Article: Anne Church from Your Pregnancy magazine

According to hairstylist Michelle De Laat of Blue Door Hair Design, after the birth, your hair may be dull and lifeless, and hair loss will seem excessive. Do not despair, your hormones will take a few months to readjust. A normal hair loss cycle is up to 100 hairs per day and once per year for up to three months you can lose up to 200 hairs per day.

When you are pregnant you do not lose this amount of hair; it is only after the birth that all the hair falls out. This is a cause of concern for many women, but it's quite normal and all your hair grows back in due course (about four months later). You can expect one of two things to happen ? you will either lose large chunks of hair resulting in bald patches or a less obvious, all-round thinning will occur.

For the first and last three months of pregnancy, as well as the three months post-pregnancy, it is advisable to avoid all chemical treatments. Perms or permanent colour (tinting) become unpredictable; they react to the hormonal changes in amino acids and protein in your hair and may not take.

Colour shampoos or temporary colour do not affect the structure of the hair ? they simply coat the hair in colour and rinse out afterwards. They can therefore be used successfully in pregnancy, but it's preferable to visit a salon for a colour shampoo as abnormalities may occur if you try the DIY route.

The middle three months of pregnancy is your hair's most normal period, known as the hormonal 'flat period'. You may tint or perm your hair during this time. Bear in mind, however, that chemicals do dry out your hair and affect the general condition even when you are not pregnant, so think it through carefully before going ahead.

The use of good quality shampoos, conditioners and treatments is worthwhile. They alleviate problems and generally improve the look and feel of your hair during and after your pregnancy. We asked Ester Briedenhann of L'Oreal Kerastase to recommend some specific products: for dry irritated scalp try the Kerastase sensitive care shampoo and soothing lotion (R89,95 each).

To prevent excessive hair loss, Kerastase has a preventative bath (R89,95) that normalises the scalp and reduces hair loss. Ester advises a five to ten minute scalp massage every day to stimulate blood circulation to the scalp. This is soothing and it will bring more nutrients to the area.

Diet is also important. According to Johannesburg dietician Amanda Weber, most pregnant women are conscious of what they eat and are likely to be taking a multivitamin which enhances hair growth and condition. She believes the four main reasons women may suffer from hair loss during pregnancy are:

• iron deficiency ? your body's iron requirements increase during pregnancy, and too little iron will result in hair loss;
• iodine ? your iodine intake should be increased as deficiency can lead to hyperthyroidism which in turn may result in hair loss;
• protein ? if you are vegetarian, special care must be taken to ensure sufficient amino acids in your diet. Deficiency becomes evident in hair as hair is made up mostly of protein
• hormones ? the dichotomy of glowing hair and skin versus a marked deterioration in both, is believed to be as a result of an increase in male hormones in the body. The reaction is usually more prominent in a first pregnancy.

Taking a multivitamin three months prior to conception should give your body the necessary nutrients to maintain a balanced body and a healthy head of hair.

Foods that help your hair include yoghurt, fresh fruit and vegetables, cold pressed oils, pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds, wholegrains like brown rice and oats, and snacks such as almonds, figs and dates. Drink sufficient water and take vitamin B complex.

If the condition of your hair becomes poor and unmanageable then a short crop is advisable. Always discuss the pros and cons of a style with your hairdresser. Be completely honest about how much effort you are willing to put in. You may discover that longer hair is easier and more flattering.

Remember that it is quite possible for you to gain weight in the face towards the end of your pregnancy. Longer hair frames the face and has a slimming, more glamorous effect. If hair becomes a nuisance it can easily be clipped back.

However, avoid tight buns or ponytails. This puts your hair under unnecessary strain, and can cause breaking, splitting and headaches. Rather twist your hair into a loose chignon or any style that is soft and unstructured. Pretty hair accessories in a myriad of colours and designs have come into their own and are the ideal way to quickly style your hair.

A common complaint is lack of hair volume and body during pregnancy. Fortunately, the extensive range of styling aids available should combat the problem. The only caution is that you should avoid using strong solutions of alcohol on the scalp area which may aggravate a scalp condition. To determine the degree of alcohol contained in a product, ask you hairdresser or check the ingredients; they should all be listed on the packaging.

We looked for some suitable products. Try L'Oreal Tec Ni Art Flexible Gelee for body and control. Paul Mitchell Modern Elixirs range contain gentle, organically derived ingredients. Try the Style Serum or Texturizing Balm. A silicone-based product like Redken Glass does wonders for dry, brittle hair with split ends. A few drops give a glossy shine; it need only be used on the ends to temporarily flatten lifted cuticles. It also tames static or fine, flyaway hair.

• Be gentle with your hair when it is wet ? use a wide-toothed comb to get rid of tangles, begin at the ends and work up to the roots.
• Hairdryers and heated styling appliances are major culprits when it comes to damaging the hair. Whenever possible, let your hair air dry, or use a heat-activated shampoo and conditioner like the Vibrance Thermasilk range.
• Frequent and extended brushing sessions may have been suitable when hair care products were non-existent, but overdoing it can lead to more hair loss and split ends. To stimulate circulation, turn your head upside down and brush hair vigorously for one or two minutes.
• Natural oils are good for the hair and scalp so don't wash your hair every day. Twice or three times a week is more than sufficient.
• When applying a styling aid, get lift where it is needed. Work the product into the hair, close to the scalp and roots, with your fingertips.
• To control flyaway hair, try this method of applying hairspray: spray the setting lotion onto your hairbrush and then brush it through.