Pregnancy Hair: Keeping the Locks, Even After the Due Date

 So your fingernails are like steel caps and your hair is growing twice as fast.  You have ultrasound pictures in your purse, and you are now shopping in stores you never thought you would.  It’s a hair-raising time, but like your new pregnancy, your hair experience will be one of a kind.

Generally you will find your hair is thicker and growing faster, which is usually a good thing since new moms regularly resort to the ponytail during those first few months of sleepless nights.  However, pregnancy is not the solution to fine hair. All good things come to an end.

 Don’t worry, the hair will eventually revert to its pre-pregnancy state, however, some new moms will experience extreme hair loss just after giving birth and a few notice advanced thinning before the hair recoups.  I have a long time client that experienced extreme hair loss after her first child, and needless to say, she freaked out.  We worked on keeping her existing hair strong and her scalp hydrated and flexible.  Within six months she was back to rocking her traditional bob with no hesitation.  We predicted she would have the same hair loss experience after her second and third child. We decided the hair loss would be less noticeable, if we went with a short layered look during the pregnancies.  This client represents the most extreme pregnancy situation possible. 

Enjoy the growth and thickness while you have it.  Make sure to supplement all vitamins, especially those of the B varieties, which should be continued well after giving birth. Hydrate and strengthen your hair before the birth date with strengthening products such as the Repair line from Screen Hair Care, and balance the scalps Ph with shampoos such as Protective Shampoo from Screen’s Color Enlive line.

 If you do experience hair loss, talk to your stylist about a short/layered look for volume and quick styling: this look will make hair fuller and more fashionable than that stringy ponytail. 

- Jason Schwind