Introduction
In order not to negatively influence the development of individual organ systems and the growth of the unborn child, many expectant mothers think about the use of cosmetics. Most expectant mothers are particularly concerned with the question of whether dyeing hair can lead to malformations in the unborn child. It is often claimed that the use of hair dyes, bleaching and/or hair coloring products should be avoided during pregnancy. In fact, hair dyes, especially bleaches, usually contain chemicals that can be potentially hazardous to health.
Risks of hair dyeing during pregnancy
The question of whether dyeing hair during pregnancy is actually safe has not yet been conclusively clarified. However, it can be assumed that dyeing hair and the application of bleaches or hair tinting is largely harmless even during pregnancy. The reason for this assumption is the fact that no cases have yet been investigated in which developmental damage caused by the substances in a hair dye or bleaching agent has been detected.
Regardless of whether pregnancy is involved, it can be stated that no chemical found in hair dyes or hair colorants is highly toxic. Particularly in the European area, products used to tone, bleach or color the hair are subject to particularly high safety standards. For this reason, highly toxic chemicals used to color the hair must not be used by pregnant or non-pregnant women.
Although chemical hair dyes, so-called oxidation hair dyes, also contain aromatic amines (for example P-phenylenediamine) within Europe, they must be combined with a coupling substance according to the law. For this reason, the aromatic amines contained in hair dyes do not pose a health hazard. The probability of allergic reactions is also significantly reduced by the combination of aromatic amines and coupling substance.
Consequently, it is very likely that hair dyeing is completely harmless even during pregnancy. While studies in pregnant women are also not permitted regarding the possible harmful effects of chemicals used to color the hair, the course of pregnancy has been observed in hairdressers for years. In this way, attempts have been made to find out whether certain malformations are more frequent in children of hairdressers.
On the basis of these observations, no differences in the development between hairdressers and pregnant women from other professional groups could be determined so far. For this reason, the products used in this country for coloring, tinting or bleaching hair are classified as relatively harmless even when used during pregnancy. However, the substances used are not considered to be particularly healthy either.
Irrespective of the question of whether dyeing hair during pregnancy can be harmful to the unborn child, it must however be noted that the reaction of the skin surface to external stimuli can change. Especially during pregnancy, women tend to suddenly develop new intolerances or allergies. For this reason, it is absolutely necessary to test products for tinting, bleaching and coloring hair on a small area of skin approximately one day before application.
If after the test the development of redness and/or blisters occurs, the product must not be used under any circumstances. Otherwise, there is a risk that a strong allergic reaction may occur. This can be dangerous during pregnancy, both for the expectant mother and the unborn child.
However, expectant mothers, who want to be on the safe side, should avoid coloring their hair during pregnancy completely. Also the application of bleaching agents and/or hair tinting should be omitted in case of doubt during pregnancy. This principle applies especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. The reason for this is the fact that the fetus is considered particularly sensitive during this period of pregnancy. If, contrary to the previous assumption, potentially harmful substances are able to pass through the placenta during hair coloring, it cannot be ruled out that the fetus will be affected, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy.
