Can I color my hair if I'm prego?

Photo by Erin Ashley

Hair Color And Treatments During Pregnancy

So, you just found out your pregnant, CONGRATS! You are thrilled but wondering, what does this mean for your roots? Many of my clients who are pregnant come to their hair appointment concerned about whether or not it’s safe to color their hair while pregnant. I always say to consult with your doctor then do what ever you are most comfortable with. I personally believe its perfectly safe. I mean, I colored my hair AND colored my clients hair all day long while I was pregnant and my boys were born healthy as can be. These days color is much safer and lower in ammonia then back in the day, when our moms colored their hair.

A few things to consider before your hair appointment:

Wait until your second trimester. During the first trimester the baby is developing some major organs. Even though you don’t absorb many chemicals through hair dye, it might be best to hold off until the second trimester.

When you get to your hair appointment Ask your stylist to have a fan by you and color in an open ventilated area.

Ask your hair stylist if they have an ammonia free option. At Salon Knotti we have an option to use Framesi Eclectic color line. Is ammonia free, fragrance free, PPD free, sulphate free, gluten free and vegan. It cost a little more but its worth it.

Ask your stylist to use foil instead of applying the color right onto your scalp. Instead for doing an over color you can ask your stylist to do a lowlight with the color you normally get. It won’t be exactly the same as an all over color but it keeps the color from touching your scalp.

Treatments to avoid:

Although color now days is pretty safe, there are a few things that you want to avoid while pregnant. Brazilian blowouts, perms and straightening treatments. These type of treatments have small levels of formaldehyde and other harsh chemicals. I wouldn’t even allow these treatments to be done while I or any of my pregnant clients are at my salon. Just not worth it, plus the fumes alone may will trigger your nausea.

At the end of the day you know whats best for you and your baby. If you don’t feel comfortable there’s nothing wrong with skipping the color for a few months and just keeping up with your trims while your prego.