Using hair dye in pregnancy: is it safe?

Table Of Content

• Is It Safe for Baby?
• Dyeing your hair while pregnant isn't a huge risk — here's how to minimize side effects
• The official advice on whether you can bleach your hair while pregnant
• Benefits of Bleaching Your Hair While Pregnant
• Ways to minimize chemical exposure from hair dyeing during pregnancy
• Five ways to make your Beauty Routine more Eco-Friendly

“The bleach will open up the hair cuticle, penetrate the hair cortex, and dissolve the hair’s natural melanin.” Hair bleach, says King, is mainly hydrogen peroxide. Keep in mind that “if applied directly to the scalp, it can sting, burn and cause skin irritation, if not properly done,” Satorn tells Romper. Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear answer here, as each person’s circumstances will vary. “Ensure you’re taking care of yourself and listening to your body when it comes to taking a break or needing to rest,” Reavey says. And always consult with your medical provider for any questions and concerns. According to the American Cancer Society, semi-permanent and permanent dyes contain larger quantities of chemicals that may be carcinogenic.

Is It Safe for Baby?

However, there are certain precautions you can take to make sure your baby is extra safe. Overall, hair treatments are generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. However, you may also consider getting highlights or using pure vegetable dyes. Regardless, your safest option is to wait at least until after the first trimester, if not until after pregnancy. When you're pregnant, you want to minimize your exposure to any toxic ingredients.

Dyeing your hair while pregnant isn't a huge risk — here's how to minimize side effects

The “safest” part of your hair to dye would be whatever part is farthest from any of your skin. If you put dye on your ends and then they touch your bare shoulders, that’s generally the same risk as getting dye on your scalp when coloring your roots. If you’re more of the DIY type, consider a semi-permanent color — it doesn’t contain ammonia and typically doesn't contain peroxide (bleach). Plus, it's more forgiving than permanent dyes, and fades gradually after a month or so.

The official advice on whether you can bleach your hair while pregnant

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When you’re pregnant, it’s common to second guess the safety of many of your usual activities. You may question aspects of your daily routine, such as exercise, diet and caffeine intake. Many people also wonder if continuing their usual beauty routine—including dyeing their hair—is safe during pregnancy. In case you are wondering ‘Can I bleach my hair blonde while pregnant’ due you your allergic issues, these are two ingredients to watch out for.

Are the ingredients in hair-color treatments safe?

If you’re ready to try a treatment, it’s a good idea to do a patch-test on a section of hair to make sure you don’t experience an allergic reaction, pros suggest. If you’re at home with a box dye kit, gloves are also a cautious choice. Go to the salon to get your hair bleached rather than doing it yourself at home. This can help to reduce the risk of anything getting absorbed into your scalp, which is the only way it could get to your baby. Bleaching your upper lip is better than bleaching both of your arms, so choose wisely which areas of your body might need it.

Almost all hair dyes—even boxes labeled as “natural”—contain these chemicals. Conduct a patch test and ensure that the salon is adequately ventilated. To be on the safe side, why not try some of the natural hair-lightening tips we have discussed?

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This is the main villain among hair color ingredients that opens up cuticles of hair to let the color seep in. However, this pungent-smelling, powerful chemical can be harsh on your hair(1). Your sense of smell can be acute during pregnancy and the smell of ammonia can be rather overwhelming. It is best to steer clear of it and choose ammonia-free products instead. There's very little research that focuses on the use of hair dye while nursing, Langdon says.

What are the risks of dyeing hair while pregnant?

After completing a hair treatment, rinse your scalp and forehead to remove any traces of the dye from your skin. In general, you do not need to lose sleep over the decision to color your hair in pregnancy. If you’re at home, open up the windows so you’re breathing in fresh air, not toxic fumes. Always wear gloves if you’re applying the product to your own hair, and slip into a long-sleeved shirt for extra coverage.

“Research and data on potential harmful effects of many chemicals and environmental factors on the developing fetus are limited. Hair dye is generally safe during pregnancy, but there’s no harm in being cautious. If you’re concerned about potential harmful effects, choose gentler hair treatments to minimize your exposure to chemicals. It’s also important to avoid coloring your hair if you have any open cuts or abscesses or a skin condition. Tiny openings in the skin on your scalp can make it easier for the chemicals in the hair dye to enter your bloodstream.

Balayage, for example, gives your hair an ombre effect, with the artificial color being applied at the bottom of your hair and fading as you go up. If you want to be cautious (and rest easier at night), wait until this critical period is over before reaching for the hair dye. Ob/Gyn Salena Zanotti, MD, dives into hair dye, pregnancy and its effects on fetal development. Even if you have bleached your hair before, it might be a good idea to test for allergies by applying a small amount to your inner elbow 48 hours before bleaching. Allergies can show up at any time, and you don't want to be dealing with a reaction while pregnant and trying to figure out which medicines are safe.

Join us as we set off on a journey through pregnancy and hair care, discussing what is okay and what is not and how to rock those fabulous locks without compromising the well-being of your unborn baby. Pregnancy is that special time when you tend to have endless questions about every little thing. From deciding what to eat and drink to the nursery décor, making a choice seems to take forever. Is it possible to bleach those locks or experiment with bold hues while you are expecting them? Questions related to hair treatments during pregnancy are common. Most treatments involve chemicals and dyes which leave women wondering if they are safe.

However, always check with your doctor before handling any type of dangerous chemicals so that he can first approve the brand and type of bleach that you choose. Though the bleach probably won’t be soaked into the skin at all, certain compounds are more dangerous than others and should be avoided. Although dyeing hair during pregnancy is unlikely to cause birth defects, it is recommended that you exercise caution and opt safe products. Pregnant individuals are recommended to use ammonia-free dyes that do not feature harsh chemicals.

The first trimester is a delicate time when your baby is most susceptible to toxins like alcohol and certain medications. Healthcare providers recommend waiting to dye your hair until the second or third trimester. Some even recommend waiting until after your baby is born in high-risk pregnancies.

We've got all the information you need on bleaching your hair during pregnancy - plus, all the safety precautions you should take. It is unlikely that the minimal amount of dye absorbed into your scalp will have any effect on your growing fetus. "The research on hair dyes and treatment chemicals in pregnancy has always been quite limited but most indicates they are relatively safe to use during pregnancy," says Dr. Masterson. Be sure to consult with a healthcare provider about your circumstances if you have any questions about bleaching your hair while pregnant.

You may not always feel good about yourself as your body goes through these changes. You won’t have control over all of the physical changes taking place. Dyeing your hair is one of the most common forms of self-expression. Whether you love your highlights, covering grays or you’re rocking a vivid hue, you might be wondering if you should give up your color once you get pregnant. However, there are some precautions you should take for your own comfort and peace of mind.