Hair coloring is a popular technique among many people, both men and women. People dye their hair for various reasons, including to enhance their appearance or to get a hair color that complements the color of their hair or skin tone.

When it comes to dyeing hair, one of the most asked questions is if it's okay to dye hair while pregnant or breastfeeding. In this article, we answer this question. Let's get started.

Is It Safe To Dye Hair While Pregnant?

Whether or not pregnant women should color their hair is a hot topic. According to conventional wisdom and overprotective grandmothers, hair color is a harsh chemical that can harm an unborn child. Such a claim is not supported by science.

Although there isn't much research on the subject, what is known is that a fetus cannot be adversely affected by dye absorption via the skin because it is so little. Also, there is no danger that a damaging amount of chemicals will pass through breast milk because only a small number of toxins enter the bloodstream.

Breathing in the potent fumes of permanent dyes is another risk that should be mentioned. Having your hair dyed in a well-ventilated area reduces the chance of harmful exposure. Avoid breathing in dangerous fumes when you dye your hair. You need to:

Request to attend the salon when no other clients' hair is dyed.

When a roommate colors their hair at home, leave the house and urge the other person to ventilate the room before you come back.

So I recommend you wear a colored wig to solve this problem and avoid damaging your hair while pregnant or breastfeeding.

is it safe to dye hair when pregnant

Rules To Follow When Dyeing Your Hair When Pregnant

If you are still unsure about whether it is safe to color your hair while pregnant, abide by these rules to further minimize the risks:

1. Wait Until The Second Trimester

All of your baby's organs and systems form during the first trimester of pregnancy and when development is most active. The fetus is also most vulnerable during this time. So, it is best to hold off on getting your hair colored until you are four or five months pregnant.

2. Choose a Pregnancy-Safe Hair Dye

Choose a hair dye that is gentler and ammonia-free. Most of the time, this means sticking with shades of your original hair color and letting your hair and scalp's pH balance return to normal. Because peroxide is so hazardous, bleaching is not the greatest option. If you still want to be blonde while pregnant, abstain from bleaching your hair throughout the first trimester.

3. Opt For Highlights and Balayage

Consider getting highlights or balayage instead of coloring your entire head. While the dye is applied to the strands rather than your scalp during these procedures, there is no opportunity for chemicals to enter your bloodstream. Due to this, pregnant women are thought to be safe for balayage and highlighting.

4. Adhere To The Instructions

Follow the instructions on the dye package, and be sure to color your hair in a well-ventilated area:

  • Use gloves.
  • Perform a patch test for allergies.
  • Do not keep hair dye on your hair longer than the manufacturer recommends.
  • Completely rinse the dye from your hair with warm water and a mild shampoo.

5. Get Some Fresh Air

A supersensitive sniffer is a sign of several pregnancies. Even scents you have formerly been able to bear may suddenly make you gag and run away. Also, most hair dyes have a strong smell, which could clash with your newly sensitive sense of smell. Consider dyeing your hair in a well-ventilated place to avoid nausea or headaches.

Proper ventilation is an effective technique to reduce exposure to airborne toxins. Also, the smells may annoy you more if you have asthma or allergies.

dye hair while pregnant

Additional Things To Think About While Coloring Your Hair While Pregnant

Although the risk to the unborn child is the main worry when it comes to hair dying while pregnant, there are other factors to consider. Remember that you may experience numerous hair problems during and after pregnancy, including dry hair, postpartum hair loss, itchy scalp, etc.

Although they don't encourage hair loss, hair dyes are well-recognized for making people feel dry. This implies that you risk exposing your already dry hair to something that will make it much drier.

Imagine doing this in the winter, when you typically combat more severe hair dryness from the cold. Your hair may break due to a combination of circumstances, making colored hair less attractive overall.

Also, remember that hormonal changes can alter your hair's normal state, causing it to behave differently, become more or less absorbent, coarser and frizzier, and generally unpredictable. Do a patch test before having your hair dyed, even if you have used the same hair dye for years.

Don't blame the stylist if the tone is lighter or darker than you expected; it could be a sign of internal changes.

Is It Possible To Dye Your Hair While Breastfeeding?

You must be careful about what you put in your body if breastfeeding. Alcohol and several prescription medicines are two examples of substances that can end up in your breast milk. If you intend to nurse your child, tell your doctor about any drugs you use.

Fortunately, if you follow the instructions, hair dye won't end up in your breast milk. If you're breastfeeding, you can dye your hair without risk.

To avoid irritating your infant with the smells while you color, just keep them out of the room. However, you should still work in a well-ventilated location while wearing gloves.

In Conclusion

Overall, it's pretty safe to color your hair while pregnant or breastfeeding. You can reduce the hazards by choosing gentler dyes rather than bleach, opting for balayage and highlighting, or ensuring adequate air.

The most important thing is to relax when dying your hair because worry and anxiety can injure you more during pregnancy than chemicals that might accidentally enter your bloodstream.