The Good the Bad and the Ugly. Pregnancy and Post Pregnancy Hair

As a hairdresser and owner of a busy salon, many of my clients are either pregnant or new mothers.  I've given plenty of advice for new moms.   I grew up with a pediatrician for a dad and a nurse for a mom as well as three sisters, and twenty nieces and nephews.  These experiences taught me useful tips about the all-important matter of hair care during and after pregnancy.

Throughout a woman's life, hormonal changes occur due to various factors, including going on or off birth control or changing brands or methods of birth control, menopause, and issues with hormone producing glands such as the thyroid.  Such shifts can affect mood, energy, sleep patterns and body weight, not to mention hair, skin and nails.  Nine months of pregnancy can do a number on a woman's body.  Normal hormonal shifts can contribute to swollen feet and hands, adult acne, intense mood swings, indigestion and gas.  On the other hand, pregnancy produces thick, shiny, fast growing hair and nails adding to that wonderful mother-to-be glow.

Immediately following delivery, the female body retains some of its pregnant characteristics and hormones.  Things can be a bit bumpy with a new baby which often adds lack of sleep, sensitive breasts, and perhaps some postpartum depression.  When baby is four to six months old or when they are weaned off breast milk the body says "Okay, I'm done with this pregnancy."  At this point the hormones begin to re-regulate, typically resulting in mild depression, brittle nails, skin rashes, and most notably sudden hair loss.  In fact all the hair retained during the pregnancy sheds within a few weeks.  This can be very shocking, upsetting and drain-clogging.   But don't panic the hair all grows back.

"But how long will it take to grow back?!" the new mom asks.  Take comfort!  Healthy hair grows about a half of an inch per month, so within a few months hair will begin to fill in again.  The first few months are the hardest because the hair sticks straight our from the head like a fright wig.  In approximately six months to a year a full head of hair will generally return.   I wouldn't recommend a short haircut during or right after a pregnancy, it's usually not a good idea unless you have short hair to begin with.   Feeling pretty and feminine is important during this time and a big style change added to an even bigger lifestyle change is usually a bad move.

A good way to deal with those first few months of "bad hair days" is to try a more layered haircut or bangs.   Hair may seem more frizzy and fly-away than normal.   The best way to combat the frizz is a light styling creme, check out Aveda's Defining Whip,  Supremo Magic move or Bumble and Bumble Styling Creme.  To finish your style, spray your hands with a medium-hold hairspray like Aveda's Brilliant hairspray and smooth over the surface of your hair, this technique should calm things down.  If none of this works or you have super thick or curly hair, go shopping for some new headbands or scarves, it's a very chic look and will hide the baby hair until it grows out.

As a stylist, I know that our hair is important, especially to a new mom who may not feel the best about her looks during this stressful time.  Be assured that as time goes by your hair will become more manageable and you'll get your body back.
So enjoy your new baby... and don't stress the rest.