3 Ways to Embrace Stunning Pregnancy Hair

We all want it, that commercial-ready hair flip that makes everyone else’s heads turn. Although, I wouldn’t particularly recommend a pregnancy hair flip, because balance can be a little off-kilter during these months of growing a babe in utero, and I’ve been quite wobbly myself when I’ve tried. (Yes, I’ve actually tried it.)

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hair Food. The opinions and text are all mine.

While reading those first two lines on a pregnancy test means that we’ll be expecting a few things; cravings, morning sickness, expanding waistline (and most other lines too) and hormonal roller-coasters. Something we don’t always expect though is pregnancy hair.

Just like every other part of our body, our hair during pregnancy goes through changes as well.

In fact, Paradi Mirmirani, MD with Kaiser Permanente said, “I always tell my patients that their hair will be the best it’s ever been — lush, full. Enjoy it!”

Expect Pregnancy Hair Changes

Instead of the normal cycle of growing, resting and shedding, because of hormones, hair during pregnancy skips the shedding cycle, thus resulting in the look of thicker, fuller and longer hair during pregnancy (AND the dreaded “hair-falling-out feelings after giving birth because you’re releasing all the hair that didn’t shed throughout pregnancy.)

There has even been research that shows the actual diameter of hair increasing in the third trimester! See, EVERYTHING expands!

Not all changes are created equally though. Hair texture can change as well, meaning sometimes it can be more limp than usual, or alternatively, more frizzy. I’ve even seen mine change and lose a lot of it’s curl.

If the texture changes on you, don’t fight your pregnancy hair and just embrace the difference, without doing anything too permanent or drastic. Finding some new products may be all you need to help, as your texture might return to your normal once you’re holding your new little bundle.

How to Take Care of Your Pregnancy Hair

Being a mom, a teacher, an entrepreneur, a wife… along with the many other roles I find myself in daily; I don’t always have the time for self-care. When it comes to beauty, there are times I want to indulge in a spa day and then there are times where I need efficiency and results.

So, that being said, when I find a product that allows me to be a master of all my hats and rejuvenate my dried locks you can bet that product is one I’m going to keep reaching for. 

Like I’ve mentioned before, my hair is naturally curly, thick, a little dry and definitely very processed. In other words, it’s always in need of some love and attention. One of the ways that I’ve found helps nourish and brings life back to my hair is at home hair masks. And I love to embrace this time of change to take care of my pregnancy hair a little extra and nourish it naturally.

The beauty of the hair mask is that you can use it right in the shower OR put it on and carry on managing your world, while your hair has its very own spa day. I don’t know about you, but this is exactly what I need. Beauty treatments that I can do, while I do life – treatments that don’t require me to put everything on pause.

Don’t get me wrong, I definitely think we all deserve to pause every once in a while. But in those in-between times, when we still want to give ourselves a little pampering, these are the tools I’m looking for. The ones that work for me, while I do work.

One of my favorite hair masks at the moment is by Hair Food, a brand I’ve been using lately, because it’s full of the things I actually want on my hair, especially pregnancy hair. The avocado and argan oil smoothing mask helps tame the natural frizz that comes with my textured hair. It brings back vibrancy and moisturizes my ends. Yes, yes, and yes. 

Hair Food makes products that are sulfate free, paraben free and dye free so you can trust that what you are putting on your hair is made of good and beneficial ingredients. I also love that it is accessible, you can pick it up at any Target!

If you’re juggling a million roles like me and you’re looking for a hair product that works while you do, I definitely recommend that you give this one a try. 

Reduce Chemicals for Your Hair During Pregnancy

There are a NUMBER of google results when you ask about color-treating, perming, relaxing or otherwise chemically treating your hair during pregnancy. It’s enough to give you a head spin – without even flipping your thicker, fuller pregnancy hair!

My suggestion is (and many experts DO recommend) at least avoiding chemicals during the first trimester.

Personally, I try to steer clear of any chemical treatments for my own hair during pregnancy and go the more natural route. We don’t truly know how much is absorbed through the scalp, but we DO have deep pores, so for me… the fewer chemicals, the better. If you’re set on coloring (which I’ve TOTALLY done before when expecting), look for more natural, alternative options, believe me, they’re out there.

Whether or not you’re expecting, we can all experience changes in hair… treat yours well, embrace the seasons and enjoy trying new things! If you are expecting along with me, well friend, cheers to your pregnancy hair!