Black Maternal Week signifies a movement in which Black mothers acknowledge the race disparity in reproductive health. The week calls for uplifting expectant Black mothers and prioritizing resources for their well-being. Black Mama’s Alliance, along with many advocacy organizations, caters to motherhood and the dwindling mortality rate.
Along with battling reproductive organs and hormonal changes, Black women’s hair is jeopardized during pregnancy.
Mothers are expected to lose strands pre and postpartum—causing a decline in mental health since Black women pride themselves in their crown.
Dr. Andy Goren, board-certified dermatologist, trichologist, and Chief Medical Officer at Daniel Alain, assures in recovering poor scalp health since the topic is continually overlooked in the hair care industry. Goren advocates protecting the hair follicles, especially to expectant mothers.
The scientist shares tips for recovering hair loss and growth in honor of Black Maternal Health Week.
What To Expect (In The Scalp) When You’re Expecting
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The certified doctor says the influx of hormones causes scalp changes contingent on the stage of pregnancy, individual genetics, health status, and diet. The symptoms in the scalp vary from dryness to sebaceous but most than likely cause itchiness. Goren says the pregnancy triggers circulating and tissue hormones.
Hair, nails, and skin are connected with these hormones, and new mothers may notice an increase in hair growth in the scalp, face, and arms. However, postpartum accompanies significant hair loss called telogen effluvium—which is a dreadful transition welcoming motherhood. Goren confesses the condition is temporary, and the hair follicles will revert to normal months after delivery.
“The mechanism of action leading to postpartum hair loss is not entirely clear; however, it is believed that the change of hormones combined with the stress of delivery results in rapid hair shedding,” he says.
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Does Race and Hair Texture Contribute As A Major Factor In Hair Loss?
Though Black women face negligence in maternal care, Goren incurs research demonstrating hair loss comparing ethnic groups during pregnancy has not been studied “in a systematic way.” However, the expert says the itchiness and dry scalp may “manifest” more in some ethnic groups than others. Also, Dr. Goren reveals pregnancy plays a significant role in the density of curly hair textures. He expresses that in certain cases, circulating hormones amplify the “curliness” in one’s textures, or some women lose the volume of their natural hair.
Consult Your Physician Before Treating Your Scalp
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Hair loss can be a major transition, but Dr. Goren suggests communicating with a professional before incorporating undiagnosed treatments to avoid complications. He says vitamins or hair growth medication should be avoided and secondary to maternal care.
“Some hair growth drugs, such as minoxidil, can potentially affect the fetus,” he says. “Some products and drugs (such as anti-androgens) are often effective at growing hair; however, this category of products can significantly affect sexual characteristics of the developing fetus.”
Dr. Goren dismisses any treatment that enters the bloodstream but believes over-the-counter shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers are primarily safe and provide a feel of “healthier and fuller hair.”
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Like the physician, hair stylist, and Bee Blondor Studio salon owner, Brittney Aub-Constantin believes in a holistic approach to nurturing her hair after birthing two children. She confesses that, being a mother and wife, she’s sometimes unprepared but still holds it down. As her family and business grow, Aub-Constantin prepares to open a headquarters in the backyard of her newly developed home.
Before the entrepreneur dedicated her energy to motherhood, she built her empire in South Florida and exceeded her expectations as a natural hair colorist. The Jamaican-American business owner prides her mom on celebrating her thick curly hair—which shifted into catering to her coils when she was expecting.
NaturallyCurly also spoke with Aub-Constantin on the best product recommendations for pregnancy.
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Product Recommendations
During her pregnancy, the stylist says her bleach-blonde curls became drier after her children. After 4-6 months postpartum, she says her hair starts to shed. Since Aub-Constantin focuses on colored hair, she is an avid Olaplex enthusiast. She uses their No.3 treatment to restore her hair’s moisture and follows with RedKen’s CAT protein treatment. She confesses she added rosemary to her shampoo to stimulate the scalp.
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She says healthy hair and regrowth thrive from balancing protein and nourishment. Deep conditioning is vital in retaining hair strands, and the stylist suggests Biotop Professional 911 Quinoa Hair Mask. Since Aub-Constantin resides in the Miami heat, she uses Design Essentials Almond, Avocado Mousse, and BounceMe Curl Spray Gel as stylers. A budget-friendly product Aub-Constantin raves is Miss Jessie’s Leave-In Condish.
Simplify Your Routine and Stick With It
Aub-Constantin suggests not sleeping with wet hair and including low manipulation styles. Lastly the creative objects to oils and silicone-based products. She says oils do not penetrate or moisturize the hair contradicting the idea of hair growth.
Hair Advice To Mommies
Aub-Constantin reinforces taking vitamins A and D for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Additionally, stress is a common denominator in hair loss. She advises letting the body heal through every stage of motherhood.
“You want to let your scalp breathe. You want to let your body regenerate itself because you’re in a new body now,” she says.
Aub-Constantin presents herself as a colorist who perfects her craft. However, there are steps intended to follow before coloring your strands. This article gives you tips on prepping your hair before bleaching.
