To dye or not to dye...

[SerenaJoy]

I'm newly pregnant (only found out on Tuesday) and have a hair appointment scheduled for next week. I've looked at the NHS advice on dying your hair while pregnant and I know it's probably fine, but it does say that waiting till after 12 weeks reduces any risk, as does having highlights instead of putting dye directly on your scalp. I'm a brunette so usually have an all over colour, and I'm only 2-3 weeks, according to Clearblue anyway.

The thing is that my hairdresser is a friend who works from home, and I have my appointments at the same time as another friend. If I was to ask hairdresser not to dye my hair or to use a different kind of dye, I'd be as well telling them I'm pregnant. Even if I do decide to just go ahead with my usual colour, I know my hair could react differently to the dye, so it's probably wise to ask for a strand test beforehand, which would also make it obvious! But then so would green hair, to a hairdresser anyway.

I've not even told my mum yet. Hairdresser is also a bit of a gossip, god love her, so really don't want her to know.

Should I just stop worrying and get my normal colour? Any advice gratefully received!

[japhrimel]

Fwiw, if a Cb digital says 2-3 weeks, that means you are 4-5 weeks pregnant when counting weeks in the standard way. So it's only 7-8 weeks till the safer time.

There's no evidence at all that hair dye can be harmful, so if you don't want to cancel or change your appointment, I wouldn't stress about it.

Personally I waited until 12 weeks, but by then I hated my hair!

[lucy101]

There is no evidence that it is a risk and my hair didn't react any differently when I had a full colour before I realised I was pregnant.

I did change to highlights for the rest of my pregnancies though - learning to live with the grey!

[SerenaJoy]

That's a good point Japhrimel - am still confused about the fact that I'm classed as pregnant for two weeks before I've actually been impregnated. But I don't suppose it's important

I already hate my hair though so can only imagine what a state it'll be if I have to wait another 7-8 weeks!

If I'd waited another week to test I'd have gone ahead and done it in ignorant bliss too Lucy - almost wish I had then I wouldn't be stressing about it! I blame Clearblue.

Thanks both for your advice, and for answering a question that's probably been asked a million times!

I will go ahead and be a beautiful glossy brunette again, instead of dull brown with grey

[lilly13]

I would wait until the second trimester. This is what my obstetritian, who is a very experienced doctor, suggested to me. You are now at most fragile time when your baby's vital organs are forming and, imho, it is just not worth risking it. After the 1st trimeter is over, my doctor recommended vegetable colour (not sure if this will work for my jet black hair, but will give it a try)... I am personally going crazy because all my greys are very noticable and I have a formal social function to attend where I'll be faced with over 50 people I know ...

[pinkyp]

in this pregnancy i've gone from jet black to platinum blonde hair and now back to red, gonna go brown next week. Just make sure your in a well ventialated room and i told my hairdresser too

[SerenaJoy]

I think I'd rather be safe than sorry (even if it means I have to wear a big hat for the next 6-8 weeks), but I can't figure out how to tell hairdresser not to dye my hair and still keep my secret... Can anyone think of any good plausible excuses?!

Unless I feign illness and avoid her for the next 6-8 weeks, I'm going to have to just bite the bullet and tell her, aren't I?

[lilly13]

just say you are in a hurry and will come back some other time to have your hair coloured

[SerenaJoy]

Hm, I like that. Simple yet effective.

Thanks!

[lennon80]

Just say you dont feel sure what colour you want to go so you will come back for that when you are decided as your thinking of a drastic change.

[pinkyp]

just out of curisoity what is it suppose to do before 12 week? i mean how can it harm ur baby? Never heard of this before,only thing i heard was your hair might turn a different colour as your hormones in your body change.

[lilly13]

the chemicals in the dye penetrate one's skin and get to the placenta... ditto for pigments, construction materials, certain resins, etc (that is one is exposed to them via work)... not a rocket science really... there were several studies and clinical trials which produced evidence that dyes in the first trimester could potentially be harmful to the fetus and, thus, should be avoided...

[EvieBear]

i waited the first 12 weeks too and only then dyed my hair a couple of times during the pregnancy, ie not every 6-8 weeks as i would normally do... my baby was born fine i just felt bad!

[bessie26]

When I told my hairdresser during my last pregnancy, she told me I didn't have to worry as I have my hair dyed dark, and it's only really a problem if you get dyed blond-type colours as it might go a bit of a funny colour.

Why not sneak off to another hairdressers for a consultation to see if you need to worry? or just ask another stylist about getting your hair dyed (you can always cancel any appointment you make!)

could you feign illness or claim to be too busy at work to make your appointment with your friend?