While pregnant women might go through unpredictable changes, that’s no reason to give up their favorite beauty routines. The belief that pregnant women should cease the use of any and all products is generally untrue. There are a lot of beauty products still allowable for use during pregnancy, and a lot of these are hair care products.
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If you’re wondering what you can and can’t do with your hair during those nine blissful months, here are a few hair do's and don’ts for expecting mothers.
Do: Go for a deep-conditioning product
Dry hair tends to become drier during pregnancy, which means you might find your crowning glory more prone to breakage and falling out. If you experience this, it would be ideal to try a deep-conditioning treatment or a hot oil treatment. Once a month should suffice — but don’t overdo it! Another great way to keep your hair from drying out is by squeezing a day or two in between washings.
Don't: Overdo chemical treatments
During pregnancy, your body goes through a lot of hormonal changes. This can affect the way it processes chemicals and products introduced from the outside. That being said, it might be a good idea to avoid chemical treatments for the time being. This will keep you and your baby both safe from any potential contaminants your body might not be prepared to handle.
Do: Read product labels
This is as true for pregnant women as it is for any other person on the planet. It is important to always read the labels. There are lots of harmful chemicals and ingredients in most mainstream products. Even organic items can be potentially dangerous. Before you make any purchases, research what’s best for expecting mothers or consult with your doctor.
Don't: Dye your hair during the first trimester
It’s an age-old question: Can you dye your hair while you’re pregnant? The first three months of your pregnancy are the most sensitive, and so it’s ideal to avoid using any products or dyes during this period. MotherToBaby, a service of the nonprofit Organization of Teratology Information Specialists, says that hair dyes are generally safe for use when the first trimester has passed. However, that’s not a unanimous opinion. Other doctors might recommend that expecting mothers avoid any chemical hair treatments altogether. When it comes to making your decision, it’s best to consult with your personal doctor.
Do: Perform a hair massage
Your hair might become a little less nourished than it used to be during pregnancy, so it’s advisable to oil your hair three to four times each week. This ensures that your hair gets the right nourishment to satisfy its needs. What’s more, a hair massage can greatly improve your hair's integrity and can be a great way for you to relax as well.
Hair care is not something you should forget or forgo — even if you are pregnant. There are lots of available treatment options for expecting mothers that won’t compromise the health and well-being of your baby. Just follow these simple tips and tricks and maintain your pretty look all throughout pregnancy.
Do you have any other tips, tricks or suggestions for expecting ladies? We’d love to hear what you have to say! Let us know about your ideas and experiences in the comments sections below.
Maja Tisma is the co-founder and editor of ShampooTruth.com.