There are not a lot of studies that cover the use of hair dye during pregnancy. But for the studies available the results are looking good. While a lot of hair dyes of the past were filled with chemicals with carcinogenic properties you can find a number of brands and products on the market that are safe to use while pregnant.
Can You Dye Your Hair When Pregnant?
Most of the limited research available indicates that chemicals found in both permanent and semi-permanent dyes are safe for use during pregnancy. It is notable also that only small amounts of hair dye are absorbed through the skin making even harder for dyes to have a damaging effect on the fetus.
Which Hair Color is Safe During Pregnancy?
While permanent hair color is the choice that will give you the best results. You will have a safer experience if you choose a semi-permanent hair color that is free of bleach or ammonia.
Can Pregnancy Hormones Affect Hair Coloring?
Yes, your hormones can affect hair coloring. They however don’t always affect the end product of coloring. But it is very likely that the way your hair will turn out after coloring while pregnant is different from how it used to turn out before you were pregnant.
List of Healthiest Hair Dyes
The research suggests that hair dyes and treatments are generally safe enough for use for pregnant women. Experts also note that only small amounts of dye are absorbed into the skin and in such amounts that are not deemed harmful. With this information you still want to exercise precaution if you plan to color your hair while pregnant.
The American Pregnancy Association recommends you wait until your second trimester to dye your hair. This is because during the first twelve weeks your baby and your body are undergoing major development and changes.Â
Note that with the exception of Henna products, all hair dyes will have some amount of man-made chemicals or substances. So as a guide, you want to look for products that do not contain:Â
- Parabens
- Ammonia
- Para-phenylenediamine (PPD)
- ResorcinolÂ
How to Prevent Negative Side Effects When Coloring Hair
Even when using an all-natural coloring agent you want to do the following:
- Do a patch test to check for allergic reactions. You can do this in the presence of your doctor if you need medical advice.Â
- Choose a well-ventilated area to dye your hair to limit the inhalation of fumes.Â
- Read all of the instructions before beginning the process.Â
- Avoid contact with other skin and eyes by wearing protective gloves and even a shield to prevent the dye from running into your face.Â
Now that you are well equipped with guidance lets get right into the options for hair dyes suitable for use during pregnancy.
We love this one for use during pregnancy because it is an ammonia-free option. It also contains 60% natural oils contained within the colorant to make a more vibrant finish. With the natural oils it allows your hair to feel soft and smooth when finished and may even feel like an added treatment bonus. With no ammonia it has a very pleasant scent so it is more comfortable for you to endure during the waiting period.Â
ProsÂ
- Ammonia-Free
- 60% natural oils leave hair feeling silky smooth
- Less than $15
- Pleasant smell
Cons
- Contains ethanolamine which may lead to hair loss
We love this option because it is free of sulfates, parabens, and ammonia It is made with a combination of coconut oil, argan oil and contains vitamins E and C. The ONC line also has a very wide range of shades (29 to be exact) so everybody can find their ideal choice. The oil combination helps to leave your hair feeling moisturized without weight it down or making it greasy. It has a pleasant banana smell thanks to the addition of banana extract.
ProsÂ
- Pleasant Banana Scent
- All Natural IngredientsÂ
- Wide Range of Shades
ConsÂ
- Doesn’t cover gray hairs well
Henna is best suited for those who want a brassy red or rich auburn. It is an all-natural product made from pure henna leaves. It is ideal for those who want to darken their hair but if you want to lighten you will have to go another route. Because there is no hydrogen peroxide in this product it does a great job of conditioning your hair.
Pros
- Very affordable at less than $10
- 100% chemical-free
- Comes with gloves and shower cap
Cons
- Doesn’t offer a wide range of color options
This hair color option is free of parabens and ammonia. It contains phytokeratin which helps to provide hair improving quality when used over time. The brand offers a shade range of 37 colors and is formulated with Vitamins A & E as well as coconut and argan oil to provide your hair with moisture. It is a favorite for its scent thanks to the use of sandalwood and jasmine as ingredients.
ProsÂ
- Ammonia and PAraben Free
- Great Scent
- Great moisturizing effectÂ
- Wide range of shades
ConsÂ
- Instructions are long
This option is a very safe option that uses no artificial ingredients. It is best for black hair as black hair tends to need added moisture after enduring the coloring process. Instead it is unique in its use of walnut husk and rosemary. It has a herbal smell but is not as overwhelming as other herbal dyes. It leaves hair feeling moisturized for an added benefit.
Pros
- Unique all-natural ingredient profileÂ
- Leaves hair feeling super soft
- Affordable at less than $20
- The unique gel texture is easy to apply
Cons
- No container or applicator included
Conclusion
Yes, you can dye your hair while pregnant. For the safest possible outcome the American Pregnancy Association recommends putting off hair dying until after the end of the 1st trimester. Women of color have unique challenges with altering hair color and as such we recommend the Herbatint Permanent Hair Gel Color as the dye of choice. This hair dye is easy to apply, is all-natural, and provides the hair with the added moisture that black hair craves. It does all this while providing you with vibrant color for your end result.Â
Cris
