Dying hair when pregnant?

[Jessiwoo]

Hi, I just wondered what your views/experiences on dying your hair when pregnant, as I've heard that the chemicals can be dangerous, but then other things saying it's completely fine, just unsure whether to go ahead with it or wait until baby is born.. I'm 32 weeks atm.

I am 23wks and literally just finished using a home dye (2nd time since finding out I'm pregnant). As far as I was aware it is just the fumes that could make you feel light headed so make sure you're in a well ventilated area.

If you are using dye with PPD in then there is a small risk of severe allergy, even if you have used it fine before.
Very little seems to have changed since Sali Hughes had a life-threatening reaction and wrote this:
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/nov/28/could-hair-dye-kill-you

I waited to dye mine until second trimester. I've made sure to do it in areas of the house with much better ventilation then normal. Put a tarp and bin bags down to protect floors and kept wipes handy in case of wall splashes.

I wrapped with plastic wrap once finished applying to cut down on smell.

As for your scalp itself might want to do a patch test first.

I went to the hair dresser the day before my due date (also in earlier pregnancy!) midwife said it was fine x

I was told highlights was fine but that some people advise against all over dye ... I vaguely remember being told it was because the dye touches your scalp / could be absorbed into the skin? Ive had my hair highlighted whilst pregnant and Im going to continue

That's great thanks guys

Unless you eat it or inject the hair dye it's not getting in to your blood stream so won't harm baby
"Quote from my hairdresser"

NHS says it's fine but that you may wish to wait until after the first trimester. It doesn't actually say you should wait just that some women prefer to. The hair may be unpredictable with the colour. I had to get mine redone once when the colour didn't stay on the hair the first time

https://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/949.aspx?CategoryID=54

it’s fine, i’ve checked with 2 midwives (!) as long as it’s not dodgy chemicals and it’s an actual brand/hairdressers. maybe likely that your scalp might be more sensitive than usual. i always have it done at the hairdressers.

Old wives tales. Mine is a new auburn, really pleased with it.

Just had mines done at 34 weeks

The potential issues with hair dye and pregnancy are

1. allergic reaction - ALWAYS patch test properly before dyeing. Even if it's something you've used before. Your hormonal changes and skin changes can make you susceptible to odd reactions, mild allergy is difficult to treat in pregnancy and anaphylaxis is hideous and life threatening for you and baby.

2. hair changes can alter how the dye takes and reacts with the hair dye to your hormones, so while patch testing skin it may be worth testing a small strand of hair at the end to see how the dye takes as you will probably have to adjust development time.

3. fumes. If you're home dyeing, use only in a well ventilated area. Windows wide open before, during and after to reduce the risk of inhaling the chemicals.

I've avoided doing mine because I'm a paranoid wreck. But as long as the room is well ventilated I don't think there's an issue technically!

I was going to so mine after the first trimester....I have red hair and now it is just a horrid faded red with loads of grey and I am only 9 weeks! However....my midwife at my booking appointment told me not to dye it at all....so now I am paranoid about it! Lots of information says it's ok though but best to wait after 12 weeks

I got my roots bleached Friday night and literally found out I was 7 weeks on Monday. I feel fine and not ill from it at all

Obviously I didn’t know :(