Guide | Does Pregnancy Make Your Hair Thicker? Doctors Explain
Pregnancy may bring an unexpected benefit alongside the joy of expecting a baby: nine months of especially good hair.
"I often tell patients that their hair may look its best during pregnancy—thick and shiny. Enjoy it," said Dr. Paradi Mirmirani, a dermatologist with Kaiser Permanente in California.
How does pregnancy affect hair?
Hair cycles through growth, resting, and shedding phases. People normally lose about 100 hairs a day. During pregnancy, rising hormone levels alter this cycle, keeping more hair in the growth or resting phases rather than the shedding phase. Hair therefore feels thicker and sheds less.
Research also suggests that individual hairs become thicker during pregnancy. "We measured hair diameter in women during the third trimester and after delivery and found that it was indeed greater during pregnancy," said Dr. Mirmirani.
Some women also find that their hair becomes curlier or straighter during or after pregnancy. The cause is not fully understood, but hormones may affect follicle shape, which determines curl pattern.
Can you still color or perm your hair?
If you regularly colored, highlighted, permed, or straightened your hair before pregnancy, should you stop?
Medical opinions vary. Some doctors advise avoiding chemical treatments throughout pregnancy, others only during the first trimester, and some consider moderate use acceptable throughout.
The disagreement reflects limited research on fetal effects. Dermatologist Dr. Nia Terezakis, a clinical professor at Tulane University, cautions that chemicals may be absorbed through the scalp, especially if it is irritated or damaged. She recommends minimizing their use.
If appearance must be maintained for work, consider highlights that do not touch the scalp or natural dyes. Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, an instructor in dermatology at the University of Miami, suggests plant-based dyes such as Henna for covering gray hair.
She specifically advises avoiding keratin straightening products containing formaldehyde during pregnancy because of potential toxicity to mother and baby.
Should daily hair care change?
Most shampoos, conditioners, styling sprays, gels, hair dryers, and curling irons can be used normally unless you use a prescription dandruff shampoo.
"Most prescription antifungal shampoos are acceptable, but ask your obstetrician about prescription lotions containing steroids," Dr. Woolery-Lloyd said.
If pregnancy makes you sensitive to the scent of shampoo or hairspray, switch to fragrance-free products.
Postpartum shedding is a normal adjustment
The extra fullness may not last. Noticeable shedding often occurs in the months after delivery.
"Many women lose a large amount of hair three to six months postpartum. It can be alarming for some and mild for others," said Dr. Woolery-Lloyd.
This is a normal adjustment as pregnancy hormones decline, not permanent hair loss or baldness. Hair growth subsequently returns to its usual cycle.
"It is normal and usually not a cause for concern," she concluded.
Guide | Does Pregnancy Make Your Hair Thicker? Doctors Explain
Guide | Does Pregnancy Make Your Hair Thicker? Doctors Explain
Pregnancy may bring an unexpected benefit alongside the joy of expecting a baby: nine months of especially good hair.
"I often tell patients that their hair may look its best during pregnancy—thick and shiny. Enjoy it," said Dr. Paradi Mirmirani, a dermatologist with Kaiser Permanente in California.
How does pregnancy affect hair?
Hair cycles through growth, resting, and shedding phases. People normally lose about 100 hairs a day. During pregnancy, rising hormone levels alter this cycle, keeping more hair in the growth or resting phases rather than the shedding phase. Hair therefore feels thicker and sheds less.
Research also suggests that individual hairs become thicker during pregnancy. "We measured hair diameter in women during the third trimester and after delivery and found that it was indeed greater during pregnancy," said Dr. Mirmirani.
Some women also find that their hair becomes curlier or straighter during or after pregnancy. The cause is not fully understood, but hormones may affect follicle shape, which determines curl pattern.
Can you still color or perm your hair?
If you regularly colored, highlighted, permed, or straightened your hair before pregnancy, should you stop?
Medical opinions vary. Some doctors advise avoiding chemical treatments throughout pregnancy, others only during the first trimester, and some consider moderate use acceptable throughout.
The disagreement reflects limited research on fetal effects. Dermatologist Dr. Nia Terezakis, a clinical professor at Tulane University, cautions that chemicals may be absorbed through the scalp, especially if it is irritated or damaged. She recommends minimizing their use.
If appearance must be maintained for work, consider highlights that do not touch the scalp or natural dyes. Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, an instructor in dermatology at the University of Miami, suggests plant-based dyes such as Henna for covering gray hair.
She specifically advises avoiding keratin straightening products containing formaldehyde during pregnancy because of potential toxicity to mother and baby.
Should daily hair care change?
Most shampoos, conditioners, styling sprays, gels, hair dryers, and curling irons can be used normally unless you use a prescription dandruff shampoo.
"Most prescription antifungal shampoos are acceptable, but ask your obstetrician about prescription lotions containing steroids," Dr. Woolery-Lloyd said.
If pregnancy makes you sensitive to the scent of shampoo or hairspray, switch to fragrance-free products.
Postpartum shedding is a normal adjustment
The extra fullness may not last. Noticeable shedding often occurs in the months after delivery.
"Many women lose a large amount of hair three to six months postpartum. It can be alarming for some and mild for others," said Dr. Woolery-Lloyd.
This is a normal adjustment as pregnancy hormones decline, not permanent hair loss or baldness. Hair growth subsequently returns to its usual cycle.
"It is normal and usually not a cause for concern," she concluded.
Source:
Collected online