Baby Care

When you discover that you’re pregnant, you will hopefully be filled with excitement and anticipation. However, you may also feel slightly anxious as you’re suddenly confronted with a list of pregnancy do’s’ and ‘don’ts.

These feelings are entirely normal and they don’t mean that you’re neurotic or paranoid; you simply want the best for your baby and are therefore keen to ensure that your pregnancy runs as smoothly as possible.

You may well be aware that there are certain foods you should avoid and exercises that are not recommended during pregnancy.

One area where a certain amount of confusion arises, however, is whether or not it is safe to dye your hair when you’re pregnant.

Is it safe to colour hair during pregnancy?

It is always best to consult your GP before having your hair coloured; you should always be guided by your doctor, rather than a hairdresser. Although there is no evidence that the chemicals present in hair dye are dangerous, there have been suggestions over the years that they might harm your unborn baby through causing birth defects. However, the tests that have been conducted have been inconclusive and hair dyes have come a long way in recent years; previously, some hair dyes contained certain chemicals, such as formaldehyde, which would possibly pose a threat to an unborn baby’s health. Most of the chemicals now used in hair dye are not very toxic, but some doctors may advise you not to have your hair coloured during pregnancy or might suggest that you wait until after your first trimester. This is because the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system is at it’s most active during the first three months.

If the doctor says it’s safe to colour hair, should you do it yourself or go to a salon?

If the doctor gives you the go-ahead, the next question you may ask yourself is whether you should dye your hair yourself or have it done professionally. As your hair will probably undergo changes when you’re pregnant, you may choose to have it done in a salon as you can’t be quite sure what colour it will come out! If you choose to colour it yourself, make sure that you wear gloves and choose products which are low in ammonia and peroxide. It’s also a good idea to dye your hair in a well-ventilated room, so you minimise the amount of chemicals that you breathe in – you are also less likely to feel sick from the smell of the fumes.

Your doctor may suggest that, rather than having your whole head of hair coloured, you ask for highlights, as these do not come into contact with your scalp.

Are any hair dyes completely safe?

The only hair dye that is considered to be completely safe to use during pregnancy is henna. As a rule, most vegetable-based products will be safe to use, although you should always check with your GP if you have any concerns.

Will hair change during pregnancy?

Many women report that their hair gets thicker and more glossy when they’re expecting. This is one of the positive side-effects of pregnancy, as even women who have previously had fine, limp hair may now be blessed by a thick mane to be proud of! This is due to increased levels of oestrogen produced by your body during pregnancy.

Don’t be shocked, however, if you shed a considerable amount of hair in the first few months following birth. This is because your hormones are returning to their pre-pregnancy state and you are now shedding the hair that you didn’t lose during pregnancy. Obviously, if you are concerned at all then make an appointment to see your GP.

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