Hair and how we wear it is deeply entwined with the experience of being a black woman. It encompasses our history, culture and personal autonomy. My hair has always been a large part of my identity. From my earliest memory, my hairstyle centered around every special occasion. Birthdays, my graduation, my wedding, my labour would be no different. I was weeks into my final trimester and thinking about how I would have my hair for my delivery. Braids, wigs or natural style? Decisions, decisions. I was entering the uncharted territory of parenthood and needed to explore options that would blend style, convenience and comfort. It was essential for me to feel good during my labour and my hair was a large part of that.
The dawn of social media has seen lots of women take more time to consider their appearance for the birth of their baby. Post-birth makeovers has become a thing, with glam squads rushing into delivery rooms so new mums can look their best when meeting their new bundle of joy. While I prefer not to wear makeup during labour, my hair had to be done. But how? I knew I wasn’t going to have time, as a new mum, to be sat for hours every other day styling my hair. I needed something practical, durable and most importantly low-maintenance. If you’re approaching your delivery and unsure how best to wear your hair then you’ve come to the right place! Let’s look at some options to help you feel comfortable and confident with your hair during your labour.
How to wear your hair
Labour braids have become a popular trend, with many women preferring a protective hairstyle for delivery. They require minimal maintenance during labour and can be adorned with beads and accessories to elevate the look. Additionally, braids are a great option for versatility and durability during and after the birth. Crochet can offer a similar look and is a lot quicker to install. Depending on the type of hair you choose, crochet can mirror single braids or a sew in weave if you prefer a sleek style.
Cornrows are a classic that can be styled in various ways. from intricate designs to simple rows, cornrows provide a practical choice for childbirth with no fuss! Furthermore, they keep hair neatly secured. Twists are another protective style that are easy to maintain and can last for weeks, making them ideal for the weeks leading up to childbirth. Again, they offer the same durability and versatility as braids as they can be styled into updos or left down.
A sew in weave with leave out provides a luxurious natural look with many options for styling. It allows you to showcase your natural hair with some added volume. Headwraps protect hair from tangles and breakage which is ideal during and following birth. They can help maintain styled or natural hair with minimal effort. You could opt for a pre-tied wrap or one you tie yourself. They come in a variety of styles, materials and colours to express your own beauty and taste.
Wigs and lace wigs are a personal favourite of mine as you can change your look seamlessly. They come in a huge variety of styles, lengths, colours and textures to suit your preference. Installation takes only minutes plus, they can be easily removed or adjusted as needed if you wear them glueless, which makes them a great choice for labour.
Hair Care is Self Care
For me, choosing the right style was painstaking. A sew in required too much styling and for my hair to blend and be styled daily. The thought of plaiting my hair for hours and the upkeep of braids was daunting. I was unfamiliar with crochet at the time and was not sure how it would hold up during and post delivery and the headwrap was quickly ruled out, as it is not part of my usual style and I had visions of it flying off my head and through the air at the peak of contractions! For all the practical and outlandish reasons, I remained loyal and settled with a lace wig. Although I did have my reservations about wearing a wig for my labour, I knew it would deliver on style convenience and would be a practical choice for me. I ended up wearing lace wigs in both of my deliveries.
Ultimately, the key is to prioritise comfort and manageability during your labour. Whether you opt for protective styles like braids and twists or prefer the simplicity of a headwrap, there are plenty of options to suit your style and comfort needs for childbirth. You may want to take the opportunity to be adventurous to mark the occasion or you may be more like myself and like the ressurence of being in your comfort zone to allow you to focus on the big moment ahead. However you wear your crown is beautiful. Have fun exploring as much as you desire and celebrate this special moment with a hairstyle that reflects your unique identity.
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