Hair Growth and Pregnancy: What to Expect and How to Keep Your Hair Healthy
Pregnancy is a time of major hormonal changes, and for many women, it brings noticeable changes in hair growth, texture, and shedding patterns. Some experience thicker, fuller hair, while others notice increased shedding postpartum.
At The Press Room Salon, we specialize in healthy hair care, trims, silk presses, and treatments to help women maintain strong, vibrant hair before, during, and after pregnancy.
In this blog, we’ll separate myths from facts, explain how hormones impact hair growth, and share professional tips on keeping your hair healthy throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Myth vs. Fact: How Pregnancy Affects Hair Growth
🚫 Myth #1: Pregnancy makes your hair grow permanently thicker.
✅ Fact: The increase in hair fullness is temporary due to hormonal shifts that prolong the hair’s growth phase.
🚫 Myth #2: Prenatal vitamins cause hair to grow faster.
✅ Fact: While prenatal vitamins support overall hair health, they don’t speed up growth beyond your body’s natural rate.
🚫 Myth #3: Postpartum hair loss means you're losing all the hair you gained.
✅ Fact: Postpartum shedding is a natural phase called telogen effluvium, where hair that was held in the growth phase during pregnancy sheds all at once.
Understanding these facts helps manage expectations and prevent unnecessary hair panic during pregnancy and postpartum.
How Pregnancy Hormones Impact Hair Growth
Hair grows in three main cycles:
Anagen (Growth Phase) – Hair actively grows for 2-7 years.
Catagen (Transition Phase) – Hair growth slows before shedding.
Telogen (Shedding Phase) – Older hairs shed to make room for new growth.
During Pregnancy: Fuller, Longer Hair
✔ Estrogen levels increase, extending the growth phase (anagen)
✔ Hair appears thicker and shinier because less shedding occurs
✔ Increased blood circulation delivers more nutrients to the scalp
Postpartum: Increased Shedding and Hair Loss
✔ Estrogen levels drop, sending more hair into the shedding phase
✔ Postpartum shedding typically peaks around 3-6 months after birth
✔ Hair may appear thinner, especially around the hairline
This is completely normal and not a sign of permanent hair loss. Most women regain normal hair growth within 6-12 months postpartum.
How to Maintain Healthy Hair During Pregnancy
1. Keep Your Scalp Nourished for Optimal Growth
✔ Use scalp massages with natural oils (castor oil, rosemary oil) to stimulate growth
✔ Drink plenty of water to keep hair hydrated from within
✔ Avoid overwashing, which can strip natural oils
2. Trim Regularly to Prevent Breakage
✔ Get a trim every 8-12 weeks to keep ends healthy
✔ Avoid split ends spreading up the hair shaft
✔ Trimming prevents excess postpartum shedding due to damaged hair
3. Choose Protective Hairstyles That Reduce Tension
✔ Low-maintenance styles like braids, buns, or sew-ins prevent excessive manipulation
✔ Avoid tight styles that cause stress on edges and weak areas
✔ Opt for silk or satin scarves at night to maintain moisture
4. Use Pregnancy-Safe Hair Products
✔ Stick to sulfate-free, paraben-free shampoos and conditioners
✔ Avoid harsh chemical treatments like relaxers, excessive color, or keratin treatments
✔ Look for biotin-rich hair masks to strengthen strands
5. Be Gentle with Heat Styling
✔ Limit flat irons, blow dryers, and curling wands
✔ Always apply a heat protectant before styling
✔ Opt for silk presses only when necessary to reduce heat exposure
By following these pregnancy-safe hair care practices, you can maintain healthy, strong hair while minimizing breakage.
Postpartum Hair Recovery: How to Reduce Shedding After Birth
Many women experience postpartum hair loss, but there are ways to reduce excessive shedding and promote regrowth.
1. Continue Prenatal Vitamins Post-Birth
✔ Provides biotin, iron, and folic acid to support regrowth
✔ Helps combat nutrient depletion after pregnancy
2. Get a Trim to Remove Weak Ends
✔ Postpartum hair is often weaker and more fragile
✔ A fresh trim prevents excessive tangling and shedding
3. Strengthen Hair with Protein Treatments
✔ Use protein-based deep conditioners to fortify strands
✔ Helps restore elasticity and thickness
4. Manage Stress to Prevent Excessive Hair Fall
✔ Stress hormones can trigger additional shedding
✔ Practice scalp massages, deep breathing, and self-care
5. Use a Gentle Detangling Routine
✔ Use a wide-tooth comb and detangle from ends to roots
✔ Avoid brushing wet hair, which is more prone to breakage
Following these postpartum hair recovery steps will help restore thickness and maintain hair health as your hormone levels return to normal.
When to See a Professional for Hair Loss Concerns
If postpartum shedding lasts longer than a year, or you notice:
Bald spots or extreme thinning
A receding hairline that doesn’t grow back
Unusual shedding not linked to pregnancy
It may be time to consult a trichologist (scalp specialist) or hair professional.
At The Press Room Salon, we offer personalized hair consultations, scalp treatments, and strengthening services to help restore hair health.
Final Thoughts: Healthy Hair Through Every Stage of Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings many changes to your hair growth cycle, but with the right care routine, you can keep your hair healthy before, during, and after pregnancy.
✔ During pregnancy: Focus on scalp nourishment, trims, and gentle hair care
✔ Postpartum: Support regrowth with protein treatments, stress management, and balanced nutrition
✔ Long-term: Maintain a healthy trim schedule and hydration routine for stronger, fuller hair
If you need personalized hair care guidance, professional trims, or strengthening treatments, book an appointment at The Press Room Salon and let our expert stylists help you achieve your healthiest hair yet.