It won’t be long before Meghan Markle welcomes her first child, and she’s certainly glowing even more than usual. We’ve always been a fan of her amazing hair, and pregnancy has made it even more luscious and healthy looking.

What’s the deal with pregnancy hair?

Trichologist Jane Mayhem explains: “Hair loss and thinning is one of the most common complaints of women following pregnancy, with most women experience some sort of hair loss after giving birth. It is the fluctuating hormone levels during pregnancy and following child birth are the primary cause of thinning for new mothers.

“What many people don’t realise this that during pregnancy, women will often find that they will have a much full head of hair as the anagen cycle, or growth cycle, of the hair is prolonged.”

How it works

Jane says: “The increased levels of hormones during pregnancy can cause the growth cycle of the hair to increase, meaning the hair is less frequently renewed and replaced at the site of the follicle, and women will experience thicker and shiner hair.

“I find that most women will experience some level of increased volume by around the six-month mark.

“Hair normally grows at a rate of around 1cm each month and marginally faster during pregnancy. However the most significant change that pregnant women will experience will be in volume due to the change in growth cycle and reduced hair fall.”

Extra boost

Jane explains: “The folic acid that many expectant mothers take before they fall pregnant can also help to improve and stabilise hair growth patterns. It's important to remember that simply using certain products can enhance the volume of hair significantly.

“During pregnancy women will experience less of the imbalances in hormones that you would associate with your monthly cycle causing more regulatory oil secretions, resulting in gorgeous glossy locks. There are more of hormones that have the positive effects on hair skin and mood.”

Hair loss post pregnancy (and how to avoid it)

“When the hormone levels decrease after child birth, the growth and thickness of the hair will also decrease. This hair loss can be more common than people think and I do quite frequently see patients who are concerned about post pregnancy hair loss and/or thinning.

“In terms of how to prevent this, there is no quick fix for this kind of problem. However, there are certain steps that can be taken to improve the condition and growth of hair.

“Heat is one of the biggest factors which causes damage to your hair. So regardless of whether or not you are pregnant, excessive blow drying and use of heated styling appliances can be the make or break of your hair- literally!

“This is particularly the case in the months following pregnancy when hair is at its most fragile.

“As well as this, maintaining a balanced diet can help boost the strength of hair. Keratin is the fibrous protein in hair and nails which is the main structural element.

“Therefore, a diet consisting of protein rich foods will naturally boost the keratin and consequently, strength of hair. Also ensure Iron levels are maintained through adding more Iron rich foods regularly. Some women have noticed less hair fall if they breastfeed but there is little research in this.”

This is an edited version of an article originally in the Daily Mail.