Those who are pregnant and want to dye their hair will find numerous opinions about this project. But is it true that coloring the hair is sometimes bad for the unborn child? Are there actually health risks or are today’s products all suitable to dye your hair during pregnancy?
Risks of coloring hair during pregnancy
Experts have been looking into the matter. How harmful is hair coloring during pregnancy? To begin with, experts came to the conclusion that all products used for such procedures nowadays are harmless. But, conversely, this does not mean that they are healthy. Chemical hair dyes (so-called oxidation hair dyes) contain aromatic amines such as P-phenylenediamine (also known as PPD). German law states that PPD must not make up more than 2 percent of a hair dye product and may only be present in combination with coupler substances; only then is PPD considered to be actually safe for health and also harmless. If, however, no coupler substances are present, allergies on the one hand and even damage to the genetic material on the other may occur. It should be noted that in Germany not only is there a clear requirement, but the preparations are also checked time and again. Caution is advised with foreign products. Therefore, if you are pregnant and want to dye your hair, it is better to use German products. Of course, this does not mean that hair dyeing is one hundred percent safe. Finally, the chemical (and toxic) substances not only get on the hair and on the scalp, but of course also penetrate through those places. For this reason, it cannot be completely ruled out that – when permanent dyes are applied – the toxins enter the bloodstream and then flow into the mother’s milk. It is also not clear whether there are any negative effects on the development of the newborn or child when pregnant or already breastfeeding women dye their hair. For this reason, one should refrain from coloring the hair – at least until the end of the breastfeeding period. Especially in the first three months of pregnancy, it is advisable not to use any hair dye products at all (not even from Germany).
Are natural products better?
Natural products can be a reasonable alternative, of course. However, even those who choose natural-based products do not exclude all the dangers and risks that are sometimes possible. For example, natural products may very well contain pesticide residues. Sometimes chemical substances – even if the product has been labeled as a “natural product” – may also be present. Those who rely on henna products must also expect that color enhancers or even PPD may very well be contained. Henna also contains Pigment Lawson. Pigment Lawson is artificially produced and also contained in oxidation hair colors. Among other things, it is suspected of damaging the genetic material. The only actual alternative is offered by henna dye when it has actually been prepared plant-based. Here there is definitely no danger.
Tips for hair coloring during pregnancy
Who nevertheless wants to dye or at least tint his hair during pregnancy, should not do it on his own, but visit a hairdresser. Who nevertheless prefers to dye his hair himself, should follow these tips:
The hair dye should be of good quality. It is important that the pregnant woman pays attention to any additives. Skin contact should be kept to a minimum. Impermeable rubber gloves are important to use when applying the dye itself. Under no circumstances should the dye be left on longer than necessary. The dye should be rinsed thoroughly after dyeing.
Is an allergy test helpful?
Of course, hair dyes (chemical and also herbal!) can cause allergies at all stages of life. Reddening of the skin, swelling or a strong itching are possible. For this reason, it is advisable to test the product only once on a small area of skin at the beginning. The consumer can then see whether she reacts to the preparation or not. However, such tests should be used with caution. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has sometimes issued the warning that such self-tests may very well increase the risk of allergy.If consumers have questions or sometimes concerns, they should not self-test, but contact a dermatologist in advance and only then dye the hair.
Bleaching, straightening, perming during pregnancy.
Those who believe that coloring the hair is the only beautifying action, which should be refrained from in the context of pregnancy, are mistaken. When bleaching or straightening the hair, including a perm, chemicals are used. These include formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide and ammonia (or oxidizing agents). It is advisable for pregnant women to avoid direct application and resort to curlers, straighteners or even a lemon.
Dyeing without remorse
Those who dye their hair anyway should use natural products or at least wait for the first three months of pregnancy. Rather contact a dermatologist before self-experimentation or get advice from a hairdresser before coloring the hair on your own. The fact is: pregnant women do not harm their unborn child if they dye their hair. Experts have also already been able to confirm this view.
