Pregnancy Hair Care: Will Pregnancy Change My Hair?

All that oestrogen whizzing round your system often cause one very positive change. Many women notice their pregnancy hair actually seems to grow faster! This is because of oestrogen’s action on the hair growth phase, resulting in thicker hair and less shedding. Due to increased blood circulation pumping all those delightful prenatal vitamins around your body, expect your hair (and nails) to look shinier and healthier. Result! Don’t expect this miracle straight away though, most women have to wait until at least the 2nd trimester to start experiencing more good hair days.

To control your rapidly growing locks, take regular trips to the salon for trims. It can also be useful to try out low maintenance pregnancy hair styles, like up dos, to keep your mane under control and looking effortlessly chic.

Hair Loss During Pregnancy

While this usually happens after pregnancy, some women do experience hair loss when they’re expecting. Try lavender oil scalp massages to promote hair growth and avoid tight hairstyles or vigorous brushing which could pull out delicate hair strands. Last but certainly not least, ensure you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet and even try incorporating some supplements into your daily routine. We’d recommend zinc, Biotin, Iron, and Vitamins C and D for luscious, healthy hair.

How to Tame Frizzy Hair During Pregnancy

Some women notice their hair becomes nightmarishly frizzy during pregnancy, especially for those in humid climates or for those already carrying the frizz gene (I relate). If your pregnancy hair just isn’t playing ball, try switching to moisture-retaining shampoos, conditioners, and serums to lock the moisture in and fight off that frizz! Hair serums are especially useful here for styling – we especially recommend the John Frieda Frizz Ease range to keep your hair looking silky smooth and shiny.

How to Style Fine Limp Hair During Pregnancy

During pregnancy your hair may hang limply around your face, making an already emotional you feel unconfident and frustrated.

Not to fear! Using texture sprays or mousses to give your pregnant hair that extra boost of volume can be a lifesaver here. Try to avoid leave-in conditioners, thick gels or pomades as these can tend to weigh your hair down and exacerbate limpness. Washing your hair before going to bed, blow drying, and leaving your locks in a high bun can be another volume hack you’ll thank us for. Come morning your hair will look extraordinarily full and healthy.

If you have naturally fine hair, opting for a shorter hair style can make the hair appear thicker. Pssst - bobs never go out of fashion. You’ll thank us for this low maintenance hair cut tip off if you’re riding an emotional/sleepy rollercoaster for 9 months! Alternatively, if you'd prefer longer locks, try clip in hair extensions. Not only will they not damage your natural locks further, they'll add sumptuous length and volume to your pregnancy hair. Perfect for feeling glamourous whatever your trimester!

Dry Hair in Pregnancy

Dry hair moms-to-be, we know the struggle. If you’re grappling with dry hair during pregnancy, hold off on that shampoo! Shampoo is notorious for stripping the hair of its natural moisture, making your already dry hair feel like straw. Instead, opt for moisturising conditioners and keep heat treatment to a minimum! If you need to blow dry, keep the setting on a lower heat. It may take a few minutes longer, but your parched hair will thank you for it!

Brittle Hair During Pregnancy

Brittle hair goes hand in hand with dry hair. If your pregnancy hair is dry or recently bleached, it’s usually more prone to breakage. In this situation, wash your hair gently and again, don’t forget to condition! Use wide-tooth combs to detangle your hair rather than a brush. Brushes are notorious for pulling and snapping your delicate hair strands. Consider wearing your hair down and avoid tight ponytails or up dos, as these can promote further breakage.

Best Shampoo for Pregnant Oily Hair

If your problem is oily hair, it can be hard to banish oil without depriving your hair of moisture. Don’t be tempted to wash your hair every day, instead use exfoliating shampoos and moisture-retention conditioners. This will help get oil under control without stripping your hair of its precious moisture. Avoid products containing silicone, oils or lanolin - which will weigh oily hair down - and use a clarifying shampoo to rid your hair of any product build-up.