I am 33 weeks pregnant....is it ok for me to dye my hair?

Answer 1

yes you can but sometimes the dye with react differently to your hair, so be prepared to pick a shade lighter than normal.Question: Is it safe to color my hair during pregnancy?

Answer: I'm asked this question regularly in my clinical practice, and I wish I had an easy answer. In general, I suggest that pregnant women consider waiting until after the first trimester, but after that I leave the decision up to each patient. No one has enough information to guarantee that using chemical dyes on your scalp during pregnancy is completely safe. That said, there's no evidence that using these dyes every month or two will cause birth defects, either.


Over the years, people have conducted animal studies trying to shed light on this matter. Some, but not all, studies have shown a few of the chemical compounds in hair dyes to be teratogenic (meaning they can cause birth defects). However, in many cases, the animals were exposed to extremely high doses of these chemicals, doses that far exceed the amount a woman would receive from coloring her hair every month or two. Clearly, the chemicals in both permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes are not highly toxic. However, no one knows for sure whether low-level exposures are risky.

The Organization of Teratology Information Services, which provides information on potential reproductive risks, says that although the data are limited, coloring your hair during pregnancy is probably safe. They point out that these chemicals have been around a long time and no research shows they cause defects in newborns. Plus, very little of the chemical is actually absorbed into your system.

Some experts recommend vegetable dyes as a good alternative to synthetic chemical agents during pregnancy. I found a large selection of so-called herbal preparations at my local health food store. But buyer beware: In addition to various "natural" substances listed as ingredients, many of these dyes also contain some of the very same synthetic chemical compounds (e.g., p-phenylenediamine, dihydroxybenzene, and aminophenol) that the major cosmetic companies put in their permanent and semi-permanent dyes. Pure henna, which comes in a number of colors, was the exception. Henna is a semi-permanent vegetable dye considered to be very safe, though not everyone loves the hues it may impart!

Another alternative you might consider if you're concerned is highlighting, painting, or frosting your hair. You absorb hair-coloring agents into your system through your skin (scalp), not through your hair shaft. So, any process, such as streaking, that puts less of the chemical in contact with your scalp reduces your exposure to the compounds in dyes.

I certainly think it's important for women to feel good about themselves during pregnancy. Whether coloring your hair will make you feel good or cause you to worry needlessly for nine months is something to think about. If you do choose to color your own hair while expecting, wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated space to minimize your exposure to the harsh chemicals used in the coloring process.

Answer 2

Yes its safe I asked my doctor about this just get the kind with little ammonia so you dont smell it, because thats the bad stuff. But they do have hair dye out there that has little to no smell. People watch the news so much its crazy....Now they think hair dye causes cancer...What doesnt cause cancer these days....

Answer 3

Yes as long as you do it in a well ventilated room.
I dyed my hair every 2 months during my pregnancy and had no effects my son is now 15mos and fine.
P.S I recommend using Garnier brand hair dyes during pregnancy because they have no harsh smell like most others.

Answer 4

It's better if you don't. The chemicals in hair dyes can be absorbed into your bloodstream through your scalp and might affect the baby. You could wait a couple more months.

Answer 5

I did. Nothing bad happened to me...but some women have more sensitive skin during pregnancy and get chemical burns on their scalp. The fumes may be a risk as well. If you choose to then have a window open. Good luck

Answer 6

Try highlights. They don't penetrate (or even touch) the scalp.
There are all-natural hair dyes now that are safe for pregnancy. Ask your stylist about them and take the ingredients to your doctor.

Answer 7

Yes...its fine. I homeworked it when I was pregnant...I found that the only way that it was going to be a problem was if I was to cut a hole ion my head, and pour the dye directly in. Talk to your Dr, and your hairdresser

Answer 8

People do. The only colors I read about having harmful effects are the dark brown colors. Browns are linked to cancer risk: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-818.html

How to: http://www.ehow.com/how_2429_dye-hair-pregnant.html

The Mayo Clinic answers wtih some good reference sites listed: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hair-dye-and-pregnancy/AN00241

Answer 9

I am pregnant 6 months i dyied my hair no harm dun its a lot of unkonown facts people say that is not proven. so dye your hair

Answer 10

My hairdresser told me that the newer products are safe. But I still wouldn't chance it. Besides your hair and skin change during pregnancy, and the results may not be what you expected.