This board exists primarily for the use of Black Mumsnetters. Others are welcome to post but please be respectful.
This board exists primarily for the use of Black Mumsnetters. Others are welcome to post but please be respectful.
Black Mumsnetters
Relaxing hair when pregnant
TravelGem · 19/09/2020 16:33
Hello all,
I’ve relaxed my hair since primary school so coming on a good 20years now and it’s all I know.
I’m just wondering if anyone has relaxed their hair whilst pregnant/ want to know the pros and cons....
I’m currently 13 weeks so 14weeks post relaxer and I’m really struggling
blueteatowel · 19/09/2020 16:55
I relaxed whist pregnant. These pregnancies are grown now and don't appear to have suffered any ill effects. My hair was also amazing in pregnancy (hideous afterwards though) and grew really fast.
I understood the risk to be changes in hair during pregnancy so cannot be sure how hair will respond to the relaxer. But there may be more recent thoughts of the effect of the chemicals on developing baby.
If I had my time again I wouldn't relax during pregnancy. I'd use the super growth to transition from relaxed to natural hair.
Phoenix21 · 19/09/2020 17:56
I did reluctantly, same reason - all I know and I’m very low maintenance with my hair.
I spaced it out more so only 2/3 times I think? I don’t leave relaxer on for long, in and out.
Space it to relax near the end for pictures (yes I’m that vain!).
And congratulations!
TravelGem · 19/09/2020 18:30
Thank you both for your responses, I don’t really want to relax my hair but I really don’t think I’ll last, the breakage is killing me.
I’m definitely a low maintenance kind of person too so I’ll have to book an appointment this week I think... good tip on spacing it out 😉
Wonderwalk · 19/09/2020 21:21
I relaxed through 2 pregnancies I asked for a sensitive one and didn’t leave it in long, I also spaced them out so only had maybe 2/3 each pregnancy . My hairdresser told me to come in at around 38/39weeks for the last one as she said that post birth with hair loss I should try and leave it as long as possible after birth.
twilightcafe · 19/09/2020 21:31
My scalp was more sensitive when I was pregnant. The hairdresser tried to relax it but it hurt too much and he had to wash it off. I think I stuck to weaves and braids.
lboogy · 20/09/2020 21:44
I only relaxed once during pregnancy. I think once you're past the first trimester it should be less of a worry.
AJTracey · 26/09/2020 10:22
Personally I didnt and wouldnt.
www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/beauty-health/hair-relaxers-the-harsh-truth-about-using-them/xc7ffm3
AJTracey · 26/09/2020 10:40
If you’re desperate make sure you apply a barrier on your scalp.
I’m going off on one I know but the amount of chemicals women apply to their bodies and ingest through cleaning is worrying. The amount is larger for black women as we tend to moisturise our bodies and hair more.
Paraben free products are a good start.
There has not been much research into the harm these products cause, as surprisingly 
black women’s health is low priority.
Ill get off my soap box now.
Enjoy your pregnancy!
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