How Pregnancy Can Change Your Curls

As most of you know, I’m currently pregnant, and throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to hear many of my clients’ unique pregnancy journeys—especially how their curls transformed along the way. If you’re expecting or have been pregnant before, you may have noticed changes in your curl pattern, texture, or overall hair health. Let’s dive into why that happens and what you can do to care for your curls during this special time.

The Science Behind Curl Changes During Pregnancy

One thing we know for certain is that your curl pattern is determined by the shape of your follicle. If your follicle is a perfect circle, your hair will be straight. If it’s oval-shaped, you’ll have curls. The narrower the oval, the tighter your curls will be.

Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can actually alter the shape of your follicle, making it more or less oval—resulting in looser or tighter curls. This is why some people experience a drastic change in their curl pattern during or after pregnancy.

Additionally, our bodies prioritize where nourishment goes, and unfortunately, hair is last on the list. Vitamin deficiencies and dehydration—common during pregnancy—can impact your hair’s health, making it more prone to dryness, tangling, and breakage.

My Personal Experience

During this pregancy, I've struggled with hyperemesis, which led to severe dehydration and vitamin deficiencies. As a result, my hair became unbearably tangled and dry. In my last pregnancy, I noticed my curls loosened, but after I finished breastfeeding, they became the tightest they had ever been.

From my clients’ experiences, I’ve seen that some people’s curls get much tighter, while others’ become looser. Some of these changes last permanently, while others shift back once hormones regulate. Since everyone’s body reacts differently, it’s impossible to predict exactly how your curls will change.

How to Maintain Healthy Curls During Pregnancy

While you may not be able to control how your curls change, you can take steps to keep your hair as healthy as possible:

• Stay on top of your vitamins. I personally had to be diligent about taking my prenatal vitamins, B12, D, and iron. After about a month of consistent supplementation, I saw an improvement in my hair’s manageability and health.

• Hydration is key. Drink plenty of water to help counteract the dehydration that can impact hair health.

• Use repairing treatments. I found that adding a deep conditioning treatment helped me detangle my hair more easily and prevent breakage. At first, I used the Olaplex 4-in-1 Moisture Mask, then switched to the Davines Nounou Hair Mask, which worked wonders for my hair.

• Opt for products with more slip. If your hair becomes harder to manage, incorporating more hydrating creams and conditioners can help make detangling easier and reduce breakage.

• Adjust your curl routine as needed. Until my hair became more manageable, I added a curl cream to my regimen, which made styling much easier. Once my curls returned to their normal state, I was able to go back to my usual routine.

Embracing the Changes

Your curls may evolve throughout pregnancy and postpartum, but the most important thing is to listen to your hair’s needs and adjust accordingly. No two people will have the same experience, but being proactive about hair health can make a big difference.

If you’re pregnant and noticing changes in your curls, I’d love to hear about your experience! Have your curls loosened, tightened, or stayed the same? Let’s start a conversation and support each other through these changes!