TRUTH OR TALE NO. 8

Posted on 31 January 2018

Dyeing your hair while pregnant can be harmful for your baby.

ANSWER: Tale

Although the amount of research done on this tale is quite limited, there has never been conclusive proof that the normal use of semi-permanent or permanent dyes will have an effect on the development or health of a foetus.

While the chemicals found in hair dye products are not highly toxic, a small amount may be absorbed by a mother’s hair when using them. This is also true of the skin the dye comes into contact with. But, due to the fact that it is such a limited amount, it is not considered to pose any harm to an unborn baby.

The same holds true for breastfeeding. So little of the chemicals are absorbed by the skin and enter the mother’s bloodstream, that it is very unlikely any would reach the foetus.

Still, it’s always a good idea to be cautious, especially when you are still in your first trimester and your infant’s organs are still developing. So, to play it safe, skip the dye until you pass your 13^th week of pregnancy.

RESEARCH

https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/hair-treatments-pregnancy/

https://www.babycenter.com/404_is-it-safe-to-dye-my-hair-during-pregnancy_3273.bc