Research-backed
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Being pregnant is no joke. You’re carrying a life inside you and so everything you do, feel, apply, or consume can affect the baby. The connection between the mother and baby is so strong that every little thing is done with the utmost care. After all, you don’t want to harm the baby in any way because of something you did or did not do. When there is such a strong connection between you and your baby, the last thing you want to do is to neglect your health in any way. You must care for yourself, physically and mentally, even take special care of hair and skin because your whole body is going through a lot of transformation. However, this can be quite tricky. Why? Because the products your use on yourself during pregnancy have to be safe, healthy, and protective of you and your baby.
So we are here with a few tips that you should keep in mind during your pregnancy while taking care of your hair. These tips are recommended by experts to safeguard you and your baby during that blessed time.
How Does Your Hair Change During Pregnancy?
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Most of the time pregnant women experience a change in their hair texture positively. This is because of the increase in blood volume and level of hormones like estrogen which makes hair shinier and more voluminous (1).
However, for some women, their hair starts to lose its shine and become dull, dry, and prone to split ends. A possible reason for this could be because of a vitamin and mineral deficiency. Other reasons for the increase in hair fall include anxiety and stress (2). Hormonal changes affect the hair the most, sometimes changing the basic texture of your hair, from dry or oily, or even the hair color (3).
What Products Are Harmful During Pregnancy?
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Several systems of our body play a part in regulating safe and smooth pregnancy. One of the biggest changes that occur to pregnant women is the flush of hormones. They are produced in excess during this time to ensure the smooth functioning of the body. However, certain chemicals are present in hair care products that disrupt the level of hormones in your body. Some of these chemicals include parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. They are dangerous to the body and if exposed to them on a large scale, can even cause cancer (4).
Therefore, it is essential to check with your doctor about the kind of products you choose to use during your pregnancy. Even if these are some of the products you’ve used in the past, it is important to discuss it with your doctor because it could be harmful to your baby. It is best to avoid using chemical products and switch to natural ones.
If you’re a fan of experimenting with your hair, it is in your best interest to take a break from it during pregnancy. Skip chemically treating your hair, be it smoothening or straightening, because these processes use a lot of chemicals that may be harmful to your baby’s health while also causing serious damage to your hair.
Opt For Natural Methods Of Hair Care
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Most women stay away from coloring their hair during pregnancies. However, using natural ingredients like henna are not harmful and can nourish your hair. The best way to take care of your hair when you’re bearing your child is to stick to natural products and completely avoid chemicals. Oiling your hair regularly, washing with a mild shampoo, and allowing it to air dry is one of the best ways to maintain good hair. Avoid styling your hair with heat, chemicals, and other such harmful ingredients to protect your hair, yourself, and your baby.
What are some of the natural methods you follow to take care of your hair during pregnancy? Comment below and let us know if these tips helped you learn something new.
