When the novelty of that infamous pregnancy glow fades, first time mothers-to-be may find that it's harder to boost their self-esteem. After all, pregnancy is tiring, and why shouldn't it be? Between morning sickness, exhaustion and the fact that you're officially taking care of another living being, it's unlikely that your hair is the first thing on your mind.
But you deserve to feel good about yourself without having to put in too much work in the morning. Luckily, your hair will change with the rest of you, growing thicker and stronger every day. Here are some tips for choosing a hairstyle for your pregnancy.
Go natural
Unfortunately, pregnancy may mean that you have to give up chemical straighteners and some types of bleach or dye for a while. On the bright side, this is a great opportunity to explore the hair that you were born with! If you have curly or wavy hair, talk to your hairstylist about what shampoos, conditioners and after-shower treatments will work well for you. This can be tough, because in order for a curl-specific brand to work, you may need to really commit to it. It often takes more than one wash to see results.
If you have straight hair, ask your stylist for some tips on making it wavier, giving it more volume or just keeping it healthy. Your new 'do might be a low bun that can come down when dry to reveal perfect waves. You may even keep it post-pregnancy!
Consider a new cut
Your face shape may change slightly as you reach the final trimester. While you should choose a cut you like, keep in mind that some styles are more flattering than others to a fuller face. Fortunately, there are cuts that look fantastic on everyone. Things to avoid include a drastic length – that means very short or very long. Most stylists recommend that you find a length you're happy with somewhere between your chin and collarbone. For some interest, long layers can help give your 'do dimension – just be sure you can still pull it back in a ponytail if that's your go-to look. Choosing to part your hair on the side rather than in the middle can also help you appear slimmer.
Minimize your routine
Unless you're truly committed to blowdrying your hair every couple of days or are OK with keeping it pulled back on days when you're just not up to it, emphasize to your hairstylist that you want a low-maintenance style.
Ditch the dye
While the jury is still out on whether you should dye your hair when pregnant, the safe answer is no. If you can't bear to go your natural color, you can always ask your doctor about henna highlights. This method will create a great glow in your hair, and is less likely to be harmful to your infant.