Pregnancy and hair dye: Safety, precautions, and alternatives
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When you schedule a single process color, like an all-over dye, or have your roots retouched on a regular basis, more dye or bleach is coming in contact with your scalp. “To be extra safe, a pregnant person can choose to have hair dye processes that result in the least amount of contact with the scalp,” says Dr. DeNoble. If you’re concerned with scalp contact but don’t want to give up your salon services, consider transitioning to a different application method, like balayage, where hair is essentially painted to your desired placement. Whether you have grown out roots or notice your strands getting brassy, it’s best to minimize the number of times you dye your hair during pregnancy.
Ways to minimize chemical exposure from hair dyeing during pregnancy
Like everyone, pregnant people are unknowingly exposed to toxins daily. Bioaccumulation from other toxic chemicals, like PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated substances), will likely appear in breast milk, so limiting all known and potential risks, such as hair dye, is something to consider. Once you get the go-ahead from your doctor to book the salon appointment, you may want to reconsider which service you get. Root touch-ups and a root-to-tip color change are considered single-process color; this means dye is applied to the hair and scalp, where the pores in your skin soak up the chemicals, which can enter your bloodstream. According to the American Cancer Society, semi-permanent and permanent dyes contain larger quantities of chemicals that may be carcinogenic.
Can you dye your hair while pregnant? How to style your hair while expecting
If you want to be cautious (and rest easier at night), wait until this critical period is over before reaching for the hair dye. But these are potential problems with acrylic nails even when you're not pregnant, and they wouldn’t have a direct effect on your baby. You may find that when you're pregnant you're more sensitive to these kinds of products so always test a small area first.
Safe hair dye brands for pregnant women – safe for you and your baby
Many keratin hair treatments have formaldehyde in them, which can cause cancer. If your heart is set on getting a Brazilian blowout, ask your hair stylist to use a formula without formaldehyde. Studies on animals show that high doses of these chemicals do not cause serious birth defects. Also, only a small amount of chemicals from hair dye is absorbed through the scalp.
For a safer alternative, try techniques where color is painted directly on to the hair shaft — highlights, lowlights, frosting and streaking, for example. Pulling hair through a cap and then applying color is a less common method but equally as safe, since the cap covers the scalp. “If you’re getting a perm or relaxer treatment done at the salon, ask them about their ventilation practices. You don’t want to be getting a treatment done with two or three other people without ventilation. The smell could be overpowering and make you feel sick,” she says.
Is it safe to use hair dye during pregnancy?
Therefore, she says, natural, semipermanent vegetable dyes such as henna are a safe alternative. "Make sure you check the label before buying, as some 'natural' products or processes may contain the same amount of chemicals as the traditional options." It's not what goes on the hair but what's absorbed by the scalp that matters, which is why highlights are an option that may put your mind at ease when you're craving a color change. Therefore, it is recommended that during pregnancy, you use hair dye brands specifically designed for pregnant women, which are of plant origin or henna-based. These options are harmless to the baby and reduce the chances of allergies. For some expectant mothers, having limited evidence is enough for them to choose to not dye their hair, says Levy.
Garnier Olia Ammonia-Free Hair Color
Available evidence also shows minimal dye absorption into the system, although research is limited. Every piece of content at Flo Health adheres to the highest editorial standards for language, style, and medical accuracy. To learn what we do to deliver the best health and lifestyle insights to you, check out our content review principles.
Make sure to color your hair in a well-ventilated area to minimize the risk of inhaling chemical fumes. Don’t leave the chemicals on your hair longer than the package indicates. Wear gloves when applying the treatment, and make sure to thoroughly rinse the color from your scalp after the process is complete.
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Wear gloves
During pregnancy you need to know how to care for the piercings you already have and how to make an informed decision about any piercing you may be considering. If you already have a piercing that has completely healed and it feels comfortable, there is not a medical reason to take out your jewellery. As your stomach and breasts grow, you may find your jewellery catching on clothing, being pulled, or bothering your skin. The active ingredient in fake tan is Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which is non-toxic and as it doesn't go beyond the outer layer of skin it isn't absorbed into the body. There's no evidence to show that waxing is unsafe during pregnancy and many women continue their usual waxing routine. Learn how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.
Of course, you can also skip services altogether and treat yourself to a much-deserved refresh after baby is born. Women are encouraged not to have piercings done on the belly button, nipples or genitalia during pregnancy or while trying to conceive because of the physical changes happening in your body at this time. Bleach is a common cleaner that most of us have used at one point or another. Chlorine and chlorinated disinfectants have not been shown to increase the risk of birth defects. For example, exposure to high levels of lead while pregnant can cause problems like preterm delivery, low birth weight, and miscarriage. And if you eat a lot of fish with high mercury levels while pregnant, your baby could have problems with their nervous system.
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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. If a person is using hair dye at home, they should try and keep the space well ventilated. They can do this by opening windows and doors or using ceiling fans. Research from 2018 found that females who dyed their hair prepregnancy had a higher chance of their baby having a low birth weight.
When you’re pregnant, it’s common to second guess the safety of many of your usual activities. You may question aspects of your daily routine, such as exercise, diet and caffeine intake. Many people also wonder if continuing their usual beauty routine—including dyeing their hair—is safe during pregnancy.
When you use hair dye, you are only exposed to very low amounts of these chemicals. In addition, they suggest that a person may wish to wait until after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This is when the risk of chemicals harming the fetus is much lower.
"If you really, really want to have an abundance of caution, then my recommendation for my pregnant patients is always just to wait," says Dr. Hack. "In the event that something happens, you don't want to end up in a situation where you're blaming yourself, even if it was something that's out of your control." Always do a strand test first, whether you're using hair dye for the first time or it's a product you've used before. Of course, if you have concerns about the safety of your hair products or other hair treatment, consult your physician first. If a person has any concerns about hair treatment during pregnancy, they should speak with a healthcare professional. The nonprofit organization Mother To Baby states that no studies on human pregnancy suggest that using hair dye during pregnancy can increase the chance of pregnancy loss.
And always consult with your medical provider for any questions and concerns. Small amounts of hair dye can get on your skin during a treatment. That same NCBI study suggests hairdressers work for less than 35 hours per week to minimize prolonged exposure to hair dyes.
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