Hair with the baby-blues

Saving my hair after pregnancy

Constance's eyes sparkle. She points out the final corrections to be made on her manuscript. A few lines, to be paced for more rhythm. This is the new episode of the comedy web series she is writing with a friend, which deals with various social issues in an absurd way. Constance is an actress, scriptwriter and is setting up her own theatre company, Les Conversations. She's also the mother of Paul, 5 years old, and Carmen, 1 year old. She confides that her work has evolved over the course of her pregnancies, just as her hair has. Everything requires extra effort; you have to regain your confidence, despite the fatigue. And you have to make room for yourself. But the creation and the energy are there. The recovery is beautiful, and Constance knows how to be twice as imaginative, in all aspects.

How would you describe your hair?

My hair is quite soft, fine. And long. But I often put it up in a bun. A loose bun. You have to impress. I love to impress, a little bit; making an impression is my job. So, messy locks to create volume. With my two pregnancies close together, my hair became flat and dry. I had no choice but to reinvent myself. I feel like I've come a long way. Four months after the birth of my second child, I had to start all over again: my hair had no strength, no texture, and I was losing it by the handful. Not to mention the ones that ended up in Carmen's tight little fists.

Was this hair loss linked to your pregnancy?

Yes, clearly. This hair loss is linked to the drop in estrogen; it's well known and it's the fate of all young mothers. But when you really experience it, it's quite depressing. The hair loses its beauty. It's in crisis. As if the baby's cries weren't enough, our hair also has to cry out for attention in its own way!

You had to find time, I imagine?

Yes, but not only that. First of all I had to eat well, sleep well. Eating chocolate — I mean iron, as much as possible (laughs). I resisted the urge to cut it all off, but I must admit that every other day I would create the illusion by putting on a red bandana with a little bow. You should always go for some color! I had noted a few tips to limit postpartum hair loss and thicken my hair: I tried not to use heavy conditioners and not to blow dry my hair on such high heat. I still avoid combing it when it's wet.

I make my own hair care with natural ingredients. I mix Brahmi powder (a plant), water, aloe vera gel and a few drops of Bay Saint Thomas essential oil. I leave it on for 15 minutes before shampooing. It acts as a strengthening treatment. And it's a real moment of relaxation.

Turns out my professional life is like my hair after all. I see the growth, I regain my confidence, I remain demanding about what is best for me. And I’ve also accepted that it takes time to get back to my full level of activity.