What to expect when expecting (hair)
PREGNANCY HAIR-PLAN
After spending so many years working with my mums-to-be and carefully constructing each hair-care plan during their pregnancy - I thought I would share my personal hair-tips while navigating through this time of expecting.
Change.
While navigating through all the changes to body, mind, health, lifestyle, career and routine - my appreciation for all people experiencing pregnancy (special shout-out to Martha K for keeping it real), my incredibly understanding clients and my SUPERSTAR team has skyrocketed to the moon.
My favourite pregnancy anecdote: I was super sensitive to smells which naturally meant no hot food allowed.
Guys, I am not exaggerating when I tell you my husband was banished to our garage to eat his hot food - just picture that for a minute, my poor beautiful husband, sitting alone in his car, after his long day at work… eating his take-away in the drivers seat.
So in light of all the other adjustments, through both personal experience and the experience of my clients throughout the years - here are my tips + tricks on handling hair while expecting:
PRE-SCHEDULING - TIMING IS EVERYTHING
One thing I learnt while pregnant and a lot slower than usual, is that time is very important.
Whether that be time to do something, or time left to do something, mentally and physically things really change - I wanted to make sure one thing that didn’t have to change was my hair colour. Depending on your Hair-Colouring Routine, I would always recommend booking in advance with your salon - with a scheduled hair-plan for the duration of your pregnancy.
Obviously this isn’t for everyone, however if you are conscious about hair changes during this period, it can be really helpful as one less thing to worry about - for me it was also one aspect of my identity that I didn’t have to change.
So many times I heard: “Okay so three more bookings before the baby comes - I got this” and I felt this was such a cute little moment I could experience with my clients.
While personally on this journey I also found my self-care activities falling to the way-side, so it was something I found really comforting to lock in and not have think about.
With a scheduled hair-plan already locked in ahead of time, you can feel organised knowing your hair will be looked after at intervals that work for you - I know its stressful when you’re not feeling yourself and I honestly believe maintaining ‘you’ while on this journey, even with something as trivial-seeming as your hair can really make a big impact.
With a scheduled hair-plan already locked in ahead of time, you can feel organised knowing your hair will be looked after at intervals that work for you - I know its stressful when you’re not feeling yourself and I honestly believe maintaining ‘you’ while on this journey, even with something as trivial-seeming as your hair can really make a big impact.
2. THE HAIR PLAN - COLOUR
MY EXPECTING-CLIENTS GENERALLY FOLLOW 3 HAIR-COLOURING ROUTINES:
The low maintenance edit.
—
This one is especially true for our blonde-ladies who just imagine stark regrowth as the only option while our bun’s in the oven - rest assured this is not the case!
I always recommend starting with a root-fade and lightening off the scalp - this way you can maintain your overall blonde and let your hair naturally grow out seamlessly, your regrowth blending with your root fade to create a more ‘lived in’ blonde look.
Back to Black. (Brunette)
—
A lot of clients decide to give their hair a break and embrace their natural shade during the pregnancy process - I recommend a tint for this process.
This doesn’t have to mean a solid dark brunette, usually I would combine an overall tint with some subtle highlights to achieve a natural sun kissed-brunette look - this allows our mumma-to-be to let their hair colour just grow out naturally without maintenance during their pregnancy journey.
Au Naturel-ish.
—
A lot of mumma’s avoid colouring services completely while pregnant, this also doesn’t have to mean bad hair!
As increased hair growth is a common symptom of pregnancy, unfortunately your regrowth and those pesky greys can be unavoidable - this is where hair powder/spray comes in!
There are both Brunette and Blonde root-sprays that you can use to temporarily blend regrowth and cover greys - Evo Fabuloso are colouring-conditioners you can keep in your shower at home which also will tone hair / help to blend greys while being a less chemically-harsh / non-toxic colouring option.
*The wellbeing of bub is our main concern, so always do your own research and ask your doctor if you are feeling unsure - ABH Studio offers ammonia-free colouring*
3. THE HAIR PLAN - CUT AND BLOWDRY
Say hello to hair change: you could experience increased hair growth, hair loss, changes in texture, changes in volume - whatever the case, unless you’re one of the few who are blessed with consistent hair during this process, it may be helpful to lock in some general hair-care appointments.
Semi-Regular Trims.
Keeping your hair in-check, avoiding an unruly mess while also being a gorgeous self-care activity to look forward to - trust me when I say a head massage at the basin can change a pregnant woman’s life!
This can also be an opportunity for a luxe hair treatment to combat changing textures and dryness to your hair - have a chat to your stylist about home hair-care products as your hair-care needs change, your products may need an update.
The Re-style.
—
So many mumma’s look for a big change during this period, (we love our mom-chop) to avoid missing out or delaying the big debut - Lock in that booking!
Some styles may have worked for you in the past, however the maintenance may not be for you during your pregnancy - this is especially true when it comes to bangs.
Think about your changing routine and what you have the patience for, if you’re feeling bothered by your bangs and dread taking time out to style them (why is it so hand to hold our arms up for long while pregnant?) I would recommend chatting to your stylist about a plan to grow out your shape, maybe opting for longer curtain bangs or face framing layers.
4. HAIR PRODUCTS - TOP PICKS
Okay, here are my top picks for pregnancy hair saviours:
HAIR MASK + SCALP MASSAGER
It feels so good to put in a good hair mask, massage it into your roots, smooth your hair out in a bun and just relax at home. My favourites are Hydrate Superfoods Treatment - Pureology and Scalp Brush - Sachajuan - the aroma of fresh peppermint is exactly what I need to relax and combat pregnancy nausea.
SERUM - MID LENGTHS + ENDS
With the increased dryness of my hair, an everyday hair serum / oil helped hydrate and reduce my pregnancy frizz. My go-to products were Intensive Hair Oil and Shine Serum by Sachajuan.
STYLING
For styling when I had a wedding, birthday, dinner - basically when I had to look presentable, I had two key products depending on my mood:
DRY SHAMPOO for something a little more ‘glam.’ My favourite being Wind Blown - Redken
HAIR POMADE for those days you have to go but it’s a struggle, the best I’ve found is Slick Hold - Eleven Australia
SUPPLEMENTS
If you feel like you need that extra boost for your hair health - I personally haven’t tried these as my mane is already hard enough to manage (no increased hair growth please) however my clients seem to love the Hair Vitamins + Energy - JS Health and the Beauty Renewal Probiotic - Imbibe is amazing.
P.S
*I would also stock up on scrunchies, claw clips, hair clips / head bands to keep your hair out of your face on those ‘over it’ days*
- Amy x
KEEP READING…
