Hairlighting

Updated on July 20, 2010
L.M. asks from Henderson, NV
16 answers

Hi! I think I am 3 weeks pregnant and I need to give myself a bleach hightlight. Is it safe for the baby in this first trimester? Is there a highlight product I can use at home that doesn't have bleach in it? This is my first baby and I do not want to harm it in anyway!!! Anyone know about this?

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T.N.

answers from Albany on

Three healthy pregnancies, a life time of blonde in a box! Pregnant or not, Moms should feel FABULOUS! Congrats!

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A.S.

answers from Dallas on

I'm a stylist and the safety issue with coloring hair during pregnancy is typically due to absorption of the chemical through the scalp. If you are going to be using foils, that is off scalp coloring and is generally regarded as safe.

Also, if you have color in your hair already, you will essentially need the bleach to lift that color out. You can usually use a lightener without bleach, but depending on the lightness of your hair, it may turn a brassy color and the extra hormones and prenatal vitamins can effect the color turnout.

Best to get some small focal highlights in a salon with foils if you are low on cash (it will save you money than getting an allover highlight done), or not to use the all over color at all.

I also get my hair colored back to natural early in pregnancy so I don't have to mess with highlights and keep coloring my hair throughout my pregnancy. Some people don't have a problem with the way the color smells, but if you are highly sensitive, the smell could make you really nauseous.

2 moms found this helpful

K.B.

answers from Milwaukee on

First off no one NEEDS to get something done to their hair, yes it does make us look nice and even may make us feel good but it is not needed. Secondly find out if you are pregnant, talk to your midwife or doctor about it and go from there. I personall opted not to get my hair dyed, highlighted or colored in any way because I was extermly nauseous through out my pregnancy and did not want to take the chance of losing my cookies in the salon. I would not use anything with bleach go to a salon and ask for something without bleach, there are so many choices now... or just let to grow out naturally and wait till after you give birth (would be a nice thing to do two-three weeks after giving birth to have a little time away from the baby).

1 mom found this helpful
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S.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Honestly...I asked a Perneotaligist(not sure if I spelld that rt)..He was a specialist in the OBGYN field..I asked him about the samethng.He stated that he ddnt feel it is "products"that harmed fetus..He said he recommends to do it in open area because of fumes..Thats why he advises hairstlyist who are expecting to limit the chemical treatments they do to clients..I have alwys colored hair/had my nails done(I heard that one 2 abt gettn nails done while expecting)My kids are juuuuusssst fine..So go ahead and look your best Mama:)
S.

C.C.

answers from Fresno on

I am a bright, sunny blond with a LOT of help from the salon. =) Both of my OBs during my 2 pregnancies said there's no problem with hair dye. Women have been doing this forever with no issues. You may as well feel pretty in any way you can, because soon your body will change in ways you can't possibly imagine now, and you will need great pregnancy hair to compensate. ;-)

Congrats on your pregnancy!

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H.H.

answers from Hartford on

really i would pass on the hair dye, personally. I was told that some products are safe, but not all (by my dr.) If you do decide to do it I would not only ask your dr. but not do it yourself I would go to someone that is professional and will know about safe products. I know they say there are some safe products out there, but why risk it.....really. the stuff usually smells so bad too. Besides no one will be looking at your hair, they will be looking at your beautiful baby bump....and then the baby. lol

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M.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

If you are three weeks pregnant than the baby hasn't even implanted yet or is only doing so now...it's probably just fine. If you have questions, ask your OB.

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A.C.

answers from Houston on

Highlighting is largely considered safe during pregnancy as there is limited contact with the product and the scalp--where something would be absorbed.

It is always best to check with your midwife or doctor in these cases as opinions about the safety of things vary widely and are changing all the time.

That being said...there is an awful lot of development happening in the first trimester. Better to be a little drab than risk it.

C.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I colored my hair throughout both of my pregnancies and I have two very healthy kids, 14 and 11. Go for it. You'll feel better about your self.

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S.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

I don't know how blonde your hair is. I have blonde hair, but it gets pretty dark/dirty thru the winter. I read this trick and it has worked. Almost everyday someone says "did you lighten your hair?, it looks really nice!"
Make a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Spray a little on your hair everyday. It will gradually lighten it - safely - and cheaply!

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A.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

As a midwife I would definitely recommend not using bleach or any color until after the first trimester. I definitely would try and avoid any chemicals as the neural tube is developing and trying to switch to natural products if possible.
Aleks
birthsanctuary.com

A.G.

answers from Pocatello on

What I was always told is that there isn't really any study done to show that yes for sure it can harm the baby or no it has no effect at all. Most doctors say it's ok to still get your hair done a few time while pregnant just don't over due it. I usually have highlights in my hair but with both my pregnancies once i find out I'm pregnant I just dye it all back to my natural dark brown hair so I won't have to do it again for the rest of my pregnancy. So I'm sure you will be fine to do a highlight but try not to do it too much for the rest of your pregnancy.

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S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

as long as you're in a well ventilated area, there's no reason not to.

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M.N.

answers from Los Angeles on

I would not use bleach as it gets into your body through the skin and compromises your immune system. If it can be kept away from the skin, I might. Learn to use vinegar and other more natural cleaning supplies so you do not smell the bleach and those awful cleaning supplies. Walk down that isle at the store, it is hard to breathe for me as I have not used them in so long.

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A.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

This the one issue where there is absolute consensus among doctors and any articles you might read on the subject - it is okay to highlight your hair when you are pregnant. Because everything I read said it was okay and my doctor said it was okay I highlighted my hair throughout my pregnancy.

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K.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

The first trimester is really the riskiest as far as miscarriages go. I definitely wouldnt highlight my hair now. I had dark roots for a year during and right after my pregnancy.

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