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A pregnant gal’s guide to hair

There are a million and one things women begin thinking about when they’re pregnant. But what about hair? As a stylist at Boston’s renowned Jeffrey Lyle Salon, Justine Piecuch has seen it all, and she’s sharing her top pregnancy hair tips today!

Pregnant woman touching hair

First things first — it’s a fact of life that your hair is going to go through some major changes during and after pregnancy. Some ladies are lucky and don’t really face any hair challenges during pregnancy, but for those who do, my best advice is to embrace the changes and work with them as they come.

Here are a few of the most common pregnancy hair issues and some advice on how to deal with them! Keep in mind that everyone has different scenarios, so if you’re ever uncertain about a personal hair situation, it’s always best to bring the uncertainty to your doctor!

Hormone overload

The problem? Hair can begin its changes right from the get go. Remember, everything that goes on internally grows out and reveals itself through the hair and scalp. Some people experience drier scalps during pregnancy, while some begin to feel like their hair is oily and dirty all the time. We can thank hormones — which can cause the strangest things to happen to our bodies — for all this.

The fix? The best way to fix this may be to take a look at what’s in your shower. Changing your shampoo or conditioner would be your best option. Certain scalp conditions will need a specific shampoo and conditioner to balance it out, so speak with your stylist to help figure out what’s best for you.

Makeover madness

The problem? As women, we can all agree that when one major change happens in our life, we tend to like to add another. And since many women prefer to avoid coloring their hair during the early stages of pregnancy, many of them seem to make their change through their haircut.

The fix? A major change in haircut can often cause regret, so before you take the plunge, take a deep breath and realize that some decisions you make while pregnant can be very impulsive. Now if you’ve had the thought of change for a while, then by all means get the cut! Take into consideration the changes that will be happening and ask yourself, will this work with my lifestyle and will I feel good about how I look? This will always help you make the right decision, and your stylist will always be a good voice of reason!

To color or not to color?

The problem? There aren’t enough studies to show whether the effects of coloring can harm a growing human life. Most experts agree that the chemicals do not absorb into the bloodstream, but note that a few DO believe that chemicals CAN be absorbed into the bloodstream. However, the question of whether coloring is safe or not still remains.

The bottom line? Experts typically recommend waiting until you’re in your second trimester to color your hair, but if you’re still nervous, hold off on the coloring or ask your stylist if something can be done with foils — this will keep all color away from the scalp.

Post pregnancy problems

  • Hair loss: In my experience, this is where things can take a big turn. Some — not all — women experience a bit of hair loss after pregnancy, usually in the areas right above the temple and front hairline. This may be a good time to try out a fresh fringe. Another type of hair loss? Lots and lots of fly-aways, most visible right down the part.
  • Dryness: I’ve seen this on most women right after the delivery, and it can last about the first two months. Have your stylist recommend shampoos and deep conditioners that can help nurture the hair, and get on a good schedule for cuts to help purge hairs right on the ends.
  • Texture changes: One of the biggest complaints I always hear is, “Before kids, my hair did this and now….” Hair can sometimes change permanently after children, and I have seen many women lose or gain new waves. Embrace the change! The more you put up a fight, the worse it’s going to get. This is the time to try out new products, cuts, etc. and get to know the new you.

Watch: How to get shiny hair

Today on the Daily Dish, our host Haley Desmet shows you how to make a hair mask for shiny hair.

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