Why Long Hair?

Many women start to think about cutting their long hair when they get pregnant. Why? It’s practically traditional, I suppose. It certainly isn’t necessary.

Pregnancy is wonderful for your hair. Hair falls out less during the pregnancy, so it will look fuller.

There are some times that you do have to take extra care of your hair during pregnancy. When I delivered my kids, it was important to have my hair braided because I knew I’d be spending hours and hours in bed, and the knots would be miserable to undo. With my second I wasn’t able to do this, as I went to a regular OB appointment and ended up at the hospital for an urgent C-section. Had to have my sister help me get the knots out since I wasn’t up for getting the knots out myself the next day.

The postpartum period is hard with long hair, but it still wasn’t enough to make me cut my hair. The thing you most need to be aware of is that all that hair that stuck around longer than usual during your pregnancy will probably start falling out after, until your hair is its normal thickness. Be ready to clean out that shower drain and vacuum up lots of loose hair! Babies are great at tangling their fingers in long hair, both on your head and any you haven’t vacuumed up yet. It’s another great time for braiding it to minimize the problems.
Impending motherhood is no reason to cut your long hair short. You can still keep your own style, just be prepared for some minor challenges when the baby comes. Many of the moms I know envy that I’ve kept my hair long. My kids love it. My husband loves it. I love it.

What can I say? Don’t expect me to cut my hair anytime soon.