When can you dye hair?

[zippyswife]

I'm 11w5. i asked the midwife if I could dye my hair. She scoffed and said "well I wouldn't if I were you- unless you want to look like a freak! It might not take and you'll look like a freak for the rest of the pregnancy!"
Any thoughts on this? Or more helpful advice?
My hair is naturally red and I've only started dying it in the past year to cover grey which is starting to come through. I feel like I look like shit- all bloated and bad skin and I could do with dying my hair to lift myself a bit!

[moonshine25]

Well that wasn't a particularly helpful comment from your midwife was it?!

I've had mine died and it took just fine and when I spoke to my hairdresser she said she hasn't had any issues with it sticking before - she said she has more with perms etc but not with dying. Could you talk to your usual hairdresser and ask her/him for advice?

[Runningupthathill82]

Eh? I've dyed mine throughout both my pregnancies with no bother at all...

[zippyswife]

Great. So you don't have to wait till 12 weeks or anything?

[RockerMummy184]

your midwife sounds like an arse

I have dyed my hair throughout both of my pregnancies and had no issue whatsoever. My scalp has become a little bit more sensitive and it itches while the dye is on, but it's always taken fine and come out exactly the same colour as it has any other time.
I would say if you can get away with highlights so the dye doesn't touch your skin then go for that, but if you can't, get a pencil/skewer/chopstick ready to scratch your head with!
Also, try to do a patch test on an inconspicuous area if you're concerned about what colour it might/might not go, and stay in a well ventilated area because the fumes might make you a bit woozy.

[BeautifulBatman]

I had a fill head plus two foils/colours done a few weeks ago (27 weeks maybe?). Only reason I didn't do it sooner was because I couldn't get to the hairdresser l wanted sooner. Have a patch test done just to check you're not reacting differently since being pregnant but otherwise go for it! My hair has been glorious since being pregnant, I'm making the most of it

[Moodyblue1]

I haven't dyed my hair this pregnancy as I've had HG and the fumes alone I couldn't cope with, I've also been a lot more skin sensitive so I didn't want to risk a reaction. If you get it done definitely get a patch test to make sure your not more sensitive than normal. It's nice to try and make yourself feel good during pregnancy.

[Philoslothy]

In my pregnancies I only used highlights in my first trimester and went back to dyeing it ( so it touched the scalp) from my second trimester.

[mrslebon]

I asked my GP about this the first time I was pregnant. She said they would have to use such huge amounts of chemicals for it to even begin to penetrate your bloodstream. I had base colour and highlights throughout pregnancy with no problem whatsoever.

[BumbleBee0]

How lovely had helpful of your mw...
I've never heard of it dying differently in pregnancy. Mine has always been fine. Sure yours will be ok and you definitely won't look like a freak!

[Junosmum]

Mine took differently when I came off the pill- went all patchy so I know it could happen. I haven't died it since I got pregnant and it's pretty desperate. Don't know what to do.

[chopsface]

I've not dyed my hair since getting pregnant (now 21 weeks). I have millions of greys! I have a short crop hair do so all the dyed hair is now cut out leaving it black/grey stripes in all it's glory! I've decided to bite the bullet and embrace it

[MissSMartin]

I've dyed mine twice so far im 15w4d, i have light brown hair naturally and dye it black and roots look horendous.. must admit the colour dosent seem to cling to my hair asmuch anymore and seems to have the effect of semi permanent dye washing out everytime.. & makes my roots look yellowish butttt it's definately worth it

[cth1982]

well that was less than helpful advice! I avoided hair dye during my first 12 weeks but have been to hairdressers since then and the colour came out fine - scalp was a bit more sensitive but nothing to worry about.

99% of hairdressers know exactly what is in the dye and there is no issues with using it - but if you want to make yourself feel better have a chat with them first!

[scarednoob]

I had this panic.

I read online to wait until after 14 weeks, so did. then asked the hairdresser to use a gentle dye, and to paint it on, avoiding the roots as much as possible. the hairdressers will have done hundreds of pregnant women, so they will know how to minimise it for you.

no problem with colour or allergies. however, if you are prone to skin allergies you might want a patch test, as you can react differently to things when pg.

[mrsatkinson]

I had my hair coloured at about 7 weeks at the hairdressers. have been using home dyes since, most recently today at 34+3. not a problem, no reaction, I have light hair anyway and simply go blonder. possibly my roots don't take quite as well as they did before but I think its only me that notices that.

[scarednoob]

I think going lighter is fine - it's darker dyes that are the (very very small) risk. so you could have highlights for a change??

[PandaMummyofOne]

It has bugger all to do with taking and everything to do with your skin becoming more sensitive and easier to react badly to the dye.

My hairdresser just made me have a skin test 48 hours before any dye went on. Just in case. I was fine. So I'm sorry to say your midwife is being a complete arse!

[Surprisedbunny]

Well, I've dyed mine every month and no issues so far with sensitivity. I really don't understand why it wouldn't 'take' - your hair is dead?

[Wishful80sMontage]

What a weird comment to make! I've never known any issues I did google it first time round and some reccomend after first trimester but otherwise fine.
I've dyed mine both pregnancies and its taken as normal.

[TimeforaDietCoke]

I agree with PPs I've dyed my hair with semi-permanent dye every six weeks or so since 13 weeks and the colour has taken fine but last weekend I definitely reacted to the dye and came out in a rash on my neck as well as having an itchy scalp. Definitely do a patch test.

[mrsatkinson]

suprisedbunny my hairdresser told me the taking colour differently only affects hair grown whilst pregnant due to hormone levels in your body as the hair grows. not sure how true this is, but my roots certainly don't seem to be taking quite as well as normal.

[user1476359634]

Just try to use more or less natural and organic dyes. For more info follow the link: motherhow.com/can-you-dye-your-hair-during-pregnancy/

[LHilton4981]

I recently got balayage dye on my hair a few weeks back & im 27 weeks pregnant, took to my hair just fine but everyone's different I guess! I didn't go right to the scalp tho as balayage is a gradual colouring through to the route x

[Becciilouisex3]

Before I found out I was pregnant, I continued to dye my hair as I had been for years but I did start to find it wasn't taking well at all (only I didn't know why!) apparently it's something to do with the hormones in your body. Not sure if everyone finds this but I did!

After 12 weeks I was fine and generally speaking if it isn't a strong dye like bleach blonde and your area is well ventilated it shouldn't be too much of a problem. That being said I'm not an expert and it's up to you after reading up on it how much of a risk you personally think it is

[SeventeenRainbeaus]

I dyed the tips blue a few months ago. I've read conflicting advice. Some say it's not recommended and some say there's no evidence or research to suggest it's an issue. I don't think I'd use bleach though, just normal dyes. Thing is with me using Brasso at work made me feel dizzy and faint with my first. So I wouldn't go near anything alike.