Can pregnancy soften hair?
Apr 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cao Ting
Introduction
Pregnancy does not permit hair relaxing, as this procedure requires the use of chemical solutions—many of which are toxic and may adversely affect fetal development. This risk is especially high during early pregnancy and may lead to miscarriage or fetal malformations. During pregnancy, extra care should be taken: avoid hair relaxing, perming, or dyeing, and refrain from contact with chemical substances, all of which may impair fetal development.
Pregnancy does not soften hair. Exposure to such toxic substances can easily affect embryonic development. Specifically:
During pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations occur and immunity declines, making the body more susceptible to external agents. Hair relaxing treatments involve chemical solutions containing potentially harmful substances; exposure to these toxins during pregnancy may adversely affect embryonic development. Specifically:
Relaxing hair is especially inadvisable during early pregnancy, as this is a critical period of embryonic development. Chemical exposure at this stage increases the risk of miscarriage or fetal malformations. Therefore, hair relaxing—and indeed any chemical hair treatments such as perming or dyeing—should be avoided throughout the entire pregnancy. Such procedures not only irritate the scalp but also pose risks to both maternal health and fetal development.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy commonly cause temporary hair loss or coarse, brittle hair—both entirely normal physiological responses. Using chemical hair products to manage these changes may further damage hair quality.
If hair becomes dry or frizzy during pregnancy, gentle daily care is recommended: choose mild, pregnancy-safe hair care products; thoroughly dry hair after washing to prevent chills; and minimize exposure to chemical substances to safeguard fetal health.
