|
|
 |
|
WOMEN'S & CHILDREN'S | Family Maternity Center | Pregnancy Resource Center | Pregnancy Library | Pregnancy Tips | Beautiful You: To dye or not to dye?
Beautiful You: To dye or not to dye?
To dye or not to dye. That's the question. And the answer is that it's impossible to absolutely guarantee that dying your hair during pregnancy is safe. However, it's also true that there's no evidence to indicate that hair dye causes birth defects.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, in the book Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth, says: "It is believed that hair dyes are most likely safe to use during pregnancy. One thing you should know: Because pregnancy causes a change in hormone levels, the hair color may not come out as expected."
The chemicals used in hair dye have been around for a long time. But since there is no scientific evidence one way or the other, you should probably evaluate your anxiety level compared to the beauty question.
Color: It's not all or nothing
Truth is that it's important to feel good about yourself during pregnancy. Ask yourself whether coloring your hair will make you feel better or worse because you're worried about the baby. If you can't decide, there may be an alternative to the dilemma:- Wait until the third trimester to color or perm. Hair dye that soaks for a long time into your scalp does have the potential to expose the baby to tiny amounts of certain chemicals, even though there's no proof that these chemicals in small amounts cause harm. By waiting, all of the baby's early brain and organ formation will already have taken place. This would be a conservative approach.
- Consider highlighting, painting, frosting or foiling your hair. In these processes, there is less chemical contact with your scalp, or none at all.
- Consider henna. Henna comes in a number of colors and, as a semi-permanent vegetable dye, is considered very safe. Be careful about other "natural" dyes, however. Many of these contain the same chemical compounds that cosmetic companies use in their products.
If you do decide to use hair color at any time during your pregnancy, be sure you:- Wear gloves.
- Keep the room well ventilated.
- Don't let the chemicals work on your scalp longer than necessary to get the desired results.
Date last reviewed: October 2002.
Back to top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|