Hair care in pregnancy
Pregnancy is an amazing time of change for your body and
your hair. Increases of hormones during pregnancy affect every woman's hair in
a different way. For some women it's a time of increased hair and nail growth
combined with thicker and shinier hair. However, some women are less fortunate
and experience hair that is dry and breaks more easily.
Don't let changes in your hair during pregnancy bring you
down. There are many tips you can follow to ensure that your hair looks healthy
during this time. You don't have to wait until your hormones have returned to
their pre-pregnancy levels before you make a change.
Nutrition
During pregnancy, both your hair and your body needs adequate
nutrition in order to look and feel good. Hair is like your skin - the
healthier you are, the healthier your hair will be.
There are many foods that are nutritionally excellent for
pregnant women. The following is a list of foods that are particularly good for
your hair. They include; yogurt, fresh fruit and vegetables, pumpkin,
sunflower and sesame seeds, whole grains and nuts.
To help nourish your hair during pregnancy, you should
massage your scalp for 5 minutes every day. This stimulates the circulation.
You can try adding aromatherapy oils (choose ones that are safe in pregnancy) to vegetable
oil for an occasional aromatherapy massage of the scalp.
Style
The key to hair style in pregnancy is to choose a style that
reflects the behaviour of your hair. If your hair has become straight and
lifeless, use a product that adds volume or blow dry your hair upside down. If
your curly hair is too frizzy, use a de-frizzing product and let your hair dry
naturally.
If you are looking for a new style that will be easier to
manage during the pregnancy, be aware that your face will change shape as your
pregnancy progresses. Consult with your hair stylist on how to maximize the
potential of your pregnancy hair.
Color
Coloring and perming your hair during pregnancy is an
unclear issue. There is no direct evidence to suggest that these treatments
harm the foetus, however, most physicians suggest that you avoid coloring your
hair for at least the first trimester. Some experts recommend the use of
vegetable dyes in place of synthetic chemical agents. It is also worth
considering that hormonal changes can mean that the color you choose does not
look the same on your hair.
Post partum hair loss
While estrogen levels increase during pregnancy, generally
creating thicker hair, they fall quite dramatically once you have given birth.
It is very normal for women to experience significant post partum hair loss
,which can take up to 12 months to taper off. Don't worry - your hair will
return to its pre-partum state.
Not all women notice a dramatic change in their hair during
or after pregnancy, but for those that do, it's a perfect opportunity to
experiment with new hairstyles and techniques.
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