Coloring Hair While Pregnant?

Updated on October 28, 2010
M.S. asks from Boston, MA
11 answers

I have never highlighted or color my hair during pregnancy. Just because I was afraid of the chemicals and the smell. I never asked my hairdresser, But is it safe?

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T.M.

answers from Bakersfield on

I think it's controversial. I guess you could read the pros and cons and then decide. I didnt have grays while I was pg so I never did it....

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S.B.

answers from Wichita on

it's fine if you're in a well ventilated area. Dont do it yourself in a closed bathroom, but you're most likely fine at the hair dresser.

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P.M.

answers from Portland on

The skin is basically a gigantic sponge, and chemicals that we put on our skin filter directly into the bloodstream. This is in addition to vapors that enter the blood through the lungs. Chemicals have been shown to cross over into a baby's bloodstream through the placenta. Many experts advise against using any unnecessary chemicals during pregnancy or nursing.

While many babies appear to be fine after exposure to various kinds of toxins, the effect is cumulative, and they will be exposed to many more in our chemical-happy culture as they grow up. Frightening numbers of children are developing chemical sensitivities, at which point their lives become much more difficult, and many of those kids never feel truly well again. I am also a person who has been chemically injured, and I'm extremely limited in the places I can go without getting ill. It's a bit like a form of house arrest.

There is a natural product, henna, that is safe (unless you turn out to be positive – do a patch test on your arm first). It is a wonderful conditioner, adding gloss and body to hair, and comes in a wide range of colors. Health food stores also carry lines of more "natural" hair dyes using less toxic ingredients.

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K.N.

answers from Austin on

I've been told "there are currently no known risks" however I am of the opinion it is better to limit and avoid exposure to chemicals as much as possible when pregnant (especially in the first trimester).

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M.C.

answers from Boston on

use natural color. i use herbatint. it works great and it doesn't smell at all.
it can be found at whole foods and at luckyvitamin.com

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L.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I responded to your other hair question :)

No on the scalp hair color. Foiled highlights are fine and have the colorist rinse the product out w/ cool water.

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R.K.

answers from Boston on

I never have done it but hairdressers do perms and color while pregnant they are inhaling the same stuff that is going on your head. I think if I did do it I'd have it pulled through a cap so it wasn't directly on my scalp. I have heard that the color sometimes will not take or comes out different if done while pregnant.

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M.M.

answers from Minneapolis on

Aftr 12 weeks. Just be aware, hair color does not always take thee same way pregnant as when you are not pregnant. You should see some of the funky colors I see when women color hair during pregnancy. Sometimes I think it is Halloween in August ;)

S.P.

answers from Nashville on

YOu need to atleast wait until after your first trimester because of the chemicals. BUt ive heard its okay after the first trimester. I wouldnt do it all the time though.

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M.L.

answers from Pittsfield on

The concern with coloring your hair is that the chemicals will leech into your scalp - right into your blood system and be delivered to the baby. We know that pesticides on fruits and veggies transfer to the womb and can affect the developing fetus.
I think it's just better left avoided.

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A.S.

answers from Chicago on

Yes it is safe. I am a stylist and I did it while I was pregnant. I have a very healthy smart beautiful daughter!!! If your that concerned, do highlights, the color wont touch your scalp!

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