When you find out you’re pregnant, a million little things start running through your head. So many things to avoid, to take, to not take, to do, to not do. The list of do’s and don’ts can be exhausting.
Let’s make it easier on you and focus on one thing at a time, starting with your hair. Putting any chemical on or near your body can be nerve-wracking when you’re carrying, so how safe is your favorite shampoo? Do you have to buy a pregnancy-safe shampoo? Is that even a thing? We’ll break down all of this and more as we dive into what hair care looks like during pregnancy.
What pregnancy does to your hair and scalp
When you’re pregnant, your entire body changes from head to toe. The hormonal changes and additional nutrient requirements can send your hair on a rollercoaster ride. While everyone has a different experience, there are a few common conditions.
One of the most common pregnancy conditions is extremely dry skin, and this includes your scalp, which might become dry and itchy. Don’t freak out, though. A deep conditioning shampoo and conditioner duo will help with that.
The perks? Your hair (and nails) will grow faster than ever before, and it will stay longer. You might notice that you’re losing less hair than before, so your brush might not be full of strands like it usually is. Enjoy the fuller hair because, unfortunately, this is short-lived. Your hair will likely fall out at its normal rate after the baby.
Is your regular shampoo safe?
If you’re looking for pregnancy-safe shampoo, you likely don’t have to look farther than your own bathroom. Unless you have a medicated product, your usual hair care products are safe to use throughout pregnancy as long as they do not contain any toxic ingredients
That being said, we understand that when it comes to pregnancy it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’ve decided to undertake a clean beauty routine during your pregnancy, be sure to avoid the following ingredients.
What to avoid
Fragrances might make your shampoo smell nice, but synthetic fragrance is a common irritant for the scalp and skin in general. If you’re especially sensitive to fragrance, it can exacerbate your itchy scalp and possibly lead to more hair loss later on. Chemical-based color-changing shampoos are fun, but, like fragrance, can be irritating to sensitive scalps. Sulfates have this characteristic as well, as these harmful chemicals actually strip your hair and scalp of the oils it needs.
Parabens, preservatives often found in all kinds of beauty products, are commonly misunderstood products. Contrary to myth and popular belief, there is no evidence that using products with parabens increases your risk of breast cancer. While studies show these are generally safe to use, they are synthetic chemicals, so avoid products with parabens if you’re trying to stick to a clean beauty regimen.
Other ingredients to avoid include:
- Sulfates
- Triclosan
- Polyethylene Glycol
- Formaldehydes and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
- Phthalates
Shampoos that you need to check out
While your normal, everyday shampoo may be safe to use during pregnancy, it might not be treating all skin and hair conditions that arise while that bun is baking. These are some of the best shampoos that provide deep hydration to keep your scalp moisturized and your hair looking glossy and voluminous.
The Aveeno Active Naturals Pure Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner Set is a must-try. Aveeno is a brand we all know and love, so you can rest easy knowing this is a fan favorite. While this product does have added fragrance, so those sensitive to scents might want to avoid this one.
Love Beauty And Planet Hope and Repair Shampoo and Conditioner are another one of our favorite sets. The company makes these products without sulfates, parabens, or phthalates. Instead, they use plant-based ingredients that will give your hair all the natural love it needs.
PURA D’OR Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo is on the pricier side, but the bang is well worth the buck. The thousands of great reviews say this one belongs in everyone’s shower routine. It includes tea tree oil, Aloe Vera, and green tea, all-natural ingredients that promote healthy, clean hair, whether you’re pregnant or not.
Taking care of yourself during pregnancy can be complicated, but luckily a few small changes, like choosing the right shampoo, can make it so much easier. Getting a healthy shampoo for yourself now will not only improve your itchy, dry scalp but can also prevent excessive hair loss that tends to start around four months after having your baby.
Long story short, take your vitamins, try to sleep when you can, put your feet up as much as possible, and get the best pregnancy-safe shampoo you can find. Your hair will thank you for it later.
BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.
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