BTDT Question- hair in the hospital

AppleMuffins · August 2013

Ok, this is probably a dumb question, but I'm going to ask it anyway.

Would it be really stupid of me to bring a hair dryer or flat iron to the hospital? I have kind of crazy hair that does whatever it wants. It's naturally curly, but it never curls nicely and usually drives me nuts. Pretty much every morning I'm straightening out at least the front with a flat iron so that it lays smooth in a pony tail or bun. Would it be silly to expect that I'll be able to do this in the hospital? Will I really not care? I know there will be pictures and I know I won't look fabulous and nobody expects me to, but I also don't want to look back at the pictures and think "oh god. My hair is so, so awful." Sometimes it gets so crazy that it annoys me even when I'm just at home all day and nobody is looking at it anyway, except for what I can see of it in my peripheral vision, or what's too kinked to stay tucked behind my ear. I know I wouldn't be trying have a nice sleek blowout, or totally straighten my hair nicely, but would I be expecting too much to think that I'll have enough time and not be too tired or sore to make it at least presentable?

Jilly82 · August 2013

Good question. I am the same way with my hair

smlowe9311 · August 2013

I'm a FTM but I would lean toward yea it would be too much to expect. After birthing a person I can't imagine wanting to mess with my hair but with that said I don't like messing with y hair in the first place nor do I have curly hair.

amu110902 · August 2013

It doesn't take up that much space. If you might want it, throw it in your hospital bag and the worst thing that happens is that you decide not to use it. Heck, maybe doing your hair when you clean yourself up will make you feel human after all that hard work. I have no idea. lol. Some BTDT mommas will hopefully be able to help you more!

RedHead0917 · August 2013

I have the same question. I look like a clown/carrot top/sideshow bob if I don't iron my hair. I put hair iron on my list. My best friend told me to wash, blowdry, and iron as soon as I think I'm in labor...but my hair is shoulder length so it won't stay nice for long. I put hair iron on my hospital list. We shall see!

Weljadraak · August 2013

AppleMuffins, you do your hair! Mmhmm...you make it look F A B U L O U S!!

AppleMuffins · August 2013

RedHead0917 said:

I have the same question. I look like a clown/carrot top/sideshow bob if I don't iron my hair. I put hair iron on my list. My best friend told me to wash, blowdry, and iron as soon as I think I'm in labor...but my hair is shoulder length so it won't stay nice for long. I put hair iron on my hospital list. We shall see!

yes, I can do my hair right when labor starts, but I'm sure with all the sweating, it's going to turn back into a hot mess in no time! And I'll probably need to wash it ASAP lol Plus, my bangs have been growing out so they're awkard and get funky fast. I purposely let them grow out once I knew I was pregnant because there's no way I was going to try to have bangs while in labor. I'll get them back after LO is here!

EOB584 · August 2013

I'd say throw it in your bag but the chances of you using it are slim. I washed my hair and threw it in a bun wet and called it good the two.days I was in the hospital. I had visitors but really didn't care if I impressed them or not. I honestly didn't have the energy to stand and do much of anything though. Some ladies are able to do their hair and makeup, or rather make it a priority, while in the hospital but I just didn't care.

AppleMuffins · August 2013

Loppy19 said:

I would try to find something that works with your natural texture. Mousse or hair gel?

Mousse will work except for the bangs, which is always the part that annoys me most if they aren't straight. If I try to use a headband they just end up sticking out like I was electrocuted lol Gel doesn't work because they do this weird twisty curl that I hate. I've tried it on many a humid day.

abell77 · August 2013

I'm expecting my third this time, and each time I pack less and less for the hospital. I have hair like yours too, and when I was a FTM I packed makeup, a hair dryer, and a flat iron. What a joke! They never got used, and I didn't care one bit.

magdalina.h · August 2013

I brought a blow dryer and used it

DaisyZH · August 2013

I wasn't even able to take a shower my 2 days in the hospital but my post-partum roommate was showered and in her own clothes within 10 hours of giving birth. I think it just depends, throw it in if you want, my goal is to try and get a shower this time then put wet hair in a ponytail.

Curls218 · August 2013

I have crazy curly hair and my plan is to buy cute headbands so I can throw my hair in a bun, put the headband on so it helps control the flyaways and calling it a day.

NicknShan · August 2013

I will most definitely be bringing my flat iron. I may not have time to freshen up before family photos, but I am gonna try. Yes, I am also bringing makeup. These photos will be everywhere for a while (FTM, FTGrandparents, etc) and I don't want to look like a washed out, sweaty hog. I would rather look like a slightly polished hog.

HeatherMc78 · August 2013

I brought my hair dryer both times and never used it. It doesn't take up too much room. It all depends on how you feel. After DS1, I had a reaction to the pain meds and could not get out of bed. I plan on just throwing my hair in a pony tail for DS3.

msronzio · August 2013

Is there any way you can pin your bangs back? I do this with mine, and even though I'm not crazy with having my hair out of my face like that it actually looks pretty good.

RunningGal900 · August 2013

I brought my flat iron and curlers last time. Call me vain, but I did my hair. It didn't take all the much time and I think I just did it when they took DS to the nursery for his pedi checks. I didn't touch it right after labor (he was born at 4 pm), but the next day I straightened my hair and on the last day, I showered, straightened my hair and curled it. I also put on makeup every day (again, not right after he was born, I was exhausted). I didn't spend more than 15 minutes doing all these things (except the shower and blow-dry), but I felt so much better about myself. I don't look like a movie star, but I also don't hate my pictures either.

eyris · August 2013

My hospital actually told us that they have hair dryers available. I would find out if yours has them. It couldn't hurt to bring a small flat iron just in case, if you don't use it, no problem.

Can you try a headband? I like the wide stretchy cloth kind, but also I have super straight fine hair so I don't have the same issues you do.

BabyMorrissey · August 2013

Get a thick headband and plaster your hair to your head with product.. I'm guessing that your baby will make you love any pictures in some way

JocelynB0911 · August 2013

I say go ahead and bring them. In the hospital where I am at they have a blow dryer in the bathroom but this is the first time I recall ever seeing one but I did ask my husband to grab my straightener. For me being on HBR it was kind of freeing to be able to quickly blow dry and straighten my hair. I dont see why it would be an issue to bring it and if you use it, you use it.

Jenmarie279 · August 2013

Your hair sounds like mine and I will be packing my flat iron. Who knows if I will actually use it, but at least I have the option available. I'm also bringing make-up. I want to try to look somewhat decent for visitors and pictures.

EmmaNut · August 2013

After my shower the next day it felt good to blow dry and straighten. I didn't spend much time on it, but I felt a heck of a lot better

AppleMuffins · August 2013

Thanks! The replies have been really helpful! I will just bring at least the flat iron since it's just a small one anyway. I definitely don't want to seem vain, but my hair just annoys me so much sometimes! I don't even mind if I don't have make up, but I think I would feel better if I could fix myself up at least a little bit. Not even just for pictures, but I just think I would mentally feel better and more relaxed to know I'm not a total slob, you know? But since I've never been in this position so I had no idea what my mindset/physical abilities might be. From what everyone has shared, it sounds like there's at least a chance that I'll feel up to it, so I'll just hope for the best!

PrettyInPearls23 · August 2013

I brought a blow dryer and used it. I plan on doing the same this time around as well. After going through the whole birthing process I couldn't wait to clean myself up and feel a little more presentable.

carolyn02 · August 2013

I brought both a hair dryer and flat iron with me for my first. I know I used the hair dryer but really can't remember if I used the flat iron it not. However judging from pictures, I'm guessing I did not. I'm sure ill bring them again this time.

NNGnome · August 2013

I didn't take either last time, and I won't this time either, honestly I live with wet hair that has been put in a ponytail and "baby hair" from DS that has to be clipped back most days as DS is scared of the hair dryer, so this is how I will be at the hospital.

OpheliaChem · August 2013

I brought it last time and didn't use it. If I were spending time at the hospital I would take it bc I looked like crap in pics - def should have done something with my hair.

SweetPeaK26 · August 2013

Straighten it before you go in. Plan on ponytail or bun most of the stay. Take some dry shampoo in case it starts to look oily, and don't wet it when you shower.

Skalbrecht · August 2013

ftm, but my plan was dry shampoo and cute headbands for freshening up before pictures.

krose0713 · August 2013

I say bring them, and if you have time at least they are there. If you don't end up needing them, no harm no foul.

bumpuser9130703 · August 2013

Curls218 said:

I have crazy curly hair and my plan is to buy cute headbands so I can throw my hair in a bun, put the headband on so it helps control the flyaways and calling it a day.

Another reason we make great labor buddies

I'm also doing headbands. I'll be rocking headbands and braids the entire time I'm there.

I know myself too well to think that I could just let my hair do whatever it wanted and not care about it. I know other things will be going on and it is not really important in the grand scheme of things, but I like headbands! And they're easy.

A37licia · August 2013

I didn't read all the responses, but that was the last thing on my mind. But, I'm more interested personally in not looking like a bland ghost, so makeup is my priority and I'd probably bring my makeup. I've had two kids (one was cs) and I have not felt like standing in the bathroom to get myself ready for at least 3 days. So, I generally thing to save all that for when you get home. Visitors don't care. No harm in taking it, but have low expectations.

ksf13 · August 2013

I'm a FTM, but I plan on just taking some mousse and letting my hair dry curly. I might end up pulling half of it back. I might take a flat iron, just in case, but I'm not taking a hair dryer.

audreid · August 2013

I used it when I was in the hospital with DD1, so I will be packing a hair dryer and flat iron this time as well!!

abrandnewcocopuff · August 2013

I also have curly hair- when I was in hospital when I had DD, I brought gel and mousse and makeup etc. This time I am bringing toothpaste, a toothbrush, and deodorant. I never used any of the other stuff the first time around.

Pockety · August 2013

When I had DS, the newborn photographer came on day 2, and I made her leave and do someone else while I put myself together and put on a little makeup. I am so happy I did, because I don't hate how I look in those pics!

I showered, but I don't care much about my hair; I can't remember if I flat ironed it.

If you deliver vaginally and don't have any major problems like blood loss, you will likely be able to do your usual beauty routine if you want to. Just like you can pull it together after any other night of too little sleep, or if you're sick, etc. I had a 3rd degree tear, but by the next day, standing wasn't really a problem. Sitting back down was another story...

CutieBean79 · August 2013

I find this thread so funny. My hair was the last thing on my mind in the hospital. I had a really tough recovery though. I like the pictures of myself with baby au naturel.

Arielle27 · August 2013

I'm not one to do much with my hair on a daily basis, so I may not be the best person to answer this... But honestly, I don't think I even remembered or cared to shower in the hospital after my first birth, let alone was I thinking about the ways hair looked... But, again, everyone is different...

thedash · August 2013

I was very sick with an infection and had an emergency c/s after long labor with DS. The pictures from the hospital are actually kind of upsetting to me. I look terrible in them. Like, sick and miserable in several even when I'm smiling. I say bring a few things in case you feel up to fixing yourself up. You will probably be happier with the photos later.

kje120 · August 2013

Throw it in there if you want, but I doubt you'll use it.

michelle7482 · August 2013

I must be in the minority here bc I could give two shits about my hair in the hospital. But like a pp mentioned, I looked like a ghost last time so I plan on bringing a little make up this time.

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