Most women will usually have some kind of beauty regime for their hair such as dying, bleaching or even highlighting their hair. Some pregnant women may have some hesitation or even fear when it comes to dying hair while pregnant. The chemicals contained in semi-permanent and permanent dyes are not highly toxic. However, some research has shown that, high doses of the chemicals found in hair dyes may be harmful to some extent. Read on to learn the comprehensive answer to the question “is it safe to dye hair while pregnant?”

Dying Hair While Pregnant– Is It Safe?

Dying hair while pregnant is safe do according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). They argue that very little amount of the chemicals is actually absorbed in the skin. However, it is always important to take caution, and that’s why most women will be told by their healthcare providers not to use permanent hair dyes in the first trimester of their pregnancy.

Be Careful with Permanent Hair Dyes and Inhaling the Fumes

While it is true that the absorption through the skin might be very minimal, the risk comes in inhaling the fumes that come out in the process of dying. These fumes may pose a great risk to your developing baby. Permanent hair dyes usually contain ammonia which is dangerous. The same thing (precaution) applies to hair straightening products as well.

Be Careful with How You Dye Your Hair

Most of the women will always want to look good when they are pregnant, but it’s advisable to look at your unborn baby. When you dye your hair, make sure that you wear the gloves and do it in a well-ventilated place to avoid the danger of inhalation of the fumes that come out of the dyes. Don’t leave the dye on your hair for longer periods than the required time and always rinse your scalp soon after dying.

Consider Natural Hair Dyes

Due to these chemical fumes which may pose risk to your baby, it’s recommended that when you are pregnant, use the semi-permanent dyes. Vegetable dyes such as henna may also be considered safer for coloring hair during pregnancy. However, they are messy and leave an orange hue on your hair. The vegetable dyes use natural ingredients instead of the synthetic ones used in permanent dyes.

More Precautions to Take

Here are some of the precautions that you should take when dying hair while pregnant:

• It’s recommended to wait until the second trimester so that you can dye your hair
• Follow carefully the directions on the product package
• You can consider doing a patch test for the allergic reactions before you complete the whole process
• Never bleach or dye eyebrows or eye lashes

More Information Regarding Hair Treatment and Pregnancy

1. Types of Hair Treatment

There are different types of hair treatment which include:

• Curling: this includes two solutions that are placed on the hair to curl them or create permanent waves. First solution is usually the waving solution while the next solution is a neutralizing solution.
• Coloring: these include permanent dyes, semi-permanent dyes and temporary dyes.
• Bleaching: it involves the use of hydrogen peroxide.
• Relaxers: this may be popularly known to you as straighteners and involves varied chemicals.

2. Are Hair Treatment Chemicals Dangerous?

Most of these product manufacturers will change formulas and they may use a lot more chemicals in the process. Of course, all these chemicals have not been evaluated in regard to their effects on pregnancy, and that’s why there is very limited data or information available. Dyes don’t have initial harmful effect when they come in contact with the skin in regard to pregnancy. The permanent dyes could be the evil of all the dyes due to their synthetic chemical nature thus prompting any pregnant woman to be cautious with these kinds of products.

3. What If I Am a Cosmetologist And Am Pregnant?

The risks may only be evident depending on how long you are exposed to those chemicals used in treating hair. The working conditions may also be a great determinant. Research shows that those people who work under good conditions are less at risk; it also shows that the modern dyes are made with improved dye formulas. In addition, when you are pregnant you ought to maintain good working habits like not eating or drinking while on job as well as wearing protective gloves.

4. Using Hair Dye While Breastfeeding

It is unlikely that any of the dyes chemicals will be absorbed into the skin to an extent of reaching the breast milk. Little chemical is absorbed into the skin and thus it does not prove to be that risky. However, you should be cautious in any case while dealing with these products. Information about hair treatments in regard to breast feeding is limited. Most women have used these hair treatments and there are no known negative effects.