Is It Safe To Colour Your Hair When You Are Pregnant?

Fact Check

There are just way too many Dos and Don’ts when it comes to pregnancy, isn’t it? While some things are allowed, others are not. This results in many myths, one of which is about whether it is safe to dye or colour your hair when you are pregnant.

Myth: It is unsafe to colour your hair during pregnancy?

Fact: With appropriate precautions, it is safe to colour your hair during pregnancy. 

Pregnancy is a wonderful experience and women undergo a variety of emotions, thanks to the hormones! It is not uncommon for pregnant women to want to try new styles or a new hair colour.

But, there are a few things you must remember before taking the colour plunge, especially with a little one growing inside you.

Tips to Colour Your Safely During Pregnancy

• Skip colouring during your first trimester

The first three months of a pregnancy, called the first trimester, are the most crucial of them all. Reason? Well, it is during these months that your baby is taking initial form and many crucial organs are forming. 

So, the best thing you can do is call your obstetrician before you book your salon appointment to make sure it is okay to colour your hair. You are also more likely to be advised to holdback your hair colour treatment atleast till the second trimester to be absolutely sure that it has no effect on you or your baby.

• Use Safe Hair Colours

Don’t feel let down already with all these restrictions! There are plenty of ‘safe’ hair colouring options that are a niche segment in the hair colouring market. You can choose herbal hair colours that use natural ingredients and do not contain any of the harmful chemicals.

There are also other segments of ammonia-free, paraben-free, PPD-free hair colour options that are absolutely safe to use during pregnancy, if you are still not sure about it.

• Always do a patch test before going all out

Doing a patch or a strand test is a must for everyone who wishes to colour their hair to make sure the colour is safe for them. This is particularly important during pregnancy because the hormones during this phase can cause your body to react very differently, and often unpredictably.

• Always choose a well-ventilated area for the procedure

The mildest of chemicals in a hair dye can trigger nausea in pregnant women. It is therefore, advised that you choose a well-ventilated area to colour your hair. If you are getting your hair coloured at a salon, let your stylist  know so that they can make the necessary arrangements for your appointment.

• Use protective gear 

Most hair colours and dyes come with safety gloves for you to use during application. If you are colouring your hair at home, use the protective gloves to ensure reduced exposure to the hair colour chemicals.

If you are a hair stylist yourself and are pregnant, you need to be extra careful. Not only must you wear protective gloves, make sure you replace them frequently. If you can’t perform hair colouring treatments in well-ventilated areas, wear a mask to reduce exposure to chemical odours that can make you nauseous.

Getting your hair coloured is absolutely okay and safe during pregnancy. However, always remember that pregnancy hormones in your body can make it react differently and so, you must take utmost care and precautions during the process.