Hair Care

Is it safe to get a perm or have your hair colored during pregnancy?

Hair Care
It is very important for women to feel good about themselves during their pregnancy. Many women want to dye, highlite, frost, straighten or perm their hair at some point during their pregnancy. There is not enough medical research about the safety of using chemical products during pregnancy to deem it safe or unsafe. For this reason, many healthcare professionals recommend that women wait until after the first trimester to use chemicals on their hair. Small amounts of the chemicals do get into your bloodstream and can potentially cause birth defects in a developing baby. Be cautious of breathing in the fumes from the chemicals-they could be potentially dangerous to a growing baby.

Color

Because hair dye is absorbed through the scalp, consider using a frosting kit or getting highlites. These do not directly come into contact with your scalp like hair dye does.
Use vegetable dyes rather than synthetic dyes.
Make sure that the space you are in is well ventilated.
Use gloves at all times to avoid skin contact.
Rinse your scalp well with water after the treatment.

Perming

Can make caring for your hair easier and less time consuming.
Avoid first trimester perming.
Realize that hormones may cause the perm to set unpredictably. You might have subtle results, no results, a frizzy outcome or the perfect perm.
Follow through with the instructions for how to care for a perm.

Chemical Straightening

Realize that pregnancy hormones can cause less than typical results.
Small amounts of the chemical can be absorbed into your scalp.
If you must, consider using a straightening iron until after the delivery of your baby.

If you are a hair dresser, it is crucial that you establish a safe working environment. Because of improved dye formulas and good ventilation systems in most salons, the risks associated with being a cosmetologist and being pregnant have decreased over the years. You should make sure that you work in a well ventilated area, wear protective gloves and wash your hands frequently. Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth and do not eat or drink in your work area.

Hair Changes During Pregnancy
Many women will experience thicker hair and rapid hair growth during their pregnancy. Your hair may change in texture and might seem more oily or dryer than normal. Use good shampoo and conditioner and limit the amount of hair products that you use. Blow dryers, curling irons and straightening irons put alot of unecessary stress on hair and should be used minimally.

Comments: Hair Care

Comments 1 to 8 of about 8.

alison33 - 18 days ago.
Hey preggersmissy, I have my hair highlighted all the time, it is safe during pregnancy.

PreggersMissy - 18 days ago.
I know it may not be safe to color your hair, but is it safe to highlight your hair during pregnancy? Have any of you done it?

jenakatessa - 48 days ago.
not to brag or anything, but my hair is softer, shiner, and easier to manage more than ever before...BUTTTTT....i do notice my ends splitting wayyy faster and more, and its harder to straighten..

jessipoo - 143 days ago.
my hair is falling out! im 19 weeks pregnant! and it falls out when i brush it or run my hands through it.its really thick just seems to run out.

neuilly - 177 days ago.
Hello ladies ! I am wondering if any of you AFTER having had your baby, lost your natural curl ? I am black and white mixed and had beautiful naturally curly hair up until about two or three years ago. I stopped the pill and it started to thicken again, then got pregnant and now, even eight months after her birth, I still have dry, frizzy, wavy-at-best hair. Does anyone have any suggestions or know of a good site discussing hair issues ?

vikki - 220 days ago.
OK so I've seen alot of ladies complaining about dry hair. TIP : DON'T WASH OUT THE CONDITIONER!!!!! It makes a difference. I never was it out. Comb it through so it is even while in the shower and then leave it. Those of you with curls will softer curls and the straight hair girls will have less frizz. Also if you are going to use oil's first heavily moisturise your hair and THEN had the oil so the oil traps it in. Put your hair in plats if you can. When platting your hair, don't leave the ends dangling at the end of the tie. Wrap the end of your hair AROUND the end of your plat and THEN put the tie in. This will help the ends of your hair to not dry out. Also Stop using driers and straightners, they are DEATH TO HAIR. To give a perspective on why I know this stuff works is that I have always done this. My hair is passed the back of my knees and I am expecting number 7 child. Once you get the hang of this it won't take up much time. You CAN have good hair and children too! :-)

HaTa - 228 days ago.
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Trisha909 - 243 days ago.
I totally sympathise with you ladies and dry hair. Im now finding that i get zero grease after leaving it without washing for 5 days!, I sleep in olive oil hair moisturiser to get a bit of lank greasiness going lol. but then i have to keep my hair up and look like a slap head :-(