Q: Hi, I m a 29 yrs old married female. I’m trying for conception. My concern is that hair colors would cause harm to the baby when used during pregnancy. I have heard from many people and even doctors that
you should avoid coloring your hair at least during the first trimester of pregnancy. Is this true or a myth? But what if you have many gray hairs? Not coloring them for 3 months would be a big problem! Please advice.
A: While the studies into this subject are limited, there is currently no evidence to suggest that coloring your hair during pregnancy (at any stage) carries any risk to the baby. The concerns that many people
espouse sometimes come from real information (the fact that hair coloring chemicals can be absorbed through the scalp – and have been found in urine samples) and sometimes comes from general bias against chemical
hair colors (perhaps because of an affinity towards henna coloring).
However, the best answer to the safety issue should come from your doctor. Speak with your gynecologist regarding the subject of using hair color
during pregnancy. He or she can usually give you more current information, and knows your particular situation and whether or not there might be complications of which you (and therefore I) would certainly be unaware.
Of course, there are natural hair colors that are generally considered safe, such as henna, but be sure to read the full information on these products so that you know what
situations you may have to deal with when you decide to go back to your previous color formulas.
Finally, even if your doctor gives you the green light to use hair color as you desire, you may find it problematic – particularly in your first trimester. Many women undergoing
morning sickness during early pregnancy are very susceptible to odors. The strong smell that often accompanies hair color formulas may become intolerable to a pregnant woman. Even if it isn’t BE SURE to always
perform a patch test on your arm of any hair color formula you intend to apply. The chemical changes in your body can trigger sensitivities that weren’t there before, and if you’re going to have a reaction to hair
color, it’s better to get a red welt on your arm, than have your entire scalp react because you failed to check first.
However, the best answer to the safety issue should come from your doctor. Speak with your gynecologist regarding the subject of using hair color
during pregnancy. He or she can usually give you more current information, and knows your particular situation and whether or not there might be complications of which you (and therefore I) would certainly be unaware.
