During pregnancy, many individuals have questions about daily routines and their safety for both the expectant parent and the developing baby. Understanding which activities are safe, including personal grooming, can provide reassurance.
Haircuts During Pregnancy
Cutting hair during pregnancy is safe and poses no risk to the pregnant individual or the baby. This process is physical, involving only the hair strands. No chemicals are absorbed through the scalp or enter the bloodstream. Therefore, maintaining your usual haircut routine throughout pregnancy is not a concern.
Hormonal Impact on Hair
Pregnancy brings about significant hormonal shifts that can notably influence hair growth and texture. Elevated levels of hormones, particularly estrogen, play a substantial role in these changes. During pregnancy, estrogen can prolong the anagen, or active growth, phase of the hair cycle. This extended growth phase means that fewer hairs enter the resting and shedding phases, leading to a perceived increase in hair thickness and reduced daily hair loss. These hormonal influences can also affect the hair’s texture, making it appear shinier or, for some, causing changes in its natural curl or oiliness. While these changes are a direct result of the body adapting to pregnancy, they are temporary. Hair usually returns to its pre-pregnancy state after childbirth as hormone levels normalize.
Chemical Hair Treatments and Pregnancy
Chemical hair treatments like dyeing, perming, relaxing, and keratin treatments raise concerns due to their chemical content. For most hair dyes, minimal chemicals are absorbed through the scalp into the bloodstream, suggesting these treatments are unlikely to harm the developing baby. Many professionals suggest waiting until after the first trimester, when major organs are forming, as a precaution, though direct evidence of harm from early exposure is limited.
When undergoing chemical treatments, precautions can minimize exposure. Ensure the process is done in a well-ventilated area to reduce fume inhalation. Avoid leaving chemicals on hair longer than recommended and rinse the scalp thoroughly. For highlights, where chemicals do not directly touch the scalp, absorption risk is further reduced.
Certain treatments, such as some keratin products, may release formaldehyde, which some advise avoiding. Opting for vegetable-based or ammonia-free formulas can be safer alternatives if you have concerns.
Postpartum Hair Changes
After childbirth, many individuals experience increased hair shedding, known as telogen effluvium. This is a common, temporary response to hormone levels returning to their pre-pregnancy state. During pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels extend the hair’s growth phase, preventing the normal amount of daily shedding. Once hormones drop after delivery, many hairs simultaneously enter resting and shedding phases, leading to significant hair loss usually starting around three to four months postpartum.
This shedding can appear alarming, but it is typically temporary, with hair growth usually returning to its normal thickness within six to twelve months after birth. While there is no way to prevent this natural process, managing postpartum hair involves gentle care. Using volumizing shampoos, avoiding heavy conditioners, and minimizing heat styling can help improve the appearance of thinning hair. Maintaining a balanced diet and continuing prenatal vitamins can also support overall hair health.