Is It Safe to Dye Your Hair During Pregnancy
Every woman pays extra attention to her health when she is pregnant, both in terms of what she eats and what she uses, but many beauty loving mothers still wonder if they can dye their hair during pregnancy or not. Hair dyeing involves the use of chemicals to change the color of the hair. Many people are concerned that the chemicals in hair dyes can harm the fetus, but that doesn't mean you have to stop coloring your hair during pregnancy. So is it safe to dye your hair during pregnancy?
Is it safe to color my hair during pregnancy?
Going to the salon to color their hair is a way for many people to feel beautiful, and it may be something you've been doing for years. However, once you know you're pregnant, activities that seemed routine before may be called into question.
The good news is that coloring your hair while pregnant is considered safe, especially in the middle and late stages. Because most hair dyes have little to no contact with your scalp, the chances of any chemicals entering your bloodstream and, consequently, your baby are slim.
What exactly is hair dye?
Hair dye is available in three varieties: permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary. Permanent hair color is the most difficult to achieve, but it can last for months with little to no fading. Semi-permanent color can be used at home to touch up grays between salon visits and lasts for several weeks. Temporary hair dyes are typically available in spray form and fade after one or two washes.
Hair dyes are also used in a variety of ways. Root touch-ups entail applying dye to the roots to match the color of your hair. This is typically used to conceal gray hair. When a color is applied to the entire hair, such as highlights, lowlights, and balayage, a single process is used to lighten or darken it.
Is it okay to color my hair while pregnant?
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) believes that hair coloring is safe during pregnancy, noting that most experts believe that using hair color during pregnancy is not toxic to the fetus.
"While there is limited data on hair dyes during pregnancy, we do know that the chemicals found in semi-permanent and permanent hair dyes are unlikely to be highly toxic," says Temeka Zore, M.D., ACOG.
The risk of harming your unborn baby is low if you dye your hair before you realize you're pregnant. You should still discuss it with yourself or your health care provider so that they can offer additional advice if necessary.
Dyes contain chemicals, but the skin on the scalp absorbs very little of them. Because the hair that passes through the follicles is dead, it cannot absorb the color. There is very little, if any, that enters the bloodstream. Chemical exposure to the fetus appears to pose a very low risk.
Some people are concerned that if a color is left on the scalp for too long, it will enter the bloodstream, but Dr. Zore says the risk is minimal. The study also demonstrated that the dye has no effect on the body.
Furthermore, because people who dye their hair usually do so every eight weeks, they will only dye their hair three to four times during pregnancy. According to research, this has no negative effects on the fetus. Everyone's pregnancy is unique. If you have any questions about coloring your hair while pregnant, be sure to consult your healthcare provider.
How else can I keep myself safe when coloring my hair while pregnant?
While it is safe to dye your hair during pregnancy, it is best to wait until after the first trimester. This is the most rapid period of development for the fetus. Because testing pregnant women is uncommon, it is a "better safe than sorry" attitude.
There are numerous hair coloring techniques and options, but if you are going to color your hair during pregnancy, the safest option is to do highlights or balayage because the actual color will not remain on your scalp, reducing the likelihood of chemicals coming into contact with your scalp, especially if you have any skin conditions or open wounds on your scalp.
If you must use a base color, one that does not contain ammonia is usually the best choice. Ammonia not only causes hair damage, but it also emits a strong odor that can cause temporary throat or eye irritation.
Take a few precautions to ensure your safety if you choose to color your hair while pregnant. If you're doing your own DIY coloring at home, remember to open a window and ventilate to get fresher air.
Wear those hair dye box gloves with a long-sleeved shirt to prevent the dye from staining your skin. If you visit a salon, inform your colorist that you are pregnant and request a well-ventilated area.
You don't have to stop coloring your hair because you're pregnant, but you might want to adjust your routine a little for peace of mind. Because your hair grows thicker during pregnancy, whether you color it or not, you will have nice, thick hair.
How does a pregnant hairdresser work?
You can continue to work as a hair stylist or colorist while pregnant. To reduce the risks, use gloves when handling dyes, avoid standing for long periods of time, and work in a salon with a good ventilation system.
Root repair sprays and powders can be used as a temporary solution while you're out for the evening. They are available in drugstores and will last one to three days, or until you wash your hair with shampoo.
To conclude
Most experts agree that you can color your hair while pregnant. Hair coloring is safe for the baby, especially during the middle and late stages of pregnancy. Hair dyeing is a cosmetic treatment that is optional; however, it may help you feel more like yourself as your body changes.
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