Pregnancy brings about a multitude of changes in a woman's body. Hormonal fluctuations can affect mood, appetite, and even hair. These changes can manifest differently for each woman, with some experiencing drier hair while others find their hair becoming more oily. Changes in moisture levels, curl patterns, or hair texture can make previously reliable hairstyles difficult to maintain. Even if you've managed to keep your hair up and away from your face throughout most of your pregnancy, a comfortable and practical hairstyle becomes even more crucial on delivery day.
Labor can be a long and arduous process, and sweat can quickly ruin a hairstyle. Hormonal fluctuations often cause continued sweating even after delivery, including after a c-section. As Theresa Buckson, MD, an ob-gyn, explains, estrogen levels plummet after delivery, causing hot flashes. Sweating, while essential for regulating body temperature, can be detrimental to hair, causing dryness and frizz. Salt from sweat can make straightened hair curl and kinky hair shrink. While bobby pins, clips, and hair combs might seem helpful, they are not permitted during a c-section.
Choosing the right hairstyle can enhance your "new mom glow" in those first family photos. Fortunately, there are several tried-and-true hairstyles to keep you comfortable and your hair protected during childbirth and beyond.
A pixie cut offers a fresh and manageable look for labor and delivery. This short style can be cropped close to the ears, with or without bangs. Its brevity ensures that hair won't get in the way during labor. A touch of gel or hair oil can smooth the edges around the hairline just before picture time. Before committing to a big chop, consult with a stylist to determine the most flattering length and style for your face shape. Rihanna's short pixie cut exemplifies this simple and basic option.
Braided styles offer a plethora of options for expectant mothers. Weaving hair into a side braid or French braid, or using hair extensions to create cornrows, microbraids, or box braids, provides cute and protective styles that can last through labor, delivery, and beyond. Braids keep hair locked in place, creating a polished look while keeping it up and away from the face. While some braided styles may take hours to achieve, they can last up to three months with proper care (such as covering with a silk or satin scarf each night), offering a significant time-saver during the exhausting early weeks of motherhood.
Read also: Women's Headshot Hair Guide
Moms with naturally long hair can opt for cornrow braids on each side of their head as a transitional style for labor and delivery. Applying gel or leave-in conditioner before braiding helps keep strands in place and creates a playful look for pre-baby photos. After delivery, the braids can be taken down to reveal waves, and the hair can be fluffed and styled over one shoulder for photos.
Extensions can work for any hair type and offer a sweat-proof way to achieve a long, straight style without the risk of frizz. Micro bead extensions involve placing your own hair on top of and beneath individual hair extensions, allowing it to be easily blended after birth. This option is ideal for women who desire a fuller, layered hairstyle with added length and volume, and who are willing to invest the time in a salon to achieve the look. One of hairstylist Teda Darosa-Pinkney's clients, for instance, sat for 9.5 hours to have micro bead extensions installed before giving birth to twins.
Twist styles are a great choice for moms who want to showcase their naturally coily, curly, or kinky hair without frizz. This look involves twisting two sections of hair together using hair butter or gel to maintain moisture and definition. After the baby's arrival, the twists can be left in or unraveled for a fuller "twist out" style.
Moms-to-be who prefer to wear their hair straight can wrap their hair around their heads under a satin scarf during labor and delivery. The scarf keeps the hair in place and absorbs sweat along the hairline. Darosa-Pickney chose this option when she gave birth to her son, using a comb to wrap her hair around the sides of her head and securing it with duckbill clips before covering it with a scarf. After delivery, she simply removed the scarf and combed her hair out straight for photos.
Low-maintenance hairstyles are a pregnant woman’s go-to option for navigating hair changes. These styles are easy to manage because they reduce time, energy, and effort while maintaining a presentable appearance.
Read also: Mastering French Braids
Protective styles offer a wide range of options for soon-to-be mothers. They can last for weeks and require minimal upkeep. Braids can be styled in many different ways and save a lot more time than it takes to work with the hair in its natural state. Twists also fall under the protective styles category.
A claw clip is a staple hair accessory that "never goes out of style." “Pull some pieces down to frame your face, grab the rest, and clip it up,” Gutterman said.
“A low braided bun is perfect for a date night,” she continued. “Wrap the hair with an elastic to create a low ponytail.
Braided waves are “a great way to achieve a fun look with minimal effort.” Using a leave-in conditioner provides the best results to achieve this beachy look. “After the shower on towel-dried hair, apply a leave-in, brush the hair, and braid it in a few big braids,” she instructed. “When you wake up, the hair should be dry. Take out the braids and let it be free.
The style requires sectioning the top of the hair into three parts. She then took each section and folded the hair under to create a knot.
Read also: Easy Braided Hairstyles
To prevent hair shedding, continue taking prenatal vitamins after giving birth. A healthy diet rich in nutrients and fish oils is also beneficial for hair health.
tags: #hairstyles #for #pregnant #women
