When Kate Middleton stepped out of the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital with baby Charlotte, new Mums up and down the country. Not because Kate had given birth to a princess but because she was beautifully made up with perfectly coiffured hair. How could someone who had been in labour just a few hours earlier look that amazing? Easy, when you are a Queen in waiting-you have a team of people around you ready to make up camera ready. But for the millions of Mums who aren’t that lucky it can take up to nine months for us to look or even feel than glam again.
Speaking from experience, (with two children in tow), I know all about trying to bounce back after having a baby and live up to the ‘Yummy Mummy’ title. After having my first child Daisy I struggled to shift the pregnancy pounds but was desperate to do something to make me feel sexy in the interim. So what did I reach for? The hair dye!
It might have not been the best solution for me as I went from blonde to brunette and within 4 weeks I dyed it back again. It served its purpose though; I needed a change and wanted to regain control of something when everything else in my life was turning upside down.
I’m not alone.
Most new Mums reach for the scissors or change their hair colour after giving birth, as Saskia stylist at Terence Paul Manchester (and also a Mum) says it’s transitional phase,
“It’s a time when you are living on very little sleep, emotions are high and you are in need of some TLC. We like to give a Mum some ‘me’ time and totally spoil them with an array of drinks to choose from, amazing indulgent treatments and most of all a really friendly atmosphere.
“That’s the first step. After they have relaxed we can talk through their plans whilst they are in the right frame of mind to know what they want.”
It’s not just about the initial change too it’s about the maintenance. New Mums hardly have time to eat let along spend time pampering themselves with styling tools and products. They need hairdos that are quick, easy and manageable. Celebrity Mum Fearne Cotton has a dishevelled long bob, which Jen from the Knutsford salon says is a style that’s become popular with new Mums.
She advises: “Plaits, high buns, pony tails and quiffs are all great ways to a ‘quick fix’ style which will completely change your look.”
Looking after your hair is important, especially now the extra hormones that ‘Mums to Be’ get during pregnancy have vanished.
Saskia explains that it’s really important to use the right products both during pregnancy and after giving birth.
“I recommend our Nioxin range because it makes your hair & scalp look and feel great. I lost very little hair throughout, my hair stayed in great condition plus it kept shiny too.”
Terence Paul’s Top 5 Yummy Mummy’s
1/ Fearne Cotton
2/ Amanda Holden
3/ Lorraine Kelly
4/ Holly Willoughby
5/ Victoria Beckham
Terence Paul; Manchester Salon
Unit 6, Peter House, Oxford Street,
Manchester, M1 5AN
0161 236 1000
www.terencepaul.com