When you find out you’re expecting a baby, you will receive advice on what to avoid, such as contact sports, chemical sunscreens, and store-bought sushi. But what about dyeing your hair during pregnancy? Can you continue this beauty routine while expecting?
Dr. Catherine Caponero, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Cleveland Clinic, explains that while there is limited data on dyeing hair during pregnancy, animal trials show it is relatively safe. Experts agree that it is generally okay to dye your hair while pregnant, even though the exact risks are not fully known in humans.
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How to dye your hair as safely as possible during pregnancy
Whether you’re going to the salon or trying a DIY dye job at home, there are steps you can take to reduce potential risks when dyeing your hair while pregnant.
Wait until the second trimester (or later)
To be extra cautious, Dr. Caponero recommends waiting until at least week 13 to dye your hair, preferably during the second or third trimester, when the baby’s organs are mostly developed.
Minimize fumes
Ensure good ventilation at the salon or dye your hair outdoors at home to reduce exposure to strong fumes that could cause nausea or headaches due to heightened pregnancy sensitivity.
Wear gloves if you’re dyeing your own hair
Use gloves to avoid direct skin contact with the dye, as some chemicals in hair products have been linked to health issues and it’s best to minimize exposure during pregnancy.
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Consider the type of dye
If you’re worried about the risks of chemical dyes, opt for temporary, ammonia-free, paraben-free, or peroxide-free dyes to lower the potential impact on your baby during pregnancy.
Use the minimum amount of dye
Follow the dye package instructions and choose the lowest recommended time to minimize exposure during pregnancy and reduce any possible risks to your baby.
Maybe skip the dye if your skin might have microtears
If you have skin conditions that cause microtears, like eczema or psoriasis, it’s best to avoid dyeing your hair during pregnancy to eliminate any potential complications for your baby.
Dyeing your hair while breastfeeding: Is it safe?
After giving birth, if you’ve refrained from dyeing your hair during pregnancy, you might want to cover those roots. While there isn’t specific research on hair dye during breastfeeding, it is generally considered safer than during pregnancy due to the dilution of substances in breast milk.
Before you go, check out these bed-rest essentials for pregnancy:
