New Mothers Embrace Hair Transformations for Postpartum Relief

In a candid exploration of motherhood and self-care, beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey discusses the emotional and practical challenges of managing natural hair postpartum. Her recent article in the “It’s Textured” column highlights how cutting her hair provided a sense of relief during a tumultuous time.

As new mothers navigate the complexities of caring for their infants, hair care often falls by the wayside. Blay-Tettey recounts a chaotic scene—hair everywhere, a slippery bathroom floor, and a crying baby—contrasting sharply with the serene hair-care routines portrayed on social media. In her third trimester, she followed the advice of fellow Black mothers and opted for mini twists to ease the burden of hair maintenance after giving birth. Initially, the transition into motherhood was blissful, filled with newborn cuddles and manageable hair. However, as the weeks passed, the reality of caring for both her hair and her child began to weigh heavily.

For many Black women, maintaining natural hair can be a labor-intensive process. Blay-Tettey notes that pre-baby, her wash days took approximately three to four hours. Postpartum, that time frame doubled due to the constant interruptions from her newborn. Frustration mounted during one particularly lengthy wash day, culminating in her decision to cut her hair the next day.

Other mothers shared similar experiences. Aimee Simeon, a fellow beauty editor, initially dismissed the idea of a protective style before giving birth. She soon found that postpartum hair management proved far more challenging than anticipated. “I was very busy,” she reflected, highlighting the struggle to balance breastfeeding and managing her hair. In a bid to simplify her routine, she resorted to frequent heat styling, which ultimately resulted in damage that required her to cut her hair.

In contrast, Janell Hickman-Kirby took a proactive approach. She arranged for her stylist to visit her home for braiding, insisting on protective styles to help ease the demands of new motherhood. “I relied on protective styles,” she stated, acknowledging the overwhelming nature of styling natural hair during this demanding period.

The sentiment among these mothers is clear: caring for a newborn leaves little time or energy for hair care. This struggle is compounded for those experiencing postpartum depression, which affects approximately 10 to 15 percent of women in the United States. Elizabeth Baron, a licensed psychotherapist, emphasizes that even basic self-care tasks can feel daunting for new mothers facing mental health challenges.

After giving birth, Blay-Tettey found herself focused solely on her baby, viewing hair care as a secondary concern. Yet, she recognized that hair care is an essential aspect of well-being. For many Black women, hair styling is closely tied to self-care. Neglecting hair can lead to complications such as dryness and breakage, further complicating the postpartum experience.

In her decision to cut her hair, Blay-Tettey embraced a new identity that transcended physical appearance. “Bravery was practically my middle name now,” she remarked. The act of cutting her hair symbolized a release from the pressures of societal beauty standards and an opportunity to redefine her self-worth.

After adapting to her new hairstyle, she discovered newfound freedom. The focus on her baby’s needs shifted her perspective on beauty and self-care, allowing her to feel more confident and content in her new role as a mother.

As these mothers navigate the challenges of postpartum life, their stories illuminate the strong connection between hair care and personal identity among Black women. Embracing change, whether through cutting hair or adopting new styles, can lead to greater emotional well-being during a transformative time in their lives.