Can You Dye Your Hair When You’re Pregnant?
You have to make a lot of changes when you get pregnant. It can feel like you’re losing a little bit of yourself. Almost immediately, you have to give up so much stuff! And then, as your pregnancy progresses, things change even more. You have to change to way you sleep, the clothes you wear, even your shoes may not fit anymore. Having a baby is an amazing thing, but it’s also incredibly overwhelming, and all the changes happening in your life don’t help. Some women find that a little self-care goes a long way toward keeping them centered, and for some, that means a trip to the salon for a fresh ‘do. With all of the things that are changing, we want to be able to hold onto at least ONE piece of our pre-pregnancy selves, right? But can you dye your hair when you’re pregnant?
A lot of women wonder, can you dye your hair when you’re pregnant? There’s a lot of conflicting information out there.
Most research indicates that the chemicals found in hair dyes are not highly toxic, and are considered safe to use during pregnancy. During hair treatments where the dye or solution touches your scalp (like root touch-ups or root-to-tip color), only very small amounts of the dye may be absorbed into the scalp. The amount is so small, in fact, that very little (if any!) would actually travel through the bloodstream to the fetus.
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However, there is a lot of development happening with your fetus, especially in the first trimester. And without hard evidence that dyeing your hair during pregnancy is safe, plenty of women choose not to take the risk.
But there are some steps you can take to keep your baby safe and your tresses looking their best.
Most experts recommend waiting until after the first trimester to color your hair. Opt for a treatment that doesn’t allow the dye to sit on your scalp. Treatments that paint the dye directly onto the hair shaft, like highlights, lowlights, or baliage, are much safer.
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Also, you can use a dye that is free of some of the harsher chemicals found in regular hair dyes. Ask your colorist about semi-permanent or ammonia-free options! Finally, make sure that you’re in a well-ventilated area. And if you’re coloring your own hair, keeps the windows open and wear latex gloves to protect your hands.
So can you dye your hair when you’re pregnant? Technically, yes! Plenty of women do, without any problems. But if you’re concerned, opt for one of the safer options we mentioned above. We all know how important it can be for mama to feel good!
(Image: iStock/Denisfilm)