Quarantine has brought on a baby boom like no other! Everywhere I look, someone that I know of is bringing new life into the world. As we know, pregnancy is an extremely intense time for the female body, especially for your hair! So, let’s discuss what exactly happens.

Typically during your pregnancy, there’s this massive rush of estrogen that keeps your hair from falling out at the normal rate it usually would, resulting in a big, fat Princess Jasmin style ponytail. But then after you’ve had the baby, (according to Healthline.com) your estrogen and progesterone levels drop back down to their normal amount within 24 hours of giving birth! Dramatic, right? When that happens, your hair goes THROUGH IT. Your scalp makes up for the lost time by shedding all of the hair you’ve accumulated over the last 9 months at once! I know this is frightening, but together we’re going to figure out the easiest ways to take care of your hair with one hand while feeding your adorable new addition with the other!

Alright, you just performed the Godly act that is creating life. Next, you really want to take a shower. What are you using? My personal recommendation would be Full Potential shampoo and conditioner from Bumble and Bumble. The main ingredients are creatine, which is going to make your hair strong, and menthol, which is going to stimulate your scalp and give you that cool, tingly feeling.

Let’s be real, you’re not going to style your hair or use heat for a while, I also personally don’t recommend it. But, if the opportunity arises and you’re worried about your hair looking too flat or too fine I’d go for the Thickening Great Body Blow Dry Creme and the Thickening Full Form Soft Mousse from Bumble and Bumble. It’s my favorite duo for a blowout that needs extra oomph! I always rave about the blow dry creme because the formula physically makes the hair strand fatter without making it sticky or crunchy!

If you have a free moment for some self-care between diaper changes and you want to treat yourself to a face mask and a hair treatment, throw some Black Jamaican Castor Oil on your scalp! In addition to eating a balanced diet and taking your vitamins, Black Jamaican Castor Oil (according to Elle.com) is really good for you! There is no real proof that it makes your hair grow faster however, it’s loaded with fatty acids, and there is proof that it increases the flow of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to your follicles.

In addition to using these products, try not to shampoo too often, brush your hair more than once a day, wear a ponytail that’s too tight (hello tension alopecia), or use a harsh rubber band that could cause breakage!

Congratulations to all the new moms out there! You guys are so much more powerful and inspirational than you know!