Hair Dye and Pregnancy: Safety First
The question of hair dye safety during pregnancy, can be a tricky one. Hair dye has a myriad of potentially harmful chemicals that can pose a risk to an unborn baby in the presence of vapors or direct skin contact. The overall consensus is that the risk of exposure to these chemicals is quite low, when using over-the-counter hair dye. Many medical professionals and organizations feel that using hair dye during pregnancy should be considered safe as long as sensible safety measures are taken.
Safety Tips for Hair Dyeing While Pregnant:
- Choose a semi-permanent hair dye over a permanent one – semi-permanent dyes are not usually deposited onto the cortex and don’t contain ammonia which are considered more dangerous than other hair dye ingredients.
- Try to stay away from dyes with lead acetate and p-phenylenediamine (PPD) as these are more likely to cause skin irritation or lead to an allergic reaction.
- It’s best if a hairdresser and not a friend or family member applies your hair dye – as they have been trained and have safety procedures in place to ensure your safety, as well as your baby’s.
- Ask your doctor for advice – to ensure your baby and yourself are safe.
- Avoid using hair dye more than necessary – more frequent exposure boosts your chances of coming in contact with potentially harmful chemical.
What To Avoid When Using Hair Dye During Pregnancy
- Ammonia-free hair dye: While ammonia-free hair dye may seem safe and tempting, it may still contain other potentially harmful chemicals like parabens.
- Harmful chemical ingredients: Avoid hair dye that contains chemicals such as lead acetate, p-phenylenediamine (PPD), or coal tar.
- Bleaching: Avoid bleaching your hair during pregnancy as it commonly contains hydrogen peroxide which has been found to damage the developing baby.
- Boxed hair dyes: As convenient as boxed hair dyes may be, it is best to avoid them for safety reasons.
- Skin testing: As tempting as it may be to do a skin testing to save time, it is not recommended as some chemicals can be absorbed through the skin.
The Bottom Line:
Ultimately, it is important to always be cautious when it comes to hair dye during pregnancy. Always talk to your doctor beforehand if you plan on doing any sort of hair coloring while pregnant. It is also important to be aware of the potentially harmful ingredients and try to stay away from them. Following these short but simple guidelines can help ensure that you and your baby’s safety comes first.
Welcome to my fertility blog. This is a space where I will be sharing my experiences as I navigate through the world of fertility treatments, as well as provide information and resources about fertility and pregnancy.
