolin that can weigh hair down. Banish buildup with a clarifying shampoo, which will wash away excess conditioner and styling products.
More body hair than usual during pregnancy
Spying hair where it used to be bare — even on your cheeks, upper lip and nipples — can be an unexpected pregnancy symptom. And while body hair growth should return to your pre-pregnancy normal by the 6-month postpartum mark, you may be wondering how to safely remove any unwanted new body hair during pregnancy.
Here's a breakdown of what’s okay to try and what you should skip:
- Tweezing and threading. These methods are super safe for small stray hairs on your brows, chin, upper lip and nipples. You can tweeze in your own bathroom or head to a pro for a threading session.
- Shaving. Feel free to shave as needed on larger areas such as your legs, as well as parts of your face, with either a manual or electric shaver. Always use a new blade, and don’t share razors with others, which could expose you to infection.
- Waxing and sugaring. Both of these options are fine to try if pregnancy hasn’t made your skin too sensitive, but be sure to skip the nose, ears or nipples, areas with varicose veins, moles or warts, or skin that’s irritated or sunburned. A wax or sugaring in a salon is usually your best bet while pregnant, as your new size can make reaching certain areas harder at home.
- Depilatories. Hair removal creams may seem easy to use, but it’s not clear whether they’re safe during pregnancy. Allergic reactions are rare, but what’s worse, the odor is off-putting, so skip depilatories until your baby is born, or at the very least, check with your doctor first to get the green light.
- Bleaching. You may have used bleach pre-pregnancy, but there’s a chance your skin could absorb the chemicals. Without reliable studies regarding its safety, avoid these products for now.
- Laser hair removal and electrolysis. Permanent hair removal solutions like these haven’t been studied enough to know whether they’re safe during pregnancy, so it's best to wait on these methods until after your bundle of joy arrives.
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