Maternity Hairstyles

Pregnant woman and her hair — Photo: Prostock Studio/Shutterstock

Being pregnant is one of the most exciting times in a woman's life. Alongside the joy of expecting a baby, there are also apprehensions about being a good mom and the endless retail therapy of buying nursery furniture and tiny clothes. Additionally, there is the concern and wonder about how our bodies will change and how we can continue to look our best for the next nine months.

Changes in our hormones can affect our skin and hair, prompting a reevaluation of our beauty regimen, makeup, and hairstyles to maintain our best appearance. Skin may become drier or oilier than normal, and our skin tone can fluctuate from pale to dark or vice versa at various times during pregnancy.

Hair may become greasier and often thicker and more lustrous during pregnancy, so we may want to take advantage of this and showcase our beautiful, glossy tresses during this important time in our lives.

Plan a Pregnancy Hairstyle

In addition to changes in the color and texture of our skin and hair, there is inevitable weight gain during pregnancy. Even if it's just a few pounds, these changes will be noticeable to us, prompting the search for ways to flatter our new, rounder face shape. Particularly during the second and third trimesters, water retention can make our faces look puffy.

Aside from looking good, it's also important to plan a pregnancy hairstyle that is easy to maintain. In the early days, you might be able to keep up with your normal hair and beauty routine, but as time progresses, tiredness and your ever-expanding waistline will make your usual hair care habits, such as bending over to blow dry your hair, inconvenient and, in some cases, almost impossible!

For a flattering hairstyle, try to avoid extremely short haircuts. While these are often very low maintenance, they will do nothing to conceal the unavoidable double chin that appears in the third trimester and may unkindly accentuate the roundness of your face. Opting for a funky bob that skims a couple of inches below your chin will be much more flattering.

Pregnant woman who is wearing her hair in a short bob — Photo: Syda Productions/Canva

Parting your hair to the side instead of center will help to slim your face and avoid using straightening irons, which tend to flatten the hair against the side of the head. Instead, use a root-boosting gel while your hair is wet to lift and add body, which will make your face look smaller and longer.

Longer hair will benefit from having long layers cut into it, as this will add body and volume. While dyeing your hair is not recommended during the first trimester, once you get into your second trimester, consider treating yourself to some flattering highlights, which will accentuate your skin's 'glow' and make you feel great.

If you are concerned about the use of chemicals during your pregnancy, speak to a hairdresser or stylist about your concerns. They will sometimes be able to access natural hair dyes that will not harm you or your baby and can still give your hair that 'little lift' you desire.

If you are going out with friends and heavily pregnant, fashion does not need to go out of the window, along with alcohol. Plenty of online retailers have a great range of fashionable and flattering clothing available to make you look and feel your best. If you have a big night out planned but cannot manage a blowout, consider asking the hairdresser to just wash and blow out your hair as they can often make you look a million dollars for under twenty dollars!

By Amber | Updated May 21, 2024 | ©Hairfinder.com