Your direct connection to dermatologists, trichologists, hairstylists, and other beauty experts is the Hair Health Hotline. Each tale in this collection addresses a typical hair or scalp issue and provides science-based advice on how to take care of your strands.
If you’re expecting, you probably keep a running list in your head of things you should limit or avoid for the next nine or so months: alcohol, caffeine, sushi, and so on. You might be wondering about your usual hair-care routine given that some skin-care products are also best avoided if you’re expecting (retinoids, for example). especially if it’s safe to colour your hair while expecting.
Continue reading for information on whether you can colour your hair while pregnant from Stephanie Hack M.D. , an ob-gyn, and host of Lady Parts Doctor podcast if you’re trying to decide whether to cancel your scheduled hair color appointment or learn to accept the grays.
A: I just dyed my hair and learned that some of the chemicals in hair dye may be harmful to expectant mothers. IS IT SAFE TO DYE YOUR HAIR WHILE PREGNANT, OR IS IT UNACCEPTABLE? A: According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, it’s okay to continue dyeing your hair while pregnant if you’re searching for a straightforward yes/no response (ACOG).
In particular, ACOG stated on the group’s website in 2020 that experts generally agree that it’s safe to colour your hair while pregnant. According to the majority of specialists, using hair dye while pregnant is not harmful to the fetus, according to the statement . “High concentrations of these substances do not result in major birth abnormalities, according to studies conducted on animals. Additionally, very little of the chemical makeup of hair colour is absorbed through the scalp.” Dr. Hack concludes that “there’s really nothing to be concerned about.”
As previously indicated, studies have examined the possibility that substances in hair color may be absorbed by the skin of a pregnant woman, pass via the umbilical chord to the fetus, and harm the fetus. Phenylenediamine (PPD), aminophenols, and ethanolamine, three chemicals that are occasionally present in hair dyes, have been specifically studied for their potential to cause birth defects and appeared to increase the risk when administered to animals in “very high doses,” according to an article published in Canadian Family Physician. However, according to the report, tests on humans have shown that the toxins “are unlikely to reach the placenta in large levels to cause harm to the unborn fetus.”
Naturally, there is no danger in delaying your color treatments until after giving baby. “My advise for my pregnant patients is always to just wait,” says Dr. Hack. “If you really, really want to have an abundance of caution.” “You don’t want to find yourself in a scenario where you’re blaming yourself, even if it was something that was out of your control, in the event that something happens.”
WHEN DYING YOUR HAIR WHILE PREGNANT, TAKE ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS If you’re still unsure about using your usual hair dye while you’re pregnant, you can change the type of colour you use. Dr. Hack advises using a semi-permanent hair color, a temporary dye, or something gentler like a vegetable or henna-based dye if you wish to exercise caution. “Other “precautions” include switching to highlights because they won’t be applied directly to the scalp and will therefore absorb less dye. Although only a tiny portion of that color is really absorbed into the scalp and even less of that is going to reach the baby “via the umbilical cord,” highlights or one of the aforementioned sorts of dyes would be safer if you really, truly wanted to be cautious.”
Regardless of whether you are pregnant or not, there are some precautions you should always follow if you decide to color your hair and intend to use a box dye at home. Dr. Hack recommends using gloves, working in a well-ventilated area, rinsing the dye out completely, and carefully following any other instructions on the packaging.
Dr. Hack advises that you test the dye on a small section of hair before coloring your entire head (or let your colorist know that you are pregnant so they know to do so). Yes, even if you’ve used hair colour without incident for years. According to Dr. Hack, your body’s hormone levels change during pregnancy. “Some hormones, like those produced by the placenta, are abnormally present. Your body may therefore react differently. So, just in case you don’t quite get the outcome you were hoping for, you might want to do a quick test run or hair trial.”
It’s okay to continue coloring your hair throughout pregnancy, according to the majority of specialists, if you’re pregnant and don’t like the color of your hair naturally. If you’re still undecided, think about experimenting with softer hair dye alternatives or speaking with your ob-gyn for specific guidance.
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