11 Simple Tips For Hair Care During Pregnancy

Surprisingly, there are many tips for hair care during pregnancy that you can follow. Pregnancy is one of the most incredible experiences a woman can have. Your body undergoes significant changes as you gear up to care for the tiny one forming inside you. Most of these changes during this period are due to the hormonal changes within. In addition, these extra hormones in your body may create a change in your regular hair cycles (1), (2). Although most of these changes are temporary, understanding them can help expectant mothers adapt their hair care routines accordingly.

Your hair may appear fuller and bouncier, or it may become excessively dry, rough, or crinkly. Some ladies may also notice a significant degree of hair loss as they overlook the importance of natural hair care during pregnancy.

You can usually restore the health of your hair within 6 months of childbirth with adequate care and a healthy diet that also includes foods for healthy hair during pregnancy. But it is important to look after your health during the nine months of pregnancy to ensure the health of your skin and hair and your general well-being. Keep reading to learn more about pregnancy hair care!

How To Take Care Of Your Hair During Pregnancy

1. Go For A Hair Massage

A great way to take care of your hair during pregnancy and to relax at the same time is by indulging in a good hair massage. Massaging your scalp with oil increases hair thickness and improves blood circulation, which may induce hair growth (3). The oil can also help soften the scalp’s itchy, crusty surface, providing relief from itchy scalp during pregnancy.

Oil your hair at least three to four times a week. Using natural hair oils is a great way to add some nourishment to your hair (4). Opt for oils that have healthy ingredients, like olive, coconut, and almond oils. Heat up the oil slightly, making sure it is not too hot, but just warm. Massage this through the scalp in small circular motions, applying light pressure with your fingertips. Massaging the scalp may improve blood circulation and aid pregnancy hair loss prevention. You may also use essential oils for pregnancy hair care. Oils like geranium, lavender, Roman chamomile, etc. are said to be safe. However, be careful and consult a doctor before incorporating them into your hair routine.

This will help strengthen the roots and prevent hair fall. You can wrap a warm towel around the head to add some extra benefits.

2. Shampoo And Condition

Make sure you use shampoo at least once to twice a week. Use a mild shampoo. Apply a conditioner every time you wash your hair. Pay special attention to the tips of the hair to avoid dry or split ends. When it comes to pregnancy hair care for curly hair, use leave-in or natural conditioners.

As you progress in your pregnancy, washing your hair becomes more and more difficult. Ask your partner to help you with this.

3. Avoid Coloring Your Hair

Quick Tip

Avoid dyeing your hair, as the smell of ammonia in hair dyes may trigger nauseaⁱ  Discomfort and uneasiness followed by an urge to vomit. or breathing issues.

Follow proper pregnancy hair coloring safety precautions to reduce hair damage. But as certain hair colors and dyes can trigger allergies or infections, it is better to avoid them to ensure safe hair care during pregnancy. For pregnancy-safe hair dye options, you can try organic and plant-based colors like henna and semi-permanent dyes. To take better care of your color-treated hair, do not forget to try DIY hair masks for pregnant women as they contain safe ingredients.

4. Use Natural Hair Masks

Opt for natural hair masks to nurture your locks during pregnancy. Use ingredients like yogurt, honey, and coconut oil for deep conditioning. These masks are chemical-free and safe, help restore damaged and dry hair, and prevent breakage. However, more scientific evidence is required about their usage and safety. Always do a patch test to avoid the risk of allergies and consult a doctor before trying new products.

5. Avoid Combing Wet Hair

Avoid combing your hair when it is wet. Let your hair dry naturally or use a hair dryer on medium heat. Comb it using a wide-toothed comb when dry. This will help in preventing hair fall during pregnancy. A tip for pregnancy hair care for frizzy hair – use a round bristled metal comb as it reduces static while combing hair. When it comes to pregnancy hair care for straight hair, avoid combing wet hair to prevent breakage, no matter how tempting it is.

6. Go For Regular Hair Trims

Your hair goes through different changes during pregnancy, causing a difference in hair texture and thickness. It is a good idea to go for a regular hair trim that will help avoid split ends or rough ends. Make time to include regular trimming as one of your pregnancy hair care routines. A new style is also a great mood enhancer!

After your trim, try protective pregnancy hairstyles like loose buns and braids to keep your tresses minimum maintenance.

Trivia

It is a myth that cutting or trimming your hair during pregnancy can affect the baby’s vision.

7. Understand Your Hair Type

Hormonal changes can really mess with your hair type. It is best to understand your hair type as it changes during this phase.

Use the right pregnancy hair care products that are specifically created for this particular hair type. This will help add needed nourishment to your hair, making it less prone to damage and fall.

Get a nice haircut that will help style your changing hair type, or just give you a mood lift!

8. Follow A Balanced Diet

Everything that you eat now will help nurture your baby and give your body the strength it needs to go through the changes (9). A balanced diet is important for nourishing hair during pregnancy.

Include milk, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, lentils, grains, and dry fruits and other such ingredients in your daily diet. Check with your doctor to find out the best pregnancy hair care diet for you and do not forget to get the list of food that you should stay away from during pregnancy.

9. Relax

Stress is one of the key reasons for hair fall during pregnancy. Changing hormones and mood swings can have a negative outcome on your hair.

Do activities that help you relax. Take a nice long bath, light up some aromatic candles, listen to some soothing music, meditate, practice yoga, sleep in, go for a relaxing head massage at the salon, or indulge in some retail therapy.

10. Avoid Tight Hairstyles

It is advisable to avoid tight hairstyles during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during this period can make the scalp more sensitive and prone to discomfort. Tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or buns can lead to headaches, hair breakage, and even exacerbate hair loss. Opt for looser styles like messy buns to ensure comfort and hair health throughout pregnancy.

Alia, a blogger, shares her experience of caring for her hair during her pregnancy and figuring out what style works best for her post pregnancy. She writes, “I got in the habit of applying a hair mask at least once a week and washing my hair backward.  All of that led to me having the best hair I had ever had (i)!” She continues, “As soon as my son was born, I adopted a new hairstyle.  It was a top knot secured with a butterfly clip. I admit, it’s not the most elegant look, but it keeps it out of my face and away from my son’s grabbing hands.”

However, if you are suffering from hormonal hair loss, then getting medical direction becomes paramount.

11. Consider Prenatal Vitamins

Lastly, you can also consider consuming prenatal vitamin supplements to support healthy hair during pregnancy. These supplements are typically rich in essential nutrients like biotin, folic acid, and iron. They can help in reducing thinning and strengthening tresses, thereby promoting overall hair health for expectant mothers.

Key Takeaways

• Pregnancy may affect your hair and scalp condition.
• Adequate care and a healthy diet with ample water intake may help restore the health of your hair within six months of childbirth.
• Massaging your scalp with natural hair oils increases hair thickness and improves blood circulation, inducing hair growth.
• It is best to avoid heat styling and chemical treatments during pregnancy as they may trigger allergies or infections.
• Remember to shampoo and condition your hair with gentle hair care products, and trim your hair regularly during pregnancy.

Infographic: 5 Easy Ways To Maintain Your Hair During Pregnancy

Taking care of your hair regularly can seem like a task during pregnancy. Your hair can become dry and rough as it undergoes significant changes due to hormonal changes during this period. To restore the health of your hair, you must ensure that you are on a healthy diet and follow a simple care routine. Check out the infographic below to learn the 5 easy steps to care for your hair during this journey.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use heat-styling tools during pregnancy?

Using heat-styling tools during pregnancy is generally safe but it is recommended to avoid excessive heat to protect general hair health. Further, do not forget to apply heat protectant before heat styling to protect your hair from its damaging effects.

Which hair oil is good in pregnancy?

Natural oils like almond, argan, amla, and coconut are considered beneficial and safe during pregnancy. Massages with light oils like coconut and olive oils are good for pregnancy hair care for oily scalps.

Can I flat iron my hair while pregnant?

Yes. It is safe to use a flat iron to straighten your hair while pregnant. However, avoid undergoing chemical hair straightening procedures too frequently in order to maintain improved pregnancy hair care for dry scalp.

Can I use castor oil on my hair during pregnancy?

No. It is not recommended to use castor oil during pregnancy as it has a strong smell and may make you nauseous.

Can I use dry shampoo when pregnant?

Yes. Dry shampoos are an ideal alternative during pregnancy due to their ease of use.

Illustration: Simple Tips For Hair Care During Pregnancy

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Rohan DasMBBS, FAM, FHT

   

Dr. Rohan has over 5 years of experience in hair transplant and cosmetic medicine. He pursued MBBS from Midnapore Medical Government College & Hospital, West Bengal, affiliated to West Bengal University of Health Sciences, and has trained under the best aesthetic surgeons.

Read full bio of Dr. Rohan Das

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

 

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

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