Many women are unsure of getting a haircut during pregnancy because of the several beliefs surrounding them. However, most superstitions don’t have a scientific explanation. Your hair indeed undergoes several changes in length and texture during pregnancy, but getting a haircut while taking care of certain things, such as avoiding styling products or staying away from crowded salons, might help (1). Read the post to know about the scientific facts behind the beliefs related to haircuts during pregnancy and some useful tips you should follow.
Don’t Cut Your Hair While You Are Pregnant: Myth Or Truth?
You must have heard it from an elder in the family, or even a well-meaning friend, that cutting your hair while pregnant is a strict no-no. It is one of the most common and oldest superstitions related to pregnancy. Dr. Stephanie Langsam, FACOG, a board-certified physician specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, says, “Hair represents strength across many cultures. Cutting hair can be seen as removing strength and power from the body and, therefore, the baby. Respect for different religions and cultures may alter your decision to cut your hair; however, there is no physical harm in cutting your hair during pregnancy. Maintaining your overall health improves your baby’s health.” Superstition: The fundamental concept behind this age-old superstition is that your hair helps keep you protected from the harsh cold. As per popular belief, your hair is your life force, and cutting it means giving away a part of your vital energy. The force is so potent that you could shorten your lifespan or even call upon some evil force or disease if you cut your hair. In fact, you should cut, wash or dry your hair only on special days. A haircut is strictly avoidable during pregnancy. Fact: When you are pregnant, your body releases a host of hormones, and most of them are in a constant flux or elevated state. The hormonal changes in your body cause a lot of changes you see in the volume and texture of your hair during pregnancy (2). You may notice your tresses grow from silky to dry or begin to thin and fall. Cutting hair while pregnant can help control your frizzy mane menace and make your hair look bouncier and healthier. As it is not an invasive procedure, it does not harm you or your baby in any way. However, if you are using some other styling products like sprays, colors and all, for your mane makeover it may cause some side effects. It is a good idea to check with your doctor before using them on your locks.
Safety Precautions For Getting A Mane Makeover During Pregnancy
While cutting hair during pregnancy will not cause any harm to you or your unborn baby, here are a few tips you should keep in mind while heading to the salon:
1. Avoid the use of chemicals
Avoid using hair colors and sprays or opting for hair treatments while you are pregnant. The opinion of health experts on the safety of the above is diverse. Therefore, it is a wise decision to stay away from them during this delicate phase when your health and your baby’s development are at stake. While the chemicals in hair dye may not penetrate your skin and enter your bloodstream to reach your baby, its fumes increase the chances of a negative effect (3). You may also suffer from an allergic reaction due to exposure to these harsh chemicals. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using the same while you are expecting or nursing your baby.
2. Avoid crowded salons
Another reason elders may ask you to stay away from getting a haircut while pregnant is that you have to visit crowded and unhygienic salons. Being in a crowded space during your pregnancy can be quite tricky, as you may accidentally end up bumping yourself and getting hurt. If you still want to visit the salon, make sure you take an appointment and book a slot when the salon is relatively empty.
