When we are in sweet anticipation the hair looks thicker and stronger than usual. Thanks to pregnancy, in fact, hormones and a particular lipid make the hair more beautiful in a natural way.
The improvement is due to the estrogens that blocks the growth cycle and hair loss, letting them all fall together after childbirth. The rest is done by prostacyclin, a lipid produced by the wall of the arteries and contained in the placenta that stimulates hair growth because it acts as a vasodilator, promoting greater blood circulation of tissues, and therefore also of the scalp. In addition, the increased production of estrogen regulates the production of sebum and prevents the hair from becoming white at that time. One of the most debated problems, however, concerns the coloring: is it harmful or not when you are expecting? We asked Dr. Alessandra Narcisi, dermatologist at Humanitas.
Green light to hair dyes even during pregnancy
Although no scientific studies have ever been carried out on the effects of hair dye in pregnant women, no risks to the fetus from the use of hair dyes have ever been reported in the scientific literature. “Over the years, the formulations of hair products have improved significantly and the dyes used today are much more delicate than a few decades ago – said Dr. Narcisi. Following some recommendations, even pregnant women who want to cover some gray hair early, or want to revive their natural hair color, can continue to do so without fear of damaging their child: dye no more than once a month, starting from the third month during the entire gestation, choose delicate products free of potentially toxic substances such as ammonia, resorcin, PFD (paraphenylenediamine), prefer light oxidation colorings, i.e. semi-permanent dyes without ammonia that maintain the color of the hair up to six to eight washes and, in general, have a covering and reflecting power lower than the permanent ones that contain ammonia and oxidizing substances and decrease the normal exposure time”.
Weak and brittle hair immediately after childbirth due to prostacyclin
Immediately after childbirth, the hair tends to fall off due to prostacyclin. It gradually becomes brittle, dry, and difficult to manage, especially for women who are breastfeeding because the increase in prolactin weakens the hair. Secondary effects such as impoverishment of nutrients and lack of sleep occur. What is the best way to take care of the hair in this delicate phase in which stress also plays a decisive role? “The dermatologist added: “All the advice you need to treat damaged hair is valid: suitable products for care, a diet rich in vitamins in which there is plenty of fruit and vegetables and the mineral salts contained in eggs, dried fruit, cereals, red meat and legumes”.
