First Trimester Restrictions on Relaxing African-American Hair

pretty scarves will do nicely for now, don't stress yourself.

you could go natural
get corn rows or a braided style
go do a roller set at a dominican salon--10 bucks during the week
use some hair wraps
or go to the salon Evolution in brooklyn. they do all types of styles for black women. I wanted to color my hair when prggers and I got good advice. do a consultation.

good luck to u and your baby!

Hello S., You can press it (hot comb/straighten). Or you can do flat twist, box braids and or just cornrows. It's good cause it will give your hair a rest from the chemcicals too. Good luck to you.

The best thing I could have done throughout my pregnancies was to go to a Dominican Hair Salon, get a good wash, deep conditioner, ends cut and then I'd go next door to an African Hair Braiding Salon to get my hair-braided.(Sometimes you can find those services in 1 Salon) Trust me it is easier.Like a couple of the other Mothers said, it also gives your hair a "break/rest" from the chemicals. I can tell you I really appreciated having my hair braided while in and after labor and those couple of days in the hspt as well as the time home after that. I had one of the girls that braided my hair come to my house to wash, and re-braid during that time at home until I could get out! I simply asked! What a joy...Good Luck and Healthy Baby (and) Hair... I know you didn't ask, but rub your Belly, Thighs, Knees and Elbows with Pure African Shea Butter...Works Wonders! I still use it!

Hi S.,

I'm AA as well and delivered a healthy daughter in June 2007. I wouldn't go against what your doctor says however I did relax my hair and my doctor didn't seem to have a problem with it. One thing you can try is a product called Culture 7 Day Relaxer. It temporarily relaxes curls without harsh chemicals. I found it at CVS and it actually works rather well. Good luck!

whille I don't have any research info on your OB's particular concern, I think you need to be happy that your OB is concerned about chaemicals that can be absorbed into your body and be potentially harmful. Why not try cornrows or braids.. especially if the concern is only for the 1sr trimester..then it's temporary. You might find them preferable just before delivery..your hair will be something less to worry about in the hospital and when the newborn comes home.

Hi,

I used a lot of moisturizer and also had my hair braided in some fancy styles that i didnt have to touch for a few weeks. I hated braided my hair in the past, but I actually ended up liking it after that. Maybe that could work for you. Oh by the way I had to let the hair dresser wash it before braiding. Hope that helps.

Jeey

What about getting your hair braided? I was in your same shoes and opted to not perm my hair for the entire pregnancy. I would definitely take your OB's advice and at least not use a perm during the first trimester. It will be over soon enough.

Best of luck!

C

I went through that with each of my two children. With the first, I braided it into a style the was flexible enough to dress up or down. With the second, I had my hairstylist braid my hair and put in a full weave (about 10/12 inches) that looked very natural and still allowed me to wash and set it as I would my natural hair. Out of both options, the second is what I would do again if/when the time comes.

It's Great that your OB recommended not adding chemicals to your scalp, that will possibly harm your baby. I recommend using nature-based products formulated for African American skin. Anahita's hair butter and oil is ideal fro your hair type. Not only is it formulated with pure essential oils, it smells GREAT, infused with warm vanilla and sweet amber. Your body and hair will be thankful for this. You can view product here: www.warmspirit.org/joyishere and email me for a FREE sample!
Warm Regards!