Have you suddenly noticed a drastic change in the texture of your hair after having a baby? Or maybe you’re currently pregnant and googling some of the effects of postpartum to be prepared for it?
Pregnancy and giving birth changes your body and mood so much and, as much as I hate to break this to you, your hair isn’t immune to those changes.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can influence the hair cycle, leading to changes in hair texture.
Elevated hormone levels can prolong the resting phase of the hair cycle, resulting in thicker hair and reduced hair loss during pregnancy.
However, a subsequent drop in hormones after giving birth can lead to increased hair loss as hairs that remained in the resting phase fall out in a synchronized manner.
And Yes, It’s actually quite common for women to see some type of hair texture change shortly after giving birth.
Understanding Hair Texture Changes
Hair texture changes can be a result of various factors, including hormonal fluctuations, genetics, and environmental influences.
Understanding the underlying causes of hair texture changes is crucial for maintaining healthy hair and addressing any concerns.
Hair texture can range from straight to curly, with various degrees of waviness and thickness.
Each hair follicle produces a unique hair strand, and the shape of the follicle determines the hair’s texture.
For instance, straight hair follicles produce straight hair, while curly hair follicles create curly hair.
Recognizing these differences can help you better manage and care for your hair as it undergoes changes.
Why is my hair texture changing after having a baby?
When you’re pregnant, your hair is growing healthy and strong because of the ultra-flow of estrogen.
You’ll be bragging to all your friends and family how absolutely amazing your hair looks and feels! They’ll be asking what your secret is and you can proudly proclaim, “I’m pregnant!”
And while that glee will last a solid 9 months, give or take; a few months after giving birth, you will notice significant changes because your hair will be in a stage of rest instead of a stage of growth. This is caused by your estrogen levels taking a nosedive. Unfortunately, this could cause some upsetting changes to your hair.
Hormonal changes during significant life events, such as motherhood, can impact hair regrowth, leading to changes in hair structure and texture.
Take heart though, the change isn’t the same for every mom. Some moms may even report fuller, thicker hair. While others say they went from wavy hair to straight hair! Even more have said that their hair thinned greatly.
Does hair texture change happen to everyone? Certainly not. Just as every pregnancy is different, so is every result thereafter.
Most women tend not to talk about it. Instead, they usually panic when all of their hair is suddenly falling from their head after giving birth.
Don’t panic! You aren’t losing any more hair than what you gained in the nine months that you were pregnant, but it will certainly feel like it as you pull chunks from your shower drain.
The texture of your hair may also be changing due to lack of care because being a new mother doesn’t leave a ton of room for dedicated haircare.
Hormonal Changes and Hair Growth
Hormonal changes can significantly impact hair growth and texture. During pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations can cause hair to become thicker and more luscious.
However, after childbirth, the drop in estrogen levels can lead to postpartum hair loss. Hormonal changes can also affect the hair growth cycle, leading to changes in hair texture and curl pattern.
Understanding the relationship between hormonal changes and hair growth is essential for managing hair texture changes.
For example, the curly hair gene might become more pronounced, or straight hair might develop a slight wave.
Being aware of these potential changes can help you adapt your hair care routine accordingly.
Will my hair return to normal?
Possibly! Our hair tends to change texture for a variety of reasons because of aging, genetics, stress and, you guessed it, because of hormonal changes caused by...giving birth!
Postpartum is already filled with so many changes and unfortunately, your hair is part of those changes.
Be prepared for this change and if you see it happening, know that it's only temporary. How long is temporary? It could take a few months to several years for your hair to return to ‘normal'. Or it may have a completely new state of ‘normal'. One of the best things you can do is be ready to take action when you see these changes.
What are the types of hair textures?
Again, not every mom is going to experience the same type of hair changes, some may only notice a little bit of hair loss and not much else. It greatly depends. Don't take these with any certainty, but rather be prepared for it.
Your hair could thin. More often than not, you could be losing a little bit of hair and in some cases, it may thin even more than just ‘normal' hair loss (whatever normal is!).
Dry hair could also be something to consider. Your hair might look like it's lacking a bit of luster and shine.
Another type of hair texture would be frizzy hair. In this case, your hair might be unmanageable despite all of your efforts.
If you experience any of these, there are ways to improve your hair or at least take care of it until it turns back to normal.
How can I improve my hair texture?
- Learn about your new hair texture. Has it thinned? Gotten wavy? There are some ways you can style it in the mean time to make it more manageable and keep it as healthy as possible. If your hair is thinning, change to a short, jaw length, blunt haircut which will make your hair look thicker. If your hair has gotten thicker, play with braids or half up-dos, maybe consider layering your hair. Talk to your hairdresser about some positive ways to change up your new hair.
- Change hair products. If you go from lush, thick hair to thin and brittle, it will require different treatment. Less is more with thinning hair. On the other hand, if your hair has suddenly blossomed, find products that deeply hydrate, and in general, you could wash your hair less often, which is amazing as a new mom since you don’t have much time to shower anyway! In addition, if you typically use a blow dryer, go ahead and nix that, as that can continue to damage your already sensitive hair.
- Eat a balanced diet. I know this sounds impossible as a new mother! But the more nutrients you’re absorbing through the foods you eat, the quicker your hair can return to normal. Taking vitamins can also be an easy way to get the nutrients your hair needs.
- Give it time. In the end, sometimes all you need is to give your body a little bit of time to catch up and return to normal. Your hair may not return to the exact same hair you had before pregnancy, but eventually it will return to some semblance of normal.
Managing New Hair Texture
Managing new hair texture requires patience, understanding, and the right hair care routine.
For women who experience hair texture changes during pregnancy or postpartum, it’s essential to focus on nourishing and moisturizing the hair. Using gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners can help maintain hair health.
For those with curly hair, using curl-defining products and avoiding heat styling can help enhance natural texture.
For those with straight hair, using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner can help add texture and body.
Additionally, incorporating deep conditioning treatments and avoiding harsh chemicals can help keep your hair healthy and manageable as it adjusts to its new texture.
What are some popular hairstyles for postpartum hair?
The first recommendation that not many moms think about is a wig! A wig may sound like the absolute last thing you want to do, but it can actually be a relief. It gives you one more option to simply throw on a wig instead of having to figure out how to mess with the hair that pregnancy decided to honor you with.
While your hair is under the wig, you can protect it from the elements, taking vitamins as well as moisturizing.
Alternatively, you could also use dry shampoo to help give it a little extra volume.
Did your hair go flat? Try using a curling iron to add a little extra volume and ‘wow’ factor.
If your hair dried out, try adding some coconut oil to it and gently styling it by manipulating your hair into curls or other fun styles.
Try to keep your hair out of a tight ponytail as that can put undue stress around the temple areas where it’s already going to be extra thin and scraggly. If you feel more comfortable with a ponytail, try a loose ponytail. Or even better, a low, messy bun.
Embracing the Change
Embracing the change in hair texture can be challenging, but it’s essential for maintaining healthy hair and self-confidence.
Rather than fighting the change, it’s crucial to work with the new hair texture and find ways to enhance its natural beauty.
Experimenting with different hairstyles, products, and techniques can help women find a new look that suits their changed hair texture.
By embracing the change, women can learn to love their new hair and feel more confident and beautiful. Whether it’s trying out new curl-enhancing products or finding the perfect volumizing spray for straight hair, embracing your new hair texture can be an exciting journey of self-discovery and style.
Final Thoughts
Remember: it’s temporary.
Embrace your new hair and know that it’s usually temporary. Be gentle with what you do with it and what type of products you use as you may not be able to do the same ol’, same ol’ for a while. Make the most of your new hair courtesy of your newborn baby.
Decrease shedding and promote active, healthy hair growth by getting the proper vitamins.
