During pregnancy, the action of hormones produces alterations in the woman’s body, and it is not an exception that it also affects the hair, producing changes in the hair of the pregnant woman.
The placental hormones cause an increase in the sebaceous secretion of the scalp , which will affect more or less depending on the type of hair that the woman had before becoming pregnant. In this way, if before pregnancy the woman already had hair with an oily tendency, the increase in seborrhea in this new stage could become a problem.
If this is your case, we explain what you should do and how to treat this annoying scalp problem.
“Why do I have oilier hair during pregnancy?”
Except on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, we find sebaceous glands throughout the body, including the head. These glands produce a fat that protects the surface of the skin, but when they become inflamed they can cause skin changes.
Although seborrhea can occur at any stage of life, hormonal changes are one of the main responsible for alterations in the sebaceous glands, hence adolescence, pregnancy and postpartum are especially sensitive periods. During pregnancy, the action of estrogens alters the natural production of sebum, especially during the third trimester.
Thus, if the woman had dry hair before becoming pregnant, the increase in fat will benefit her and she will look more nourished and shiny. If you started with normal hair, you should pay special attention to its care during pregnancy, as it will notice it more greasy. And if you already had oily hair before pregnancy, excess sebum could become a difficult problem to control if you don’t take the right measures.
How to treat oily hair during pregnancy
If you notice that your hair has become more oily since you are pregnant, we recommend some tips that can help you combat this annoying aesthetic problem:
- Increase the frequency of washing and always use a mild, PH-neutral shampoo so as not to further irritate the scalp.
- Wash your hair with lukewarm water, gently massaging the scalp in circular motions to increase blood flow and make the soap penetrate well.
- Dry your hair gently with a towel, avoiding whenever possible the use of dryers and hair straighteners that could damage it or irritate the sensitive scalp.
- Use masks once or twice a week to nourish your hair and prevent it from being brittle and brittle. Consult with your pharmacist to indicate the most recommended product in your case.
- Remember that beauty begins from within, so taking care of your diet during pregnancy is essential to feel good and have good health. Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, and do not neglect hydration.
- If you decide to dye your hair, be very careful with the type of dye used, as not all of them are recommended during pregnancy. It is preferable that you previously consult with your gynecologist or midwife to clear up doubts.
Faced with an excess of oil in the hair that is difficult to control with these tips, or if in addition to oily hair you feel itching and flaking of the scalp, it is advisable that you consult a dermatologist to assess a safe treatment to apply during pregnancy and that you help fight symptoms.
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In Babies and More | Postpartum hair loss, what is it due to and what can you do to strengthen your hair? Will I have beautiful skin and hair? Care during pregnancy
