Pregnancy Highlights: Navigating The Safety Of Hair Treatments During Early Trimesters

Many women wonder if they can get highlights during pregnancy. The answer is yes, but there are some precautions to consider. Most experts recommend waiting until the second trimester to get highlights, as the first 13 weeks are critical for the baby's growth. In addition, it's important to ensure that the dye doesn't come into contact with the scalp, as this could allow chemicals to enter the bloodstream. Highlighting is generally safer than a full colour because the dye is kept away from the scalp. It's also a good idea to choose a well-ventilated area and follow package instructions carefully.

Highlighting hair is safer than dyeing it as it keeps chemicals away from the scalp

Highlighting Hair vs Dyeing It: What's the Difference?

Pregnancy and Hair Treatments: What You Need to Know

Pregnant people are often advised to avoid certain foods, drinks, and activities that could be harmful to their health and the health of their baby. But what about hair treatments like dyeing and highlighting? Is it safe to use hair dye during pregnancy? And are there any alternatives that are safer?

The Research on Hair Dye and Pregnancy

Research on the safety of hair dye during pregnancy is limited. However, most studies suggest that the chemicals found in semi-permanent and permanent hair dyes are not highly toxic and that only a small amount of the chemicals is absorbed through the skin. This means that the risk of harm to the fetus is very low.

Why Highlighting Hair May Be Safer Than Dyeing It

While the risk of harm from hair dye is generally considered low, there are still some precautions that pregnant people may want to take. One option is to avoid dyeing the hair until after the first trimester, as this is a critical period for the baby's growth. Another option is to choose a hair treatment that minimizes contact between the dye and the scalp, such as highlighting, streaking, or frosting.

Highlighting the hair is often considered a safer alternative to dyeing it because the dye is kept away from the scalp, reducing the risk of absorption into the skin and bloodstream. This technique can also add lightness and depth to the hair and create a more natural-looking result as the highlights grow out.

Precautions to Take When Highlighting Hair During Pregnancy

Even though highlighting is generally considered safer than dyeing the hair, there are still some precautions that pregnant people should take:

• Wait until the second trimester to highlight your hair.
• Choose a well-ventilated area for the treatment.
• Follow the package instructions carefully, including how long to leave the dye on.
• Rinse your scalp thoroughly after the treatment.
• Consider using natural or semi-permanent hair dyes that are free from harsh chemicals.
• Always do a patch test before applying the dye to your hair to check for any allergic reactions.

Maintaining Your Hair During Pregnancy

In addition to safety concerns, pregnant people may also experience changes in their hair structure during pregnancy, which can affect the results of chemical treatments. To maintain healthy hair during pregnancy:

• Limit washing your hair to two to three times a week, or use dry shampoo between washes.
• Use sulfate-free shampoo and a good conditioner to help hair retain moisture and stay healthy.
• Avoid heat styling tools, as these can further weaken hair.

Final Thoughts

While highlighting your hair during pregnancy can be a safe way to change up your look, it is always a good idea to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before proceeding with any new treatments or products.

It is recommended to wait until the second trimester to get highlights

While getting highlights during pregnancy is generally considered safe, many experts advise waiting until the second trimester to do so. This is because the first 13 weeks of pregnancy are critical for the baby's growth, and it is better to err on the side of caution during this vulnerable time. During these initial weeks, the baby's organs are taking shape, muscles and vocal cords are forming, and nail beds and hair follicles are starting to develop.

Waiting until the second trimester reduces any potential risk to the baby, as the chances of chemicals from the hair dye reaching the fetus are very small. By the second trimester, the fetal organs have already formed, so there is less concern about potential harm.

Additionally, it is important to note that hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect how your hair reacts to colouring. Your hair may become more or less absorbent, frizzy, or unpredictable. Therefore, it is recommended to do a patch test before getting highlights to ensure that your skin does not react poorly to the chemicals.

When getting highlights during pregnancy, it is also crucial to take safety precautions such as ensuring proper ventilation, following package directions, and rinsing your scalp thoroughly afterward.

Natural dyes, such as henna, are a safe alternative to chemical dyes

Henna is a natural product that comes from plants. It is safe to use as a hair dye or on your skin. It gives your hair a semi-permanent colour and is available in a number of shades. It improves the condition of your hair and fades as it grows out, so you don't get a stripe of regrowth. It is a bit messy and takes a long time to apply, but you can add essential oils to it.

Black henna, however, should be avoided. It contains a dye called para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause severe side effects such as dermatitis, blisters and allergic reactions. PPD is regularly used in normal hair dye and is considered safe in this context.

Other natural dyes include tea and coffee, which can give your hair a darker shade, and beet juice, which can give it a reddish hue.

It is important to do a patch test before getting highlights to check for any allergic reactions

While getting highlights during pregnancy is generally considered safe, it is still important to take certain precautions. One of the most important things to do before getting highlights or colouring your hair is to perform a patch test to check for any allergic reactions.

A patch test is a simple and quick procedure that involves applying a small amount of dye to the skin and waiting 48 hours to check for any reactions. This test is important because, although rare, allergic reactions to hair dye can be severe. The test will indicate any potential reactions ahead of time, so you can avoid them. It is also important to remember that your skin can develop new allergies at any time, so it is necessary to do a patch test every time you colour your hair, even if you have used the same product before.

To perform a patch test, mix a small amount of the hair dye and apply it to an innocuous place on your body, such as behind your ear or on the inside of your arm. Leave the dye on for 48 hours and carefully monitor your skin for any reactions such as itching, redness, swelling, burning sensations, or rashes. If you notice any of these symptoms, wash off the dye immediately and do not proceed with the hair colouring. If you experience any severe allergic reactions, seek medical help.

By performing a patch test before getting highlights, you can ensure that you are not allergic to the products being used and minimise the risk of any adverse reactions. This simple step can help you avoid discomfort and potential health risks associated with allergic reactions to hair dye.

It is safe to get highlights while breastfeeding

The short answer is yes, it is safe to get highlights while breastfeeding. This is because the chemicals in hair dye are mostly not highly toxic, and only very small amounts can enter the bloodstream through the skin on the scalp. As such, it is very unlikely that any significant amount of these chemicals will be passed on to an infant through breast milk.

Precautions

Although it is considered safe to dye your hair while breastfeeding, there are some precautions that you may want to take. These include:

• Using semi-permanent colours that are ammonia-, peroxide- and paraben-free.
• Doing a patch test to check for any allergic reactions.
• Wearing gloves when applying the dye.
• Ensuring proper ventilation in the room where the dye is being applied.
• Following the package directions carefully, including how long to leave the dye on for.
• Rinsing your scalp thoroughly after applying the dye.

Alternatives

If you are still concerned about using hair dye while breastfeeding, there are some natural alternatives you can try. These include:

• Temporary hair colours, which are usually free of ammonia, parabens, sulfates, and other chemicals.
• Semi-permanent hair colours, which are made without peroxide or ammonia.
• Natural hair dye solutions, such as vegetable and henna dyes, which are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, be sure to read the labels as some formulas have chemicals added.

Frequently asked questions