Hair Styling

Keep it simple and chic

Most pregnant women attest to the fact that the bigger it (bump) gets, the less time and energy is left to maintain the glamorous part of them.

The bulging belly is usually accompanied by many other changes ranging from a bloated face to the ultimate make or break change for a woman’s crowning glory – her hair.
During pregnancy, your hair may experience changes that may cause you to want to increase hair care in your beauty routine. A number of women experience dry. lifeless hair and even hair loss. Most others experience a fuller, more luscious head of hair during the period.

Styling of hair during this period thus, may present some challenges to the pregnant woman.
A random investigation showed that many pregnant women have adopted easy hair styles during this period and are still able to keep their hair looking as glamorous as before. Thus, hair styling anxieties during pregnancy should be non-existent.

BRAIDING: EASY AND CHIC
‘Braids work for me.’ Says Janet currently in her 6th month of pregnancy. ‘I am tired most of the time. Sleeping is a favourite pastime and when I am up, combing hair is not something I desire to do. Thence I prefer braids.’

Monica, a hairdresser and beautician at Havana Salon and Massage Parlour in Nairobi, concurs that as much as braiding is an easier way for maintaining hair during pregnancy, it has its downside. Sitting for long hours to have the hair braided affects a pregnant woman. Her legs may end up swelling and by the time the exercise is over, she may be so fatigued.

Does pulling of hair during plaiting have any effects?
The effects would be similar to a non-expecting woman—pus filled lumps at the hair roots, which may lead to hair cutting. Nothing fatal. It is however important to make sure that you are comfortable and the discomfort experienced during plaiting is tolerable, otherwise feel free to alert the stylist if this is not the case.

CUTTING: SHORT AND SMART
Some women opt to cut their hair short for easy maintenance, for much styling is not needed.

At this moment in time, because of the pregnancy, your body is bombarded by emotional changes. You may even be tempted to do that which you may regret later, like cutting your hair on impulse.

It is not advisable to take drastic measures as far as your hair is concerned: consult with your hairdresser on other ways of managing your hair. Always keep in mind that having shorter hair does not always mean that it will be easier or less time-consuming to style.

But if you decide to go ahead and cut. keep in mind a style that will suit the shape of your face.

WEAVES AND WIGS
Another alternative to easy chic hair styles is the use of wigs and weaves. It is not always wise though, to make wigs and weave routine because the hair-line may recede. This is as a result of pulling on the delicate hair-line while plaiting. The rubber-band in wigs also cuts hair along the hairline.

CHEMICALS AND HAIR PROCESSING
Jane has always maintained her perm since the commencement of her pregnancy. Is she not scared? ‘I find it easier to maintain my perm (my hair is short and easy to comb).’

Even then, chemical processes are supposed to be avoided during the first trimester. But again, they may pose problems throughout the pregnancy. The lingering smell that chemical processes leave on your hair and skin can upset a morning-sick stomach.

OF IMPORTANCE
Adopt a style that does not require a lot of maintenance or product to look fantastic. Consider hair treatment at home as opposed to the salon for in a salon you are exposed to fumes. Poor ventilation also makes salons an uncomfortable place for pregnant women.

Prenatal vitamins are full of what you need for strong hair. If you use them well on routine, they are your first defense against any problems during pregnancy.

In case of hair loss, you can choose hair accessories such as temporary hair extensions that can be pinned onto your existing hair. The temporary hair extensions last for a number of days. Stylish scarves or headbands are also ideal to be worn in case of hair loss near the temples or over the ears and around the hairlines.

END: PG17/49-50