You’re bloated. You’re gassy. A tiny fetal baby is taking over your body. Right now, you would do just about anything to look fabulous and feminine. Anything that is, except putting your baby at risk. During your first trimester, you might want to look for options other than hair dye to update your look.
The Process
You may wonder why this is even a concern. You are careful not to eat too much sugar, drink any alcohol or smoke anything, but hair dying doesn’t involve consumption of any toxins. However, when the hair stylist paints the dye chemicals onto your hair and wraps them in foil or a towel, the dye will drip down the hair stalks and onto your scalp. The skin in your scalp can potentially absorb some of these dyes, putting chemicals in your bloodstream. As the blood moves through your placenta, to your baby, he could be exposed to these.
Studies
Roger Harms, M.D., and editor-in-chief with the Mayo Clinic, cites a 2005 study that links hair dye and neurodevelopment problems in infants. The University of Cincinnati Health News cites a British study that found a link between hair dye and women’s chromosomal changes. However, both Harms and the University of Cincinnati discuss the fact that dozens of other studies have found no link between hair dyes and problems.
Considerations
The amount of dye that your scalp can absorb is fairly nominal and the amount that will move through your baby’s body is small, as well. However, in the first trimester, your tiny infant is growing and developing rapidly. Since this is an ideal time to protect your baby from any potential problem, you may wish to avoid contact with any chemicals during this time.
On the Safe Side
Talk with your doctor about dyeing your hair to get an up-to-date, educated answer on the topic. If you are concerned about harming your baby, wait until your second semester before dyeing your hair. When you do dye it, use gloves and towels to avoid contact with your skin. Rinse your scalp thoroughly after dyeing to remove any residual dye.
Alternatives
If you really crave a hair change during the first semester and can’t sleep until something changes, try some hair dye alternatives. Use a temporary dye or get highlights. Use a gel or pen that will place dye exactly where you want it, not allowing it to drop into your scalp. Talk with you stylist about a cut that will distract from any roots or hair color problems you perceive.
Photo Credit
- red shampoo articles image by Julia Britvich from Fotolia.com
