Many people notice that their hair changes noticeably during pregnancy: it can become thicker and shinier, but also greasier or drier than usual. That is entirely to be expected – your hormones affect both the hair's growth cycle and the scalp's balance. Here is an explanation of what happens, and a simple, gentle routine for your hair while you are expecting.
The short answer
During pregnancy, your hormones keep a larger share of your hair strands in the growth phase, which is why hair often feels thicker and fuller. At the same time, the scalp may produce more or less sebum than usual, making hair greasier or drier. Care for it with a mild shampoo without sulphates, adjust how often you wash to the scalp's current needs, and be gentle with brushing and heat. If you are unsure about a product or treatment, ask your midwife or doctor.
Why your hair changes when you are pregnant
Your hair grows in a cycle with a growth phase, a resting phase and a shedding phase. Outside pregnancy, around 85–90% of hairs are in the growth phase, while the rest are on their way to being shed. During pregnancy, oestrogen levels rise, keeping more hairs in the growth phase for longer. You therefore shed fewer hairs than usual – and the total amount of hair on your head quietly increases. That is why many pregnant women experience thicker, denser and shinier hair, especially in the second and third trimesters.
Greasy or dry hair? Your scalp's needs can shift
Hormones also affect the scalp's sebum production – just not in the same way for everyone. Some find their hair gets greasy faster than before because the sebaceous glands work harder. Others get a drier scalp and drier lengths. Both are normal, and the solution is the same: adapt your care to the hair you have now, rather than the hair you had before.
- If your hair gets greasy faster: Feel free to wash a little more often with a mild shampoo, and massage it thoroughly into the scalp – that is where the oil sits.
- If your hair and scalp are drier: Cut down on washing frequency and heat, and prioritise moisture in both shampoo and conditioner.
- Unsure about frequency: Read our guide to how often you should wash your hair.
Because your needs can shift along the way, it helps that your hair care can shift too. LULAB's customised shampoo and conditioner are composed from your hair test – and you can retake the test when your hair starts behaving differently, so the formula matches your current situation.
Gentle hair care while you are expecting
There is no need for a whole new routine, but a few principles are extra relevant when your hair is fuller and your scalp more sensitive:
- Choose mild formulas. A shampoo free from sulphates, silicones, parabens and mineral oils cleanses gently without drying out the scalp.
- Wash in lukewarm water. Very hot water dries out the skin and can worsen both itching and a greasy scalp.
- Brush gently. Detangle from the ends upwards, and use a brush that glides through the hair without tearing – see our guide to brushing your hair correctly.
- Give the hair tie a break now and then. Very tight hairstyles pull at the roots day after day – looser styles are gentler.
- Turn down the heat styling. Lower temperatures and more distance from the scalp are kinder to both hair and skin.
Can you colour your hair while pregnant?
It is one of the most googled questions about hair and pregnancy, and the answer is not black and white. There is no evidence that ordinary hair colouring harms the baby, but many still choose to be cautious – for example by waiting until after the first trimester, choosing gentler colours, or opting for techniques such as highlights, where the colour does not sit directly on the scalp. Colouring is also hard on the hair's structure, and because hair can behave differently during pregnancy, the result may also turn out differently than expected. If in doubt, talk it through with your hairdresser – and ask your midwife or doctor if you are unsure what is right for you.
What happens to your hair after the birth?
The extra hairs that pregnancy has kept in the growth phase have to be shed at some point. This typically happens 2–4 months after the birth, when many experience noticeable but temporary hair shedding – often called postpartum hair loss. It is not a sign that something is wrong: hair usually returns to its normal cycle within 6–12 months. You can read much more in our article on postpartum hair loss. If you experience sudden, patchy or persistent heavy hair loss, always talk to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions about hair and pregnancy
Why does my hair get thicker when I am pregnant?
Oestrogen keeps more hair strands in the growth phase for longer, so you shed fewer hairs than usual. That is why hair feels denser and fuller, especially late in pregnancy.
Why does my hair get greasier – or drier?
Hormones affect the scalp's sebum production, but not in the same way for everyone. Some produce more sebum and get greasy hair faster, others less and get drier lengths. Adjust washing frequency and care to your hair's current needs.
Do you lose hair while pregnant?
Most people shed less hair than usual during pregnancy. The big shed typically comes 2–4 months after the birth and is temporary in the vast majority of cases.
Should I change hair products when I am pregnant?
Not necessarily – but if your hair has changed, it makes sense for your care to follow. Choose mild products without sulphates, and ask your midwife or doctor if you are unsure about a specific product.
Get hair care that suits your hair right now
Pregnancy changes your hair's needs – and ideally your care should change with it. Take LULAB's hair test and get a shampoo and conditioner tailored to your hair and scalp as they are right now – free from sulphates, silicones, parabens and mineral oils.
