Hair Care

Pregnancy hormones — particularly elevated estrogen — extend the growth phase of the hair cycle, which means hair falls out less than usual during pregnancy. Many mamas experience noticeably thicker, more lustrous hair as a result. However, hormonal changes can also alter hair texture — some mamas find their straight hair becomes wavier, or that their scalp becomes more sensitive and reactive to products they previously used without issue. These changes typically reverse in the months after birth when hormone levels normalize, often resulting in postpartum hair shedding that can feel dramatic but is completely normal.

Natural wooden combs and brushes offer several benefits that are particularly relevant during pregnancy. They are gentler on a sensitive scalp than plastic combs with sharp seam lines that can scratch. Wood naturally conducts less static electricity than plastic, reducing frizz and breakage — especially beneficial for the thicker pregnancy hair that many mamas develop. Wooden tools also distribute natural scalp oils more evenly through the hair, supporting hair health without relying on additional products. For mamas with a more sensitive scalp during pregnancy, switching to wooden hair tools is a simple and effective upgrade.

Most standard hair care products are safe during pregnancy, but certain ingredients are commonly recommended to avoid or minimize. These include high concentrations of essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, and tea tree in leave-in products used near the scalp. Chemical hair treatments involving strong perming chemicals or bleach in enclosed spaces may also be best avoided or minimized, particularly in the first trimester. Many mamas choose to limit chemical hair coloring during the first trimester as a precaution and resume after the first trimester when the major developmental period has passed. Always consult your midwife or doctor if you are unsure about a specific product.

Postpartum hair shedding — typically beginning around 3 to 4 months after birth and peaking around 4 to 6 months — is the result of the elevated estrogen of pregnancy suddenly dropping after birth, causing the hair that stayed in the growth phase during pregnancy to enter the shedding phase all at once. The result can feel alarming — clumps of hair in the shower or on your brush — but it is completely normal and temporary. Your hair density will return to its pre-pregnancy level within 6 to 12 months in most cases. Gentle hair tools and scalp care during this period can help manage the process more comfortably.

While there are no hair tools exclusively designed for pregnancy, natural wooden combs and soft-bristle brushes are the most recommended tools for pregnancy hair care because of their gentleness on a sensitive scalp and their effectiveness with the thicker, sometimes altered texture of pregnancy hair. Avoid tools with very fine metal bristles that can scratch a sensitive scalp, and opt for wide-tooth combs for detangling wet pregnancy hair which tends to be more fragile when wet despite appearing thicker overall.