Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: Waxy, oily hair during pregnancy

  1. #1
    New Member Turtlesorgtfo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    France
    Age
    32
    Posts
    13

    Question Waxy, oily hair during pregnancy

    Hello all! New member to the site but long time lurker. I have been growing my hair for about 2~3 years now and have found many great tips from all you lovely gals (and guys!?). Anyways, I'm happy to finally say my hello!

    My hair's about mid way down my back, 1C, medium thickness with average volume. At least that's what I could gleam from the visual hairtyping guide.

    I recently got pregnant (12 weeks along). Besides my many other hormonal changes, I have noticed a huge change in my hair: it is now very waxy and oily, limp and lifeless. After a shower, it looks as if I haven't rinsed properly. My hair brush is also covered in disgusting white gunk every time I brush.

    I'm not new to product build-up and use a clarifying shampoo once a week. The clarifying shampoo still works, however as soon as I go back to my shampoo the waxy oilyness is back! I wash my hair twice a week and don't use any styling products. And I have also tried new shampoos to no avail.

    My problem is I know that clarifying solutions are drying for hair, so I can't use it every time I wash. Does anyone have any solutions that I could use every time I wash my hair to keep the wax at bay and restore shine and healthiness to my hair?

    Thanks!!

  2. #2
    Urban Myth Buster Nique1202's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Canada
    Age
    37
    Posts
    1,920
    Length
    Pixie/TBL/???
    Type
    2b/2c/M/ii

    Default Re: Waxy, oily hair during pregnancy

    Because of the hormonal changes during pregnancy it may just be that your scalp's needs have changed and your old shampoo won't work for the duration. The main thing is to keep your scalp happy because if you get a lot of buildup that can contribute to extra shedding, and moisture in the length can be restored with conditioners and oils. I'm guessing your regular shampoo is something sulfate-free or with a lot of plant oils/extracts in it? You may have to use something closer to your clarifying shampoo at every wash for a while (more sulfates/stronger cleansers, less plant stuff) but use it ONLY above your hairline (just let the suds wash down the length as you rinse) and use a thicker conditioner or a second round of your regular conditioner on everything below your earlobes if your length still feels dry afterward.
    Nique ~ Journeying from pixie in 2011 to who knows where

    Pixie ~ Shoulder ~ APL ~ BSL ~ Waist ~ Hip ~ BCL ~ Tailbone ~ Classic ~ Fingertip ~ Knee?

  3. #3
    Member meteor's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Posts
    7,938
    Length
    BSL/Calf/Term?
    Type
    2a/2b/M/C/iii

    Default Re: Waxy, oily hair during pregnancy

    ^ I definitely agree with Nique.

    I think it's pretty normal for skin/scalp to get a lot oilier during pregnancy, due to hormonal changes.

    I'd try to stay on top of this by using clarifying shampoos or maybe even shampoos for itchy/dandruff-prone scalps, and lighter conditioners. And if you routinely oil your hair, you may want to try using less or skip it altogether.

    If you have trouble keeping the greasies at bay, I'd try:

    - well diluted ACV/lemon rinses;

    - scalp-only washes in-between full washes (with length braided/bunned and covered with a shower cap);

    - mud masks on scalp only (clay + water + optional: a few drops of lemon juice or ACV). Clays are very absorbent but also inert, so quite good and safe to use on oily skin. Be careful not to overdo it, because they are drying.

  4. #4
    New Member Turtlesorgtfo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    France
    Age
    32
    Posts
    13

    Default Re: Waxy, oily hair during pregnancy

    Thanks for the quick replies ladies. Nique you are probably right, I'll pick up a stronger shampoo and see how that goes. And I'll combine it with some ACV rinses (never tried it before but have a bottle in the fridge!) and so much needed scalp TLC, thanks meteor! I hope this works!!

  5. #5
    Member yogagirl's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    USA
    Age
    40
    Posts
    962
    Length
    APL/Elbow/Elbow
    Type
    2b/M/C/ii

    Default Re: Waxy, oily hair during pregnancy

    I also have waxy sebum. I can't use mild shampoos. They just don't clean enough. Any SLS shampoo works for me though. I really don't need clarifying specifically.

    Turtlesorgtfo, what shampoo are you currently using? That would give us an idea what to recommend. If you find clarifying or SLS shampoos too drying, you can always CWC (apply condish to length before shampooing the scalp, then rinse and condition again.)

    I would also recommend a boar bristle brush. I only use it on my scalp, not on my length. It helps break down/distribute the waxy sebum, so the shampoo can wash it off more easily.
    ♪♫ You want thingamabobs? I've got twenty! But who cares? No big deal. I want mooore ♪♫

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •