Using hair dye in pregnancy is one of the funny issues that can arise for many women during those nine months, and during this important time they may feel that it is an embarrassing question to ask, considering that there is a new life growing inside them.
But let's face it ladies (and considerate gentlemen!), if the people in the office have known you as a blonde, not to mention him indoors, then it is blonde that you will wish to be during your pregnancy.
Even the most organised woman could plan for pregnancy, dye her hair but a few months down the line even she will have roots showing.
So what is the truth about dyeing your hair during pregnancy.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecolosists (ACOG), hair dyes are probably safe to use in pregnancy because so little dye is absorbed through the skin.
This amount is so small that it is not thought to be harmful to the baby.
However, permanent hair dyes usually contain ammonia which has a strong chemical fume.
The concern here is that breathing fumes during the hair colouring process could be harmful to the developing baby so it is recommended to avoid hair dyes that contain ammonia.
Most health care providers will recommend postponing all hair colouring processes until you are in the second trimester.
If you do decide to dye your hair the following precautions are recommended: - wear gloves when applying the colour - apply the product in a well ventilated area as the product may give out a chemical fume - do not leave the product on your head for longer than necessary - ensure that you rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly after colouring - highlights or a semi-permanent process may be a safer option.
With highlights the dye is applied directly onto the hair and not onto the scalp - use a natural hair dye such as Henna What about other hair treatments? It is likely that a very small amount of hair treatment chemicals such as those used for perming and straightening the hair are absorbed into a woman's system through her skin.
However, like with ammonia based colouring products there is also a risk regarding the chemical fumes.
What else should I know? If you have decided to treat your hair you may find that your hair reacts differently during pregnancy than it normally would.
This is probably due to the high levels of hormones in the body during pregnancy.
It is advisable to keep a check on your colour as you may need to rinse your hair sooner than you might have if you were not pregnant.
Even if you have used the colour in the past it is advisable to do a patch test.
The same advice is recommended with perming or straightening your hair during pregnancy.
Pregnancy hormones can change the way your body reacts to the chemical agents used in perms and relaxers which means you may get more than you bargained for!!
But let's face it ladies (and considerate gentlemen!), if the people in the office have known you as a blonde, not to mention him indoors, then it is blonde that you will wish to be during your pregnancy.
Even the most organised woman could plan for pregnancy, dye her hair but a few months down the line even she will have roots showing.
So what is the truth about dyeing your hair during pregnancy.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecolosists (ACOG), hair dyes are probably safe to use in pregnancy because so little dye is absorbed through the skin.
This amount is so small that it is not thought to be harmful to the baby.
However, permanent hair dyes usually contain ammonia which has a strong chemical fume.
The concern here is that breathing fumes during the hair colouring process could be harmful to the developing baby so it is recommended to avoid hair dyes that contain ammonia.
Most health care providers will recommend postponing all hair colouring processes until you are in the second trimester.
If you do decide to dye your hair the following precautions are recommended: - wear gloves when applying the colour - apply the product in a well ventilated area as the product may give out a chemical fume - do not leave the product on your head for longer than necessary - ensure that you rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly after colouring - highlights or a semi-permanent process may be a safer option.
With highlights the dye is applied directly onto the hair and not onto the scalp - use a natural hair dye such as Henna What about other hair treatments? It is likely that a very small amount of hair treatment chemicals such as those used for perming and straightening the hair are absorbed into a woman's system through her skin.
However, like with ammonia based colouring products there is also a risk regarding the chemical fumes.
What else should I know? If you have decided to treat your hair you may find that your hair reacts differently during pregnancy than it normally would.
This is probably due to the high levels of hormones in the body during pregnancy.
It is advisable to keep a check on your colour as you may need to rinse your hair sooner than you might have if you were not pregnant.
Even if you have used the colour in the past it is advisable to do a patch test.
The same advice is recommended with perming or straightening your hair during pregnancy.
Pregnancy hormones can change the way your body reacts to the chemical agents used in perms and relaxers which means you may get more than you bargained for!!