Taking Care of Your Hair Throughout Pregnancy & Postpartum

• I. Hair, Hormones & Pregnancy
  • The role of the hormonal system in improving hair health during pregnancy
  • Ingredients to avoid in your hair care products
  • Flora’s routine to support hair beauty throughout pregnancy
• II. Postpartum: How to Manage Hair Loss?
  • A natural phenomenon
  • Adopting a holistic approach to maximize results
  • Flora’s routine to prevent hair loss and take care of your hair during the postpartum period

I. Hair, Hormones & Pregnancy

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can directly impact the quality of your hair.

A. The Role of the Hormonal System in Improving Hair Health During Pregnancy

Throughout pregnancy, many women experience a significant improvement in hair quality, with hair appearing stronger, thicker, shinier, and more resilient.

This thickening of the hair during pregnancy is actually due to a significant increase in estrogen levels in the body. This hormone positively affects the hair growth phase, during which cells divide rapidly. By binding to a specific receptor, estrogen significantly stimulates hair growth. However, this change is not observed in all women, as sensitivity to hormones varies from person to person.

Hair loss is also reduced during pregnancy. While it is normal to lose around 100 hairs a day, hormonal changes during pregnancy can reduce this loss, meaning many women experience noticeably less hair shedding.

Finally, hair texture can also change during pregnancy. Some women find their hair becomes curlier or thicker, while others report that it becomes straighter.

B. Ingredients to Avoid in Your Cosmetic Products During Pregnancy

The skin is the largest organ of our body, acting both as a barrier that protects us from external aggressions and pathogens, and also as an absorptive surface. This is also true for the scalp.

Pregnancy is a delicate period during which special attention must be paid to what you consume daily, including beauty products.

Certain cosmetic ingredients can be problematic for your health, as they may be too harsh for skin sensitized by hormonal changes, or they may be dangerous for your baby’s development.

Here are the main ingredients found in some hair care products that can be sensitizing for pregnant women and toxic to fetal development:

• Phenoxyethanol: A solvent used as a preservative in many cosmetics. Although not officially classified as an endocrine disruptor, studies have shown it can be toxic to the liver, blood,
  and brain. During pregnancy, it's best to avoid products containing this ingredient due to potential neurological damage and developmental disruptions it may cause in the fetus.
• Parabens: Preservatives used in hygiene and beauty products to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and molds. During pregnancy, parabens mimic estrogen in the body, potentially disrupting fetal development. Due to the uncertainties, it's advisable to avoid parabens during pregnancy.
• Formaldehyde and Ammonia: Found in many hair dyes and nail polishes.
• Phthalates: Used to improve product texture, fragrance retention, and preservation. Often found in conditioners or masks, where they act as conditioning agents, making hair softer and easier to manage. Pregnant women should avoid these as they can increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.
• Retinoids: Derived from vitamin A, these are teratogenic, meaning they increase the risk of malformations in the embryo. Retinol, a popular skincare ingredient, is also found in some formulations to combat hair loss.
• Essential Oils: Commonly used in organic cosmetics, these oils contain powerful active ingredients that penetrate the bloodstream and affect the entire body, including the baby’s development. They should be used with caution, and it’s best to avoid essential oils during the first three months of pregnancy. From the fourth month onwards, they can be used externally, but always avoid applying them to the abdominal area and chest. Choose products with low essential oil concentrations (less than 3%) and organic quality. Essential oils can cross the placental barrier and disrupt fetal development. Some may also cause uterine contractions, leading to miscarriages or premature births. Certain essential oils should be avoided throughout pregnancy, especially those containing ketones, aromatic aldehydes (known to be neurotoxic and abortive), and phenols, which carry a risk of liver toxicity. Avoid using essential oils that act on the hormonal system, known as "estrogen-like."
• Fragrances: Aside from causing nausea, they can be allergenic for sensitive individuals. Some fragrances may unfortunately hide endocrine disruptors or essential oils (Limonene and Linalool).

In summary, less is more: the fewer ingredients listed on the packaging, the better! That’s why at Flora, none of these ingredients are present in our hair care products. We offer a range that is uncompromising, combining sensoriality and effectiveness, always respecting your skin and health.

C. Flora's Routine to Support Hair Beauty Throughout Pregnancy

This routine is designed to care for your hair with a clean, effective, and sensory routine that supports hair beauty and prevents postpartum hair loss.

• Shampoo for Gentle Cleansing:
  
  
  Even though it doesn’t stay in contact with the scalp for long, it's important to choose a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid irritating and damaging the skin barrier. Our two shampoos are specifically formulated to maintain the scalp's pH and microbiome. They are gentle and non-abrasive. 
  
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• Serum for Healthy Hair:
  
  The Density Serum, from our innovative molecular technology, stimulates hair growth and density, making it healthier, denser, and thicker, thanks to biomimetic micro-peptides and Flora’s two patented complexes. It stimulates hair growth and allows it to grow stronger and thicker while strengthening hair bulbs. This product is essential to your routine from the very beginning of pregnancy to support healthy hair growth and prepare it for the postpartum period. 
  
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• Strengthening Mask to Nourish and Beautify:
  
  
  
  Our Flora Strength Mask is rich in active ingredients to restore hair structure and elasticity from within. It repairs and protects the hair fiber from damage without weighing it down. As a result, it optimally nourishes the hair, making it soft and leaving it supple and bouncy.
  
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II. Postpartum: How to Manage Hair Loss?

A. A Natural Phenomenon

After giving birth, estrogen levels in the body drop rapidly, putting an end to the “honeymoon period” for hair. The effects of postpartum hair loss are quite common, and it's something nearly all women will experience after giving birth. This hair loss usually occurs between the second and fourth months postpartum and can last for about 6 to 12 weeks. For some women, the shedding may even last up to a year.

But don't worry! Postpartum hair loss is a natural phenomenon, and the hair will grow back eventually. In most cases, your hair should return to its pre-pregnancy state after several months, even though this can sometimes take a while.

B. Adopting a Holistic Approach to Maximize Results

To minimize hair loss and speed up regrowth, a healthy and balanced diet plays a crucial role. The condition of your hair largely depends on the health of your body.

Here are the essential nutrients to include in your diet to support postpartum hair regrowth:

• Protein: Hair is made up of a protein called keratin. To stimulate hair regrowth, ensure you’re getting enough protein, ideally from lean meats (chicken, turkey, etc.), fish, eggs, dairy products, lentils, quinoa, and tofu.
• Vitamin B12: This vitamin is crucial for cell renewal, particularly blood cells that supply oxygen to the hair follicles. It is found in meat, eggs, and dairy products.
• Iron: A key element in hair structure, it also plays a role in forming hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to organs and tissues. Anemia, often caused by an iron deficiency, can cause hair loss. Iron can be found in lentils, lamb, beef, and tofu. Vitamin C helps increase iron absorption by the body, so remember to eat fruits like strawberries, kiwis, or citrus fruits with your meal.
• Magnesium: Helps reduce hair loss. Eat spinach, chard, almonds, and pumpkin seeds to get your fill of magnesium.
• Omega-3: Good fats that help nourish hair and maintain its health. Increase your intake of nuts and oily fish (salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, etc.).
• Zinc: Zinc helps the body produce the proteins needed for healthy hair. It also helps activate enzymes that contribute to hair repair and growth. Finally, zinc is involved in sebum regulation, which helps keep hair follicles from clogging. Zinc is found in oysters, crustaceans, seeds (pumpkin, sesame, etc.), eggs, and lentils.
• Flaxseed and Pumpkin Seed Oils: Omega-3s and zinc can be found in these oils.

C. Flora's Routine to Prevent Hair Loss and Take Care of Your Hair During the Postpartum Period

In addition to the products mentioned for your hair routine during pregnancy, here are a few products that will make a difference by boosting regrowth, strengthening the hair fiber, and restoring density, volume, and shine to your hair while nourishing it deeply.

• The scrub to gently exfoliate and stimulate hair growth :
  
  
  
  Our hair experts have designed the Daily Gentle Detox Scrub based on biomimetic principles, so it works deep within the scalp. This is where the secret to healthy and beautiful hair lies. It is formulated with pure, carefully selected active ingredients known for their purifying, soothing, and protective properties. Used as part of your daily or weekly routine, this treatment cleanses and purifies the scalp, preventing hair imbalances from occurring. The idea is to boost regrowth by removing dead cells and creating stimulation at the follicle through scalp massage. 
  
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• The serum to strengthen the hair fiber:
  
  
  
  Alternating with your Density Serum, the Miracle Repair Serum will be a valuable ally in your postpartum hair routine. Formulated using Flora's molecular technology, it is composed of two exclusive patented complexes, FP5® Biome and FMP10®. Their combined actions stimulate hair growth, enhance its resistance to external aggressions, and structure and strengthen the hair fibers. The result? Your hair is healthy, and the cuticle benefits from the serum's treatment, gaining shine, density, and beauty. 
  
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• Mask to Strengthen and Optimize Hair Beauty:
  
  
  
  Composed of our super-ingredients, the Flora Strength Mask repairs and restores the hair’s structure and elasticity from the inside. It also protects the hair shaft from damage, without weighing it down, restoring and strengthening it optimally, nourishing the hair, making it soft, and leaving it bouncy. It helps optimize hair health and prevent postpartum hair loss. 
  
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• The Filler: For Revitalized and Replenished Hair

   

  

  Flora has created the first true hair fillers without injection. They are enriched with biomimetic active ingredients, selected to match the biology of your hair. Our fillers reach the cortex of the hair fiber and deposit essential active ingredients there. Formulated with ingredients naturally present in the hair, they address the deep needs of the fiber. The hair is then revitalized, with a miraculous "hair botox" effect. Even weakened hair is rejuvenated, fresh, and replenished. 
  
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Our Sources

(1) Piérard-Franchimont, Claudine, and Gérald E. Piérard. 2013. "Alterations in Hair Follicle Dynamics in Women". BioMed Research International 2013: 957432. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/957432.

(2) Conclusion from a study published in July 2022 in the Journal of American Medical Association.

(3) Mirallas, Oriol, and Ramon Grimalt. 2016. "The Postpartum Telogen Effluvium Fallacy". Skin Appendage Disorders 1 (4): 198‑201. https://doi.org/10.1159/000445385.

(4) Rebora, Alfredo. 2016. "Proposing a Simpler Classification of Telogen Effluvium". Skin Appendage Disorders 2 (1‑2): 35‑38. https://doi.org/10.1159/000446118.

(5) Piérard-Franchimont, Claudine, and Gérald E. Piérard. 2013. "Alterations in Hair Follicle Dynamics in Women". BioMed Research International 2013: 957432. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/957432.

(6) Pacheco-Alvarez, Diana, R. Sergio Solórzano-Vargas, and Alfonso León Del Río. 2002. "Biotin in Metabolism and Its Relationship to Human Disease". Archives of Medical Research 33 (5): 439‑47. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0188-4409(02)00399-5.

(7) Almohanna, Hind M., Azhar A. Ahmed, John P. Tsatalis, and Antonella Tosti. 2018. "The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review". Dermatology and Therapy 9 (1): 51‑70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6.

(8) Kantor, Jonathan, Lisa Jay Kessler, David G. Brooks, and George Cotsarelis. 2003. "Decreased Serum Ferritin Is Associated with Alopecia in Women". The Journal of Investigative Dermatology 121 (5): 985‑88. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1523-1747.2003.12540.x.

(9) Ward, Wilfred H., and Harold P. Lundgren. 1954. "The Formation, Composition, and Properties of the Keratins". In Advances in Protein Chemistry, edited by M. L. Anson, Kenneth Bailey, and John T. Edsall, 9:243‑97. Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-3233(08)60208-9.

(10) MacDonald, Ruth S. 2000. "The Role of Zinc in Growth and Cell Proliferation". The Journal of Nutrition 130 (5): 1500S-1508S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/130.5.1500S.

(11) Ruiz i Altaba, A. 1999. "Gli Proteins and Hedgehog Signaling: Development and Cancer". Trends in Genetics: TIG 15 (10): 418‑25. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0168-9525(99)01840-5.

(12) Liang, T., and S. Liao. 1992. "Inhibition of Steroid 5 Alpha-Reductase by Specific Aliphatic Unsaturated Fatty Acids". The Biochemical Journal 285 ( Pt 2) (July): 557‑62. https://doi.org/10.1042/bj2850557.

(13) Munkhbayar, Semchin, Sunhyae Jang, A.-Ri Cho, Soon-Jin Choi, Chang Yup Shin, Hee Chul Eun, Kyu Han Kim, and Ohsang Kwon. 2016. "Role of Arachidonic Acid in Promoting Hair Growth". Annals of Dermatology 28 (1): 55‑64. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2016.28.1.55.

(14) Amor, Karrie T., Rashid M. Rashid, and Paradi Mirmirani. 2010. "Does D Matter? The Role of Vitamin D in Hair Disorders and Hair Follicle Cycling". Dermatology Online Journal 16 (2): 3.

(15) Reichrath, J., M. Schilli, A. Kerber, F. A. Bahmer, B. M. Czarnetzki, and R. Paus. 1994. "Hair Follicle Expression of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Receptors during the Murine Hair Cycle". The British Journal of Dermatology 131 (4): 477‑82. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1994.tb08547.x.