Undoubtedly, pregnancy is one of the most fulfilling journeys of a woman’s life. Nurturing a little human inside you brings joy and a sense of apprehension regarding various things. One such apprehensive thought that crosses a pregnant woman’s mind is the safety of hair dying during pregnancy. Let’s dig into it deeper to find out whether a pregnant woman should go for hair dying or not.
Safety Of Hair Dyes
As far as the safety of hair dyes is concerned, there is limited data to show the adverse effects of dyes on the fetus. This is because hair dyes’ systemic absorption is too little to cause any effect. It can also not cross the placental barrier to cause any effect on the growing fetus.
Research-Based Evidence Regarding Use Of Hair Dye
American Association Of Gynecology
The American association of gynecology deems it safe to use hair dye during pregnancy, especially during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. There is limited evidence to say that hair dye enters the body. The first trimester is a time of organogenesis; we generally want to avoid any activity during this time to ensure the safety of the fetus. However, the first trimester won’t make a difference if one wants to dye hair.
National Institute Of Health: (Canada)
The National Institute of Health states that there are no reported teratogenic effects on the fetus. A controlled study by Blackmore-Prince found that there is no increased risk of preterm delivery or considerably low birth weight in cases of 525 pregnant black women exposed to chemicals used to dye hair.
It is not very toxic to use hair dye chemicals. Especially if you have a healthy scalp, hair dye does not penetrate much into your scalp. Considering the unknown risks, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
NHS UK
The chemicals found in permanent and hair dyes are not quite toxic. The majority of research indicates that pregnant women can safely color their hair. In some studies, hair dyes have also been shown to cause harm at high chemical doses, but these doses need to be very high. Pregnant women often wait until after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy before coloring their hair to reduce the risk of harmful chemical ingredients affecting their unborn children. The chemicals in the dyes usually do not reach the level that can cause teratogenic effects as the systemic absorption is low too.
International Journal Of Woman’s Health And Reproductive Sciences
International Journal of Women conducted a study to see the result of dying hair on neonates, and they took 2040 women between the ages of 14 to 48. In total, 75.24 percent of pregnant women dyed their hair during pregnancy, and the majority (62.67%) dyed it in the third trimester. There was no significant association between hair coloring and neonate abnormality.
Precautions To Take While Dying Hair By Yourself
If you plan to dye your hair while pregnant at home, keep these points in mind.
- Consider wearing the gloves
- Make sure the dye is left on for at least a few minutes
- Make sure your room is well-ventilated.
- Rinse your scalp after applying dye
- If you have eczema or another psoriasis, ask your doctor about the dye’s safety.
- Wait until 13 weeks have passed to give your hair a makeover.
When using a hair dye or treatment, doing a strand test is a good idea first. If you need advice, talk to your hairdresser.
Doing Patch Tests
Before getting your hair dyed, do a patch test to see the effect of hair dye on your hair. If you are dying at home or in a salon, you should do a patch test to ensure you are not allergic.
- Rub small amounts of dye on the tip of your elbow.
- Please keep it on your skin for approximately two days.
- Monitor your skin and see any rashes, abnormalities, or irritations.
- Do a patch test before using any hair dye, even if you use your regular dye. You can see a change in your skin during pregnancy.
Conclusion
If you want to conceal those white hair, which are bothering you and you have a tiny fetus growing inside you, inform your treating physician and get tested for all the skin allergies through a patch test at your earliest. Remember that pregnancy is a condition that doesn’t stop you from performing everyday activities, but you better be cautious of any unwanted outcome.
Although there is limited information about hair treatments while breastfeeding, it’s considered safe to dye your hair.
As little hair dye enters your bloodstream, you are unlikely to find significant levels of chemicals in your breast milk.
Summing up, the simple answer for “can you color hair in pregnancy” is Yes.
