How Else Can I Be Safe While Dyeing My Hair During Pregnancy
If you choose to color your hair while you’re pregnant, take a few precautions just to be extra safe. If you’re doing DIY color at home, be sure to open a window for ventilation this will help you breathe fresher air instead of inhaling chemical fumes. And you know those gloves that come in the box color kit? Wear them along with a long-sleeved shirt to keep the dye off your skin. At the salon, tell your colorist that you’re pregnant and ask to be seated in a well-ventilated area.
Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to stop coloring your hair, but you may want to tweak your routine for peace of mind. And since your hair grows fuller during pregnancy, expect lots of good hair dayswhether you color or not.
You know what else might help your hair look amazing? A super healthy pregnancy diet.
-
What I Would Tell my Pregnant Self: Advice from Real Moms
What I Would Tell my Pregnant Self: Advice from Real Moms
Read full article
-
How to Deal with Anxiety During Pregnancy
Three common sources of stress for momstobeand how to keep your…
Read full article
-
Eating for Two: 3 Key Nutrients for Pregnancy
Why folate, omega-3 DHA and calcium matter for mom and baby.
Read full article
Alternative Ways To Dye Hair
If a person does not want to use chemical dyes during pregnancy, alternatives are available.
The NHS notes that certain dyes are vegetable-based or use henna. Henna is a natural dye that comes from the leaves of the henna tree. There are also chemical hair dyes that are free from bleach or ammonia.
A person can use natural box dyes in the same way they use chemical hair dye. Henna comes in powder or cream forms. If a person is using powdered henna, they will have to mix it with water to form a paste before application.
Natural dyes may not be as long lasting as chemical dyes and may fade sooner. They may also not produce as strong a color as chemical dyes or have as many colors available.
Pregnancy can affect a personâs typical hair condition. The NHS advises performing a strand test before applying the dye to the rest of the hair.
Is It Safe To Dye Hair While Breastfeeding
Again, Dr. Sterling points out there theres no data on this specifically, so we dont know, but its probably okay, she says. Personally, I wouldnt think twice about dyeing my hair while breastfeeding. If hair dye comes in contact with your scalp, if youre not wearing gloves and you get it on your skin or you somehow get it on your face, thats where the risk comes from. As long as youre not getting a huge amount of dye on your skin, dont worry about it.
Recommended Reading: Where To Go When Pregnant
Can You Dye Your Hair When Pregnant
If youre pregnant, youre probably getting a lot of conflicting beauty advice about the products you can and can’t use.
If you’re known for spending the majority of your Saturdays in your local salon and haven’t seen your natural hair colour since you were 15 years old, you may be itching to know if you can still dye your tresses now that you are expecting.
Heres our advice on whether you can still colour your hair during pregnancy.
Wait Until Your Second Trimester
Hair can grow at a faster pace while pregnant, so you may need more root touchups during these nine months. To minimize potential harm to a developing fetus, some experts advise against coloring hair in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
You should wait until your second trimester to color your hair. Rapid growth and development takes place during the first trimester. Its important to provide a protective environment for your baby during this time.
Also Check: What To Drink To Get Pregnant Fast
What To Do If You Don’t Want To Dye Your Hair While Pregnant
If a pregnant person decides not to color their hair during pregnancy, that is their choice. While you are growing a new life, you could choose to embrace your grays or get back to your rootsliterallyby letting your natural hair color grow out.
If you want a quick fix for a night out, there are root touch-up sprays and powders that are temporary options. They last one to three days or until you shampoo your hair.
There are drugstore options, like the L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up, which costs around $10. There are also more high-end offerings like dpHUE’s Color Touch Up Spray and Rita Hazan’s Root Concealer Touch Up Stick, both invented by celebrity colorists.
Why Hair Dye Might Be A Concern
Your skin protects you, but it’s still absorbent. Many factors influence how much it can safely absorb. Being pregnant can make your skin incredibly sensitive to intense chemicals.
If you’re pregnant, topical chemicals can be a concern. Your skin can absorb the chemicals, which can circulate through your bloodstream and reach your baby.
Does hair dye cause cancer? Hair dye has been labeled a potential cause of breast cancer. Studies have shown varying results, but there have been links between increased risk of breast cancer and frequent use of hair dye.
There’s no single cause of cancer, so using hair dye doesn’t pose a dire risk. Pregnant women might be at particular risk, though, because of their bodies’ significant changes. For women with a history of breast cancer, avoiding hair dye could lower your risk of developing breast cancer down the road.
Why you don’t need to be concerned. Hair dye chemicals aren’t very toxic. Your scalp also doesn’t absorb much of the hair dye, especially if you have a healthy scalp. Since the risks are unknown, though, it’s always better to be on the safe side.
Also Check: How Long After Gastric Sleeve Can I Get Pregnant
Is It Ok To Color Your Hair While Pregnant Or Nursing
- Feature image by:Studio This Is
Whether you color your hair sporadically or have been seeing the same colorist every other month for 10 years, being pregnant or nursing will likely force you to pause and think: is coloring my hair safe for my baby? Dont worry, you arent the only one with this question.
Theres a well-circulated rumor that warns against coloring or lightening your hair while pregnant. But we have some good news for you the claim that hair dye is a no-no during pregnancy isnt entirely accurate. In fact, you can color your hair safely while pregnant. There are, however, a few things you should know before you call your salon or buy that box of dye. Here they are:
Is It Safe To Perm The Hair Or Use Relaxers During Pregnancy
Hairdressers use chemicals to perm or relax a personâs hair.
A 2021 study explored the relationship between chemical-associated hair product use during pregnancy and gestational age at delivery. It found no difference in birth weight or premature birth among people who used chemical perm or relaxer products 3 months before pregnancy or while pregnant compared with those who did not.
There is currently no evidence to suggest that a person should not perm or relax their hair during pregnancy.
If a person has any questions or worries about hair treatments during pregnancy, they should speak with a healthcare professional.
Recommended Reading: What Can I Do For Acid Reflux While Pregnant
Love Changing Up Your Look But Are Unclear Whether It’s Safe To Color Your Hair While Expecting Experts Share The Truth Behind Whether It’s Okay To Dye Your Hair While Pregnant
Hair Health Hotline is your direct access to dermatologists, trichologists, hairstylists, and other beauty pros. Each story in this series tackles a common hair or scalp concern and offers science-backed solutions to care for your strands.
If you’re pregnant, you probably have a mental running list of the things to avoid or limit during the next nine-ish months: alcohol, caffeine, sushi, the list goes on. And given that some skin-care products are also best avoided if you’re expecting , you might be wondering about your typical hair-care routine. Specifically, if you can dye your hair while pregnant.
If you’re seeking clarity on whether or not you should cancel your standing color appointment or learn to embrace the grays, keep reading for the details on whether you can dye your hair while pregnant from Stephanie Hack M.D., ob-gyn and host of Lady Parts Doctor podcast.
When Is The Safest Time During Pregnancy To Bleach Or Dye Your Hair
Although there’s no categorical evidence to suggest hair dye or bleach is harmful to the mother or fetus at any point during pregnancy, you may want to exercise extra diligence by holding off for the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy because crucial fetal development happens during this time. “Generally, as with most exposures in pregnancy, waiting until after the first trimester to dye or bleach one’s hair is advisable,” Aziz tells Allure.“After this period, the risk of chemical substances harming the fetus is much lower.”
Streicher has offered similar advice to her patients. “If you’re going to dye your hair, wait until you’re out of the first trimester. Maybe don’t do it as often as you normally would do it,” she says. “But I’ve never told people not to dye their hair.”
Don’t Miss: What To Take For Nausea While Pregnant
Is It Safe To Dye Your Hair During Pregnancy
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists deems it safe to dye your hair during pregnancy. Most experts think that using hair dye during pregnancy is not toxic for your fetus, the website states.
While the data on hair dye in pregnancy is limited, we do understand that the chemicals found in semi-permanent and permanent hair dyes are unlikely to be highly toxic, and thus are probably safe to use during pregnancy, especially after the second trimester, says Dr. Temeka Zore, MD, FACOG, who is a Reproductive Endocrinologist of Infertility and OBGYN at Spring Fertility, as well as a Modern Fertility Medical Advisor.
If you dyed your hair before realizing you were pregnant, the risk of harming your unborn baby is low. You should still discuss it with your or your healthcare provider, so they can provide additional guidance if needed.
Dye does contain chemicals, but very little is actually absorbed by the skin on your scalp. Hair that is past the follicle on your head is actually dead, so there is no way for it to “absorb” color into your body. Very minor amounts enter the bloodstream, if any. The risk of the chemicals reaching the fetus seems extremely limited, Dr. Zore adds.
Some worry that if a color is sitting on your scalp for too long, it could go into your bloodstream, though again, Dr. Zore says that risk is minor. Studies have also proven that dye produces no significant systemic exposure in humans.
Limit Your Hours Of Exposure
If hairdressing is your profession, pay attention. That same NCBI study suggests hairdressers work for less than 35 hours per week to minimize prolonged exposure to hair dyes. This may be difficult, especially for independent hairstylists. Talk to your employer or work out a plan that allows you to limit your daily exposure to certain types of hair dye.
Editors tip: If you have any pregnancy- or health-related concerns, its always best to consult your doctor.
Read Also: What To Take To Increase Chances Of Pregnancy
Apply Color In An Open Ventilated Space
More than the hair color it is the fumes that are harmful during pregnancy. Women who are exposed to bleach fumes for over 40 hours a week during pregnancy are at high risk of miscarriage. Even when you are applying hair color at home, do it in an open space. Dont go to overcrowded salons for hair treatments during pregnancy. The suffocation can make you uncomfortable and increase chances of exposure to toxic fumes.
What Are The Risks Of Dyeing Hair While Pregnant
The most common risk, Dr. Sterling points out, is increased irritation. Oftentimes, peoples skin, including their scalp, is more sensitive during pregnancy. Even if youve never experienced irritation while dyeing your hair, increased skin sensitivity during pregnancy might cause you to experience something like an allergic reaction, such as itching or swelling on your scalp.
Theres another risk in the strong smells of the chemicals, and if youre inhaling those in a poorly ventilated area, then that might make you lightheaded, Sterling says.
As far as risks posed to your pregnancy, theres simply not enough information yet. We dont have any data that there are any serious risks with the hair dye itself in terms of being toxic to your pregnancy, Sterling says. Some of these chemicals arent great, but we dont know that theyre going to cause a problem.
Read Also: Can You Get Pregnant On Mirena After 3 Years
Can I Work In A Hair Salon During Pregnancy
Hairstylists spend a lot of time on their feet. And during pregnancy, all those hours coloring and cutting hair can be even more exhausting. Try taking breaks and sitting when you can. And make sure to stay well hydrated during the day.
If your pregnancy is progressing well, you can work in a hair salon with a couple of basic precautions. Hairstylists should always wear gloves when coloring or perming hair, Dr. Zanotti says. And ventilation is even more important because you might be exposed to hair dye or other chemicals several times a day.
If you work in a salon, wear a mask at work to help reduce the risk of inhaling chemicals in the air, Dr. Zanotti recommends. And a bonus: It can help protect you from contagious respiratory viruses, too.
How Can I Apply Hair Color
There are several ways to apply hair color. In general, we have permanent hair dyes, semi-permanent, and temporary hair dyes. The first type, as its name applies, remains on your hair for several months with minimal fading after a long time.
This type of hair color is called root touch-up or root-to-tip color change.
The semi-permanent type lasts for a few weeks, and you can do it at home without needing the help of a stylist. Finally, the temporary type is usually sprayed or shampooed and will be removed after several washes.
To continue your beauty regimen routine, you must see what kind of hair dye you should apply. Do you want to do a root touch-up and cover your gray hairs, or is your goal to dye all your hair? Do you want a particular technique like highlight, lowlight, or balayage?
Recommended Reading: How To Apply For Pregnancy Medicaid Texas
If Possible Test A Strand First
Remember that hormonal changes can make your hair react differently, so you might not get what you expect even from your regular formula. Before you do your whole head, try a test strand so you don’t wind up punk pink unless thats the look you were going for, of course!
From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
What Precautions Should You Take While Coloring Your Hair
You may observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of any potential harm from hair dyes to you and your baby .
- You may consider waiting until the end of the first trimester as this is the phase of rapid fetal development. The risk of hair dye chemicals affecting the fetus after the first trimester could be lower.
- Avoid dyeing your hair if you have a burn, abscess, or an open wound on the scalp. It may cause more quantities of hair dye chemicals to be absorbed by the skin.
- Check the hair dyes package for any mention of whether the dye is pregnancy-safe or not recommended for pregnant women. Choose hair dyes free from ammonia and bleach.
- Give preference to semi-permanent hair dyes since they may have less concentration of chemical compounds than permanent hair dyes. You may also prefer plant based dyes like henna during your pregnancy.
- You may consider adding highlights or streaks to your hair strands. In such cases, the dye stays on the hair and not the scalp.
- Wear gloves while dyeing your hair to minimize the number of chemicals absorbed by the skin. The chemicals may leave residues on your hands if you do not wear gloves, increasing the chances of accidental ingestion.
- Perform a patch test on a small section of the scalp, such as behind your ears, to check for any allergic reactions .
- Apply the dye in a well-ventilated room so that any volatile chemicals do not accumulate in the surrounding air and avoid chances of breathing in chemical fumes.
Don’t Miss: What Can I Take For Sore Throat While Pregnant
Can I Dye My Hair While Pregnant In The First Trimester
The good news is that you can dye your hair during pregnancy. Of course, you need to take special precautions. Also, wait until the end of the first trimester of pregnancy to apply any hair color to your hair.
In other words, you can use hair dye in the second and third trimesters of your pregnancy. During these trimesters, it will be safer to color your hair. There are not many studies on coloring your hair during pregnancy. But it is safe to say that chemicals in hair dyes during pregnancy will not get into your bloodstream.
Even if you dye your entire hair, it is improbable that the chemicals will enter your bloodstream through your scalp and pose any harm to the fetus.
