I distinctly remember my first pregnancy for being this wonderful time when my skin was glowing, and my hair had become even more beautiful. I have been naturally blessed with thick, lustrous and wavy tresses that looked even more delectable now. So, I went ahead and got a trendy haircut. I was enjoying the pampering that was bestowed upon me along with the compliments. This was a beautiful time of anticipation in my life. Then, the D-Day arrived; my beautiful son was born, and I came home with my bundle of joy.
Then began the rough and tumble of motherhood: the waking up at night, the physical discomfort, the incessant crying of the baby, and the almost all-consuming need to catch up on my sleep. I underwent a roller coaster ride of emotions. One day, I was weepy; the other day I was brimming with joy. I don’t recall being aware of how time passed. But, I still remember that day when I was passing by and glanced at the mirror; I was shocked to see how I looked. Apart from looking bloated, my beautiful hair was terribly frizzy and looked like hay. I resembled a scary witch. It was an instantly depressing sight. I remember breaking down in tears immediately. Somehow, it felt as if I was not the same woman any more. I certainly looked like someone else.
I was advised to keep my hair oiled to prevent it from standing up as if it were electrocuted. I was brought up in Mumbai, and nah, we never left our house with oil in our hair. My husband went out and bought the most nourishing shampoo and conditioner he could find for me. But, it did not seem to help much. I was wallowing in self-pity as a few months passed by. My body was in a better shape now, but my hair was just as bad. I was scared that I was stuck with this straw-like hair for the rest of my life.
Then one day, I went to the parlor after ages. This was the parlor I used to frequent earlier. The hair dresser was shocked to see the condition of my hair, but she disguised it beautifully. I sat down, ready to burst into tears; my mommy hormones wreaking havoc in me. She sympathized that hormonal changes had caused the problem. She also consoled me that sooner or later my hair would get back to its original state. I had heard that before, and her effort at boosting my spirits didn’t do much for my mood.
Dejected, I told her to give me a haircut that could make me look like a normal woman again. She chopped my hair pretty short. She also used a hair serum for damaged hair and blow dried my hair. For the first time in months, my hair looked settled and even had some shine. She instructed me to use the serum as often as I wanted (daily). It would not weigh down my hair or make it look oily. It would help control the frizz too. She also gave me another product that was a hair mask. This was an intensive treatment for my damaged hair that I was supposed to apply every week, and it would nourish my damaged hair.
When I came home, everyone was pleasantly surprised to see the confident me looking radiant and beaming. I can confidently say, “…and that was the end of my hair problems!” At least, I hoped that it was.
Fast forward to 10 years later — my hair quality never did go back totally to being what it was earlier, but you won’t be able to tell the difference if you see my hair today :). Apart from my nourishing shampoo and conditioner, I diligently use the serum and hair mask regularly for my beautiful curls. My crowning glory is in a glorious condition now. I know now how to care for it!
Rachna says 
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