To Color or not to Color...(your hair!)

FeliciaDA Posted: Apr 12, 2005 11:01 AM

To Color or not to Color...(your hair!)

That is the question..

So I've been reading up a lot and I see there are vast differences of opinion on whether or not its safe to color your hair during pregnancy. I was always under the impression it was a definite No-No - but I have also read a few articles that said there is no conclusive evidence that coloring hair has any effect on your baby.

Some doctors seem to say 'NO' to hair coloring, period. But I've read other opinioins that say in the first trimester you should hold off, but by the 2nd trimester that you are safe to color.

AND I've also read that henna or vegetable based colorings are ok .. and highlighting in fine, since it doesn't touch your scalp.

So basically I just want to know what you think - or what your doctors have said about the subject.

And yes I know this sounds entirely crazy coming from me, since I'm only in the 2WW and .. yet I have a hair appointment this week and I'm already concerned that I might not want to color my hair in the event I am Preggo!!

brideinapril Posted: Apr 12, 2005 11:15 AM

Re: To Color or not to Color...(your hair!)

I'm so glad you posted this - my roots are really coming in and I was wondering when would it be okay, if ever during pregnancy.

eta: and if it is okay - what brands are safer to use? The at home ones I mean.

MrsJ Posted: Apr 12, 2005 11:23 AM

Re: To Color or not to Color...(your hair!)

I highlight my hair and my hairdresser said that he felt it was safe because when he highlights he is only coloring my hair and the dye is not getting on my scalp. People all have different opinons on it btu he said since when he highlights he goes really close to the scalp, but doesn't touch it, it's OK.

I will ask my OBGYN when the time comes but I'm sure its fine and I will probably conrtinue to get my hair highlighted, I only do it every few months anyway.

wc0143 Posted: Apr 12, 2005 11:41 AM

Re: To Color or not to Color...(your hair!)

I'm pretty sure when the time comes, I will HAVE to do something so as not to have the hair of a granny while preggo

FeliciaDA Posted: Apr 12, 2005 11:44 AM

Re: To Color or not to Color...(your hair!)

Posted by wc0143

I'm pretty sure when the time comes, I will HAVE to do something so as not to have the hair of a granny while preggo

Exactly - this is my issue too!! I mean already I let my hair go too long without coloring. But the issue isn't roots.. since my hair has a zillion greys I cannot fathom I will be able to get through an entire pregnancy without coloring(even if only temporary color). I will look like the baby's grandmother if I have to forgo all coloring

Thanks for the help, Kathy .. I appreciate your reply!

Betty Posted: Apr 12, 2005 12:25 PM

Re: To Color or not to Color...(your hair!)

Posted by kelleherkm

I highlight my hair and my hairdresser said that he felt it was safe because when he highlights he is only coloring my hair and the dye is not getting on my scalp. People all have different opinons on it btu he said since when he highlights he goes really close to the scalp, but doesn't touch it, it's OK.

This is exactly what I was told. My doctor said there is no real evidence that coloring your hair is bad for the baby but they suggest it not be done at all in the first trimester.

I held off until my 15th week to have my hair highlighted. I will be having it done again around my seventh month or so.

MrsJ Posted: Apr 12, 2005 12:33 PM

Re: To Color or not to Color...(your hair!)

I should have had mine done before I O'd and BD this month - oops. Well if Im not PG I will get my hair done...otherwise I'll have to get used to roots and greys showing!

Jmg11 Posted: Apr 12, 2005 12:51 PM

Re: To Color or not to Color...(your hair!)

I waited until my 2nd trimester to get my hair colored as per doctors orders.

My dr. said there is no evidence if it is harmful or not. They feel though that if you are going to do it - at least wait until the second trimester becuase of the critical nature of the first - plus if you have morning sickness - you might not be able to tolerate the smell of the hair color.

jcndd Posted: Apr 12, 2005 01:05 PM

Re: To Color or not to Color...(your hair!)

I don't color - I foil hilights and low lights so I've kept up with my touchups the whole time. I had it done 2x in the 1st tri and 1x so far in my 2nd. When I asked my dr if it was OK he kinda just looked at me like it was a crazy question and said of course it's fine. I guess everyone has a different opinion

Butterflybride Posted: Apr 12, 2005 02:04 PM

Re: To Color or not to Color...(your hair!)

I was going to post something about this myself. I desperately need to get my highlights redone, but as I can see from this post, highlights aren't even really an issue.

btrflygrl Posted: Apr 12, 2005 03:43 PM

Re: To Color or not to Color...(your hair!)

I'm thinking of going back to highlights and if I don't get PG this time around, I'll do it soon and wait till the 2nd trimester to redo....

dm24angel Posted: Apr 12, 2005 06:12 PM

Re: To Color or not to Color...(your hair!)

Im going to ask my OBGYN but I usually get a full head of highlights about every 10 weeks. If she says its ok, I will probably not do it as often, push it more like 3-4 months but I am hoping its ok to do.

SeptWed Posted: Apr 12, 2005 06:14 PM

Re: To Color or not to Color...(your hair!)

Also...you should talk to your hairdresser. Mine is really good (i do highlight) but he said that they have dyes now for coloring that are supposedly safe for babies...or studies show. So you might want to ask him/her and then check with you doctor to make sure they are not scamming you.

I do highlights and my hairdresser told me its not an issue and highlights many mommies to be hair.

StayandJohn Posted: Apr 12, 2005 06:38 PM

Re: To Color or not to Color...(your hair!)

I had my hair colored and highlighted throughout my entire pregnancy. My Dr. said that was fine since I wasnt doing it everyday, every 6 weeks was fine.

emc Posted: Apr 12, 2005 10:55 PM

Re: To Color or not to Color...(your hair!)

I recently just asked my hairdresser about this she said as far as coloring there are different levels of hair color and some are less harmful than others. I have also heard that you should wait until the 2nd trimester...I guess I will have to investigate more when the time comes.