There seems to be a list of many things that women should do or not do during the sweet waiting months. Expectant mothers try to avoid certain foods, medicines that can harm the fetus, but what about hair dye?
"Almost all hair dyes contain chemicals such as ammonia, peroxide and paraphenylenediamine (PPD). "Some expectant mothers are worried because they don't know if these chemicals will penetrate the scalp and negatively affect the growing baby," says obstetrician-gynecologist Danielle Levy.
But can you dye your hair when you're pregnant? "The short answer is yes," says Levy.
Studies show that dyeing your hair during pregnancy is safe for the developing fetus, according to the NHS (UK National Health Service). An article published in the medical journal Canadian Family Physician states that hair dye chemicals are very little absorbed through the skin and are unlikely to adversely affect the fetus.
"If you want to be extra careful, you can always wait until the first trimester is over," adds the doctor.
The first trimester is a critical period for growth and development because it is the time when the fetus's major organs are formed.
What happens to mothers who are very afraid?
There is always a solution! One option is to change the way you apply hair dye. You can dye the ends or the hair that is furthest from the scalp, doctors say.
A second option is to change the type of hair dye you use. A plant-based or ammonia-free paint reduces exposure to certain chemicals while pregnant.
"As long as the treatment or hair coloring does not cause a reaction, such as allergies or asthma in the mother, then the baby will be fine," concludes Levy.
Source: USA Today
