Is It Safe To Use Hair Dye During Pregnancy?

Written by Hansika Kaushik
Last Updated on

Are you confused about coloring your hair during pregnancy? Are you scared that all those toxic chemicals in the hair color will negatively affect your baby? Your concerns are valid. Your baby’s health is your priority, and you certainly wouldn’t want to take any risks during this special time. Here are some myths and realities about the use of hair dyes and their effects on your body if you are a mom-to-be.

Can Hair Dye Cause Any Harmful Side Effects?

Most hair dyes and colors contain harmful chemicals that might destroy hair follicles and roots. However, this effect is only external, and there is no evidence to suggest that these chemicals penetrate the skin layer and lead to any internal damage. Thus, it is highly unlikely that hair dyes harm the developing fetus, the side effects if any, will be quite mild. However, the side effects still exist. So, the best thing to do is avoid chemical hair dyes and colors during pregnancy.

Alternative Methods For Coloring Hair:

If you insist on coloring your hair, you could consider some alternate methods. Don’t be fooled, these methods are just as effective and don’t have any side effects on the body. You can also consider coloring your hair at the right time in your pregnancy.

  • Wait Until The Second Trimester:

If you can’t do without coloring your hair, the ideal time to get it done is the second trimester. As the first three months of pregnancy are crucial, the baby in your womb grows rapidly, with major organs, muscles, hair follicles all developing at that time. Though there is no scientific evidence of the chemicals in hair dye penetrating the body, but the side effects can take on milder manifestations. To prevent any complications or risks, avoid coloring your hair during the first trimester.

  • Use Vegetable Dyes:

Vegetable hair dyes are the safest way to color your crowning glory. Vegetable hair dyes don’t contain all those harsh chemicals that ruin your hair and can cause health complications. Unlike chemical colors with no fumes, vegetable dyes won’t make you feel nauseatic or ill.

  • Natural Alternatives:

Ladies, if you are keen on coloring your tresses, consider using henna (mehndi). Henna is a natural hair color and along with vegetable dye, it is the safest option for coloring your hair. Henna is completely natural and does not contain any potentially carcinogenic or toxic chemicals. Henna will not harm the little one in your womb. If you are skeptical about using powdered henna (which might contain some chemicals), use henna leaves. They are non-toxic and completely safe to use.

How To Apply Henna:

  1. Soak henna leaves in water in an iron pan.
  2. Leave them overnight.
  3. In the morning, grind this mixture in a food processor.
  4. Now take a hair brush and apply the mixture evenly on your hair.
  5. For the best results, add other ingredients like used tea leaves or egg extract.
  • Go For Mild Colors::

If you are coloring your hair, consider using ammonia-free colors. Ammonia can have detrimental effects on your eyes and lead to other complications. So, avoid using ammonia-based colors. Semi- permanent colors are another safe bet for your hair, as they do not have any toxic or potentially carcinogenic chemicals than chemical based dyes.

These options will help you solve your dilemma of to color or not to color you hair. Use the chemical-free options so that you don’t face the slightest risk of inhaling or coming into contact with potentially harmful chemicals.

So, color your hair safely during your special journey towards motherhood. Tell other mothers about your hair coloring tips for pregnancy. Leave a comment below.

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