Coloring Hair in Pregnancy

I get a lot of questions asking whether it is safe to color hair during pregnancy.

There is, as yet, no definite answer to these questions. In many cases these colors contain chemicals that are teratogenic, which means that these chemicals can cause birth defects. Hair dye or hair color has indeed been found to harm the fetus in animals, but the same data is not available for humans. In addition, the amount of chemicals administered to the animals was much greater than the amount a woman would use to color her hair once a month. When lower doses of these chemicals were applied to animals, they were found to be relatively harmless. However, as no human data is available, research on this subject is not conclusive. Because the dye is absorbed through the scalp and into the body (it can be identified in urine) some medical experts are hesitant to give carte blanche to hair coloring during all three trimesters.

So should you color your hair?

As you are going to be pregnant for nine months, it is perfectly understandable that you want to look good and feel good during this time. In fact, it is important that a woman feels good about herself when she is pregnant. Needless to say, there's not a lot you can do about your weight or figure, but you certainly can do something to make your hair look better, to hide those grey strands and to brighten it up. The question is, should you?

Not at all in the first trimester.

Your baby is most susceptible to harm in the first trimester, so it is best to avoid colouring your hair at all during this time. We know for sure that the chemicals in hair dyes and hair colours are not very toxic, and are relatively harmless except when administered in large doses. If a change in your hair color makes you feel better about yourself, play safe by coloring your hair in the 2nd or 3rd trimester.

Henna is a safer option

Henna is a completely natural product, so if you must color to your hair cover grey strands, highlighting and coloring may not be the best solution for you. In this case you could consider applying henna to your hair. Henna has no chemicals, and is safer for the baby. If you can find a color that suits you, this is your best bet.

Wear gloves

If you are coloring your hair by yourself at home, make sure you wear gloves. Wash off the color after the requisite time, and do not keep it for longer than necessary. The best way to ensure a healthy baby is to keep your contact with chemicals to the minimum.

Henna is great for making your hair darker, but to highlight your hair, this is safe...

For blonde highlights mix 1 cup of lemon juice with 3 cups of chamomile tea that has been brewed, cooled, and strained. Pour over damp hair and let sit for one hour - again sunlight will enhance the properties of the color. Wash out and follow with a conditioner. For significant blonde color use daily for up to three weeks.

Highlights seem safer than full hair color

Some people don't want to take a chance on coloring the whole head of hair, and want to consider adding highlights. This process involves applying the chemicals one-half to one-inch from your roots, they don't ever touch your scalp... until the rinsing process. So, they have less contact with your skin... but not zero. I still think the vegetable derived dyes are the safest bet.