Hair Changes in Early Pregnancy: Complete Guide
Pregnancy hormones can change your hair in ways you might not expect. Some women enjoy luscious, thicker locks from early on. Others notice their hair becoming oilier, changing texture, or growing in places they'd rather it didn't. Here's what's behind these changes and what to expect throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
Why Does Hair Change in Pregnancy?
The main driver is oestrogen. During pregnancy, your oestrogen levels rise significantly and remain elevated for the duration. One of oestrogen's effects is that it prolongs the active growth phase of your hair (called the anagen phase) and delays the resting and shedding phase (telogen). In practical terms, this means hair that would normally fall out stays put for longer.The result: many pregnant women notice their hair feels thicker, denser, and fuller — particularly as the first trimester progresses into the second. This is one of the more welcome pregnancy changes for many women, though not everyone experiences it to the same degree.
Thicker, Fuller Hair
If you notice your hair seeming more voluminous or that you're losing less in the shower, this is why. Oestrogen is keeping more hairs in the growth phase simultaneously. Some women find their hair also grows faster during pregnancy, though the evidence for this is more variable.This effect often becomes more noticeable from the second trimester onwards, but some women spot it earlier. You might need to adjust your usual hair routine — products or styles that worked before pregnancy may feel different when your hair is denser or its texture has shifted.
Texture and Oiliness Changes
Not all hair changes in pregnancy are about thickness. Some women find their hair becomes:- Shinier — increased sebum production can give hair a healthy-looking sheen
- Oilier at the roots — the same sebum increase that affects skin can make the scalp greasier than usual
- Different in texture — some women find straight hair develops a wave or curl, while curly hair may loosen. This is less well understood but is thought to be related to hormonal effects on the hair follicle itself
- More prone to frizz — particularly in women whose hair is naturally prone to it
These changes are temporary and typically reverse after pregnancy, though it can take several months for your hair to fully settle back to its pre-pregnancy state.
Hair Growth in Unexpected Places
Increased hair growth is not limited to your head. Some women notice darker or more noticeable hair on the face, abdomen, chest, or legs during pregnancy. This is caused by elevated androgen hormones (a normal part of pregnancy) and is very common. It can be surprising if you haven't been warned about it. Like all pregnancy hair changes, this generally resolves after birth, though it may take a few months.
What to Expect After Birth: Postpartum Hair Loss
Perhaps the most significant hair change doesn't happen during pregnancy at all — it happens a few months after. When oestrogen drops sharply after birth, all the hairs that were held in the growth phase during pregnancy begin to shed at once. This postpartum hair loss (sometimes called telogen effluvium) typically begins around two to four months after giving birth and can be alarming in its intensity.
You may notice large amounts of hair in the shower, on your pillow, or coming away in your hairbrush. This is entirely normal and is not a sign that anything is wrong. Your hair will return to its pre-pregnancy volume and pattern, though it can take several months — sometimes up to a year — for things to fully settle.
If hair loss seems extreme, persists beyond a year postpartum, or you notice patchy bald spots rather than general thinning, speak to your GP, as these can occasionally indicate thyroid issues or other conditions that are worth investigating.
Is It Safe to Colour or Treat Hair in Pregnancy?
Many women want to know whether they can continue dyeing or chemically treating their hair during pregnancy. The NHS advises that most hair dyes are unlikely to harm your baby, as only small amounts of chemicals are absorbed through the scalp. However, some women prefer to wait until after the first trimester as an extra precaution. If you have concerns, speak to your midwife or hairdresser who can advise on lower-chemical options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my hair go back to normal after pregnancy?
Yes. The thicker hair you enjoy during pregnancy will shed after birth as hormone levels drop. This postpartum shedding is normal and temporary — your hair will return to its pre-pregnancy state, though it can take several months. If you're concerned about the extent of hair loss after birth, speak to your GP.
Why has my hair texture changed during pregnancy?
Changes in hair texture — including straight hair becoming wavier, or curly hair loosening — are thought to be caused by hormonal effects on the hair follicle. This is a recognised but not fully understood phenomenon. For most women, texture returns to normal after pregnancy, though it can take time.
Is it normal to lose very little hair in pregnancy?
Yes, this is expected and is one of the reasons pregnancy hair often feels thicker. Less shedding during pregnancy is the norm for many women. The flip side is that this retained hair tends to shed in the months after birth, which can feel dramatic but is entirely normal.
Speak to your midwife or GP if you have concerns about your hair changes during or after pregnancy.
Further reading:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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