Hollywood actor Keira Knightley has opened up about a surprising physical change during pregnancy, revealing that her naturally straight hair suddenly turned curly—something even her hairdresser noticed before she confirmed the news.
Speaking on the Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast with Giovanna Fletcher, the actor shared that her hair developed a “zig-zag” texture. She recalled a moment when her hairdresser simply touched her hair and immediately guessed she was pregnant due to the unexpected change.
A Common Yet Lesser-Known Pregnancy Change
Knightley’s revelation has resonated with many women, with several mothers sharing similar experiences online. Many described how their hair turned wavy or curly during pregnancy, with some even saying the change remained permanent years later.
This phenomenon, often informally called a “pregnancy perm,” is more common than widely discussed, highlighting how pregnancy can impact the body in unexpected ways.
Why Hair Texture Changes During Pregnancy
Experts explain that hormonal fluctuations—especially increased levels of estrogen and progesterone—play a key role in these changes. These hormones affect the hair growth cycle, keeping hair in the growth phase longer than usual.
As a result:
- Hair may appear thicker and fuller
- Natural shedding reduces temporarily
- Texture can shift from straight to wavy or curly (or vice versa)
What Happens After Pregnancy
After childbirth, hormone levels drop significantly, causing many hairs to enter the shedding phase at once. This leads to a condition known as telogen effluvium, commonly experienced as post-partum hair loss.
While some women’s hair returns to its original texture, others may experience lasting changes.
A Broader Conversation
Knightley’s candid admission has brought attention to a lesser-discussed aspect of pregnancy, encouraging more open conversations about the wide range of physical transformations women go through.