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Becoming pregnant doesn’t mean it’s the end of your fashion sense, in an era where there are more and more designers coming out with trendy pregnancy wear and accessories you are spoilt for choice. This revolution in pregnancy fashion has extended as far as cosmetics; these include hair colours. This begs the question, is hair colour safe when you are pregnant?
Is Hair Colouring Safe During Pregnancy?
The sample size for the safety of hair colour during pregnancy is extremely small but encouraging. Most doctors feel that the risks are minimal to you and almost non-existent to your baby. They do, however, recommend that you stick to natural colours rather than chemical hair dyes. This is because you may not be able to predict the reaction to certain chemicals used in hair dye when your immune system is weak, which is the case when you are pregnant.
What Do Experts Say?
As mentioned above, it is an insufficient sample size in which medical professionals have studied hair dyes. Most hair dyes have minimal, if any, side effects. It is recommended that you consult a doctor before using hair dyes so they can help you identify what hair dye is safe during pregnancy for you. Certain natural dyes can cause to the skin. Chemical dyes may do the same. Another reason to consult a doctor is to find out when during your pregnancy is it safest to colour your hair.
Right Time for Colouring Hair While Pregnant
Most doctors will recommend you wait until the second trimester to dye your hair. This is because dying hair during pregnancy is less risky once your baby begins to form their organs. Once the development of the organs is complete, your baby will have more immunity to the colouring agents themselves. Doctors also recommend trying substitutes for chemical dyes.
Other Substitutes For Hair Colouring
If you are intent on colouring your hair but are afraid that chemical dyes will do your baby or you harm or are unsure of what kind of natural dye to use, consult your doctor about the options available to you. Here are a few.
Vegetable Hair Dye
Organic vegetable hair dye is an excellent natural substitute to the chemical ones, this type of dye doesn’t contain chemical fumes which reduce the risk of nausea during the colouring process and are also considered a healthier form of hair colour for your hair since it doesn’t weaken the roots of your hair.
Natural Ways of Hair Colouring During Pregnancy
If vegetable dyes don’t appeal to you, don’t worry, there are numerous options available to you. Some of these are.
Henna
Henna is a traditional form of colouring your hair in the Indian subcontinent. It is entirely natural and does not use vegetables or chemicals. This type of dye is considered the safest manner in which to colour your hair. The henna leaves have drawbacks, however, as the range of colour available is extremely limited. This is recommended if you are only trying to hide those pesky grey hairs or just want a different shade of colour. Using Henna or Mehndi leaves are recommended over the powder to ensure the elimination of potential chemicals used to preserve the powder. To use Henna leaves follow the steps mentioned below:
- Using a pan, soak the leaves overnight
- If you are looking for hair nutrition while colouring, add tea leaves or egg whites to the mixture
- When day breaks, using a food processor grind the mixture into a paste
- Using a brush, lightly stroke the regions you want to colour with the paste, ensure you apply it evenly
- Let it dry
- Wash your hair with a mild shampoo if you have egg whites in the mixture
- Avoid shampoo and rinse your hair if there are no egg whites in the mixture
Use of Mild Colours
If you decide to go for alternate options like the milder dyes available on the market, remember to use ammonia free colours, ammonia can be extremely bad for your hair and skin. Using semi-permanent mild dyes can also eliminate some toxins.
Precautions to Take While Colouring Hair in Pregnancy
There are many things you need to keep in mind, and precautions you need to exercise during pregnancy. Although there are limited risks in using hair dyes when pregnant, here are a few precautions you should take:
- Use hair dyes with less frequency
- When faced with a choice, opt for natural dyes
- Follow the package instructions while applying the dye
- Consult your doctor before using the dye and in case of any side effects
- Use mild shampoos
- Only dye your hair after the first trimester has ended
- Buy trusted brands of hair colour, as the cheaper ones may harm your hair, your baby or your health.
- Ensure you don’t consume any food or beverage while colouring your hair to avoid accidental ingestion of chemicals
- Avoid using hair colour near your eyes, remember, the risk of infection could also harm your baby
- Use good quality conditioners to maintain healthy hair
- Don’t use dyes that require you to bleach your hair, as this may harm the baby
- Always apply small quantities first to see how your body reacts to the dye before applying it thoroughly.
It is important to remember that hair dye can cause harm if you use too much of it, but in most cases, the utilisation of hair dye will not lead to any fatality. Keep in mind that your body might be allergic to certain dyes. Consult your doctor before using hair dyes. It is essential to understand what you are allergic to and what your hair dye contains. Before using the dye on your entire head, use a small amount in one spot and leave it for a while. See if your body reacts well to the dye. If not, it is advisable to change the type of dye. Try streaking or frosting your tips instead of colouring the entire hair, as highlights are also a safer option. Remember that if you face any side effects, you must consult your doctor immediately. In case of an emergency, contact the number provided in the package of the hair dye and go to the emergency room. Remember not to colour any other hair apart from the hair on your head, especially the hair near the eyes. If the colour slips into your eye, it could cause infections. In case of an infection, your baby will be more at risk as they have an underdeveloped immune system that may not be able to combat the infection naturally.
