Pros And Cons Of Prose Shampoo During Pregnancy

Pregnancy comes with a host of changes, and that includes changes to your hair. From dryness to excess oil, hair issues during pregnancy can be a real concern. But is Prose shampoo safe to use during this time?

Prose is a customisable hair care brand that uses natural active ingredients to create a routine tailored to your hair type, styling preferences, and lifestyle. The products are free of parabens, dyes, sulfates, and GMOs, and the company also offers a fragrance-free option.

However, it's always important to be cautious during pregnancy. While Prose's products are free of many common chemicals found in hair care, it's worth noting that even natural ingredients can have effects on the body. For example, essential oils like lavender and tea tree oil have been shown to have hormone-disrupting effects, and it's recommended to avoid these during pregnancy.

So, while Prose's customisable and natural approach may be appealing during pregnancy, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure the specific ingredients used in your custom formula are safe for you and your baby.

Prose shampoo ingredients

When it comes to hair care during pregnancy, it's important to choose products with safe ingredients. Prose combines lab innovation, natural ingredients, and proven performance to deliver personalised hair care. Their shampoo is free of sodium lauryl sulfate, a surfactant that has been linked to birth defects in animal studies. Instead, Prose uses a blend of gentle, natural, and lab-tested ingredients to cleanse and nourish the hair and scalp.

Here's a detailed look at the ingredients in Prose shampoo:

• Water: The main solvent in cosmetic products, providing a base for the other ingredients to dissolve in.
• Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate: A very mild cleansing agent that creates a dense and luxurious foam, with excellent water solubility and rinsability.
• Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate: A water-loving emollient that acts as a solubilizer, helping to dissolve essential oils or fragrances into watery liquids. It also has emollient properties, leaving the hair feeling smooth.
• Fragrance: This adds a pleasant scent to the product, but it's worth noting that fragrances can be a common cause of contact allergy, so some people may prefer fragrance-free options during pregnancy.
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine: A common ingredient in cleansing products, known for stabilising bubbles and creating a balanced formula that cleanses without over-cleansing. It's also highly biodegradable.
• Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer: A natural silicone alternative with excellent foaming abilities. It's mild to the skin and readily biodegradable.
• Diheptyl Succinate: Another natural silicone alternative, often used with Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer. Together, they mimic the feel of silicones while being eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-greasy.
• Glycerin: A natural moisturiser found in our skin, which helps maintain skin hydration and health. It's a cheap and effective ingredient that keeps the skin lipids in a healthy liquid crystal state and protects against irritation.
• Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate: A sulfate-free, mild cleansing agent used as a foam booster and viscosity builder.
• Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate: A mild and biodegradable cleansing agent, known for its foam-boosting abilities and improving the formula's mildness. It works well with other cleaning agents.
• Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer: This ingredient helps control the viscosity of the shampoo, ensuring a smooth and consistent formula.
• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: A gentle cleansing agent that gives a rich, creamy foam. It's based on vegetable fatty acids and is readily biodegradable, making it gentle on the skin and ideal for sensitive scalps.
• Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment Filtrate: This ingredient has moisturising and solvent properties, helping to hydrate the hair and scalp while also stabilising the product.
• Propylene Glycol: A common glycol that acts as a moisturiser, emollient, solvent, and penetration enhancer. It improves the freeze-thaw stability of the product and boosts the effectiveness of preservatives.
• Caprylyl Glycol: This multi-functional ingredient acts as a moisturiser, emollient, solvent, and preservative. It enhances the effectiveness of other preservatives and gives a soft feel to the product.
• 1,2-Hexanediol: A clear, colourless liquid that serves as a solvent and viscosity-decreasing agent, while also moisturising the hair and scalp.
• Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride: This ingredient helps control viscosity, adding to the smooth and creamy texture of the shampoo.
• Sodium Benzoate: A preservative that works against fungi and other microbes. It needs to be combined with other preservatives to be fully effective.
• Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate: A helper ingredient that neutralises metal ions in the formula, ensuring the product stays fresh and stable.
• Tocopherol: Also known as Vitamin E, this is a powerful antioxidant that provides photoprotection against UVB rays. It has emollient properties and works synergistically with Vitamin C.
• Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide: A bio-selective substrate that protects and stimulates beneficial microbial skin flora, promoting a healthy scalp environment.
• PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether: A multi-functional ingredient that acts as a solvent, moisturiser, and humectant. It helps stabilise emulsions and improves the water resistance of sunscreens.
• Pentylene Glycol: A multi-tasking ingredient that serves as a solvent, moisturiser, emollient, and preservative. It boosts the effectiveness of preservatives and gives a pleasant feel to the product.
• Dipropylene Glycol: A solvent and viscosity-decreasing agent with moisturising properties.
• Polyquaternium-10: This ingredient helps control viscosity and contributes to the smooth, creamy texture of the shampoo.
• Wintergreen Leaf Extract: A natural extract that provides a fresh scent and has cleansing properties.
• Yucca Stem Extract: A natural preservative, fragrance, solvent, and cleansing agent. It's gentle and effective, providing a pleasant sensory experience.
• Lilac Leaf Cell Extract: A preservative, fragrance, solvent, and viscosity-controlling ingredient. It's naturally derived and gentle, usually combined with other preservatives.
• Benzyl Alcohol: A preservative that works against mould and yeast. It needs to be activated by breaking down into its active form, sorbic acid, which requires water and the right pH level.
• Hyaluronic Acid: A natural moisturising factor that can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water. It hydrates the hair and scalp, acting as an excellent surface hydrator.
• Potassium Sorbate: A preservative that works in combination with other preservatives, such as sodium benzoate, to provide broad-spectrum protection.
• Citric Acid

Safe shampoo alternatives

When it comes to hair care during pregnancy, it's important to choose shampoos that are safe for both mother and baby. Here are some alternative options to Prose shampoo that are recommended for pregnant women:

• Vanicream Free & Clear Shampoo – This fragrance-, dye-, gluten-, and paraben-free shampoo is ideal for sensitive skin. It's gentle on the scalp and leaves hair soft.
• SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo – A sulfate-free option that uses shea butter and manuka honey to lock in moisture, perfect for curly hair.
• Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo – A vegan shampoo free of parabens, phthalates, PEGs, and sulfates. It has a mild scent and effectively cleanses the hair without drying it out.
• Klorane Shampoo with Organic Cupuacu Butter – This plant-based, biodegradable formula is rich in omega fatty acids and is very moisturising. It's ideal for repairing dry and damaged hair, especially for those with curly or wavy hair.
• Dr. Barbara Sturm Balancing Shampoo – Featuring hyaluronic acid, green algae, and lavender, this fragrance-free shampoo helps reduce irritation and pamper dry scalps.
• Vegamour Gro Shampoo – A vegan option that uses plant-based ingredients and a proprietary vegan keratin to add volume and smoothness to hair. It also contains red clover to help with thinning hair.
• Baby Dove Tip to Toe Wash and Shampoo Sensitive Moisture – This ultra-gentle, fragrance-free, and sulfate-free shampoo is suitable for both mother and baby. It's ideal for those with eczema or sensitive skin.
• Nécessaire The Shampoo – A stripped-down formula free of sulfates, silicones, PEGs, and fragrance. It contains moisturising ingredients like aloe vera leaf juice, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins B3 and B5, making hair fuller.
• Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Fragrance Free Shampoo & Wash – A safe and gentle option for babies and mothers. It's fragrance-free and helps soothe sensitive skin with organic calendula.
• Odele Clarifying Shampoo – A sulfate-, paraben-, phthalate-, and synthetic fragrance-free shampoo that effectively removes build-up from products, dirt, oil, pollutants, hard water deposits, and chlorine. It has a pleasant scent of Ylang Ylang, oakmoss, and cucumber.
• Innersense Color Awakening Hair Bath – A colour-safe option that moisturises and adds shine to hair. It's free of phthalates, parabens, dyes, SLS/SLES, formaldehyde donors, and synthetic fragrances.
• Rahua Hydration Shampoo – A rich, plant-based formula featuring Amazonian-derived Rahua oil, morete oil, aloe, and quinoa protein. It provides moisture, strength, and protection against UVA rays, and has a tropical aroma.
• The Honest Company Purely Sensitive Shampoo + Body Wash – A gentle, eco-friendly option free of phthalates, parabens, dyes, SLS/SLES, formaldehyde donors, and synthetic fragrances. It contains nourishing ingredients like almond oil, jojoba, aloe vera, and coconut oil.
• Odacite 552M Soap Free Shampoo Bar – An eco-friendly, plastic-free shampoo bar that provides up to 75 washes. It uses cupuaçu butter, argan oil, and castor oil to retain moisture and nourish the scalp.
• Philip Kingsley Flaky Scalp Cleansing Shampoo – A gentle dandruff shampoo that's safe for use during pregnancy. It effectively cleanses and calms irritated scalp skin, and contains aloe leaf juice to reduce irritation.
• OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo – Recommended by dermatologists, this shampoo uses natural ingredients like keratin and biotin to strengthen, moisturise, and nourish hair. It's free of synthetic fragrances, formaldehyde, SLS, parabens, and phthalates, and is colour-safe.
• Maui Moisture Lightweight Hydration + Hibiscus Water Shampoo – A natural and affordable option that's vegan and free of parabens, silicones, and sulfated surfactants. It contains aloe juice, hibiscus water, passionfruit, coconut water, and watermelon for a tropical touch.
• Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner – This duo contains 93% naturally derived ingredients and is free of sulfate cleansers, silicones, parabens, or dyes. Infused with coconut water, mimosa flower, and coconut oil, it adds volume and hydration to hair.

These alternatives are recommended for pregnant women as they are free of potentially harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances, prioritising the health and safety of both mother and baby.

Shampoo ingredients to avoid

During pregnancy, it is important to be cautious about the products you use, as certain ingredients can pose potential risks, from skin irritation to hormone disruption. Here is a list of ingredients to avoid to ensure your hair care routine is safe and healthy during this important time:

• Quats or chemicals like ADBAC & DDAC can cause birth defects: According to a recent study, these chemicals, commonly found in shampoos, detergents, and disinfectants, can result in developmental defects in unborn babies when used by pregnant women. Specifically, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC) and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC) have been linked to defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord.
• Sulfates strip hair of natural oils: Sulfates like ammonium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate are commonly used in shampoos to create a lather but can destroy healthy hair development and halt hair growth over time.
• Parabens cause hair loss: Parabens are chemicals used to increase the shelf life of products, but they are toxic and affect hormones, causing hormonal imbalances that result in hair loss.
• Alcohol can dry out hair: Alcohol is a common ingredient in hair care products, but a high quantity can cause dry and brittle hair. This can be particularly damaging to new mothers already experiencing hair problems such as dryness and hair loss.
• Phthalates can disrupt hormone function: Phthalates are used in shampoos to make fragrances last longer but are known to interfere with hormone function and have been associated with developmental issues in fetuses.

In addition to these ingredients, it is also important to be cautious about the use of conditioners, certain detergents, and household disinfectants, which can contain chemicals that may be harmful to both pregnant women and their babies.

Hair changes during pregnancy

During pregnancy, your hair can undergo a range of changes, and it's important to be aware of the products you use to care for your hair during this time. Many people experience an increase in volume and thickness, and your hair may become curlier or straighter. These changes are due to hormonal fluctuations, which can also cause hair fallout after pregnancy. Additionally, pregnancy can cause a dry, itchy scalp, and you may find that your hair gets oilier or drier.

Choosing Hair Products During Pregnancy

When selecting hair care products, it's recommended to opt for those found in the "clean" or "conscious" beauty departments. These products are free from potentially harmful ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. It's also advisable to avoid essential oils like lavender and tea tree oil, as these can have hormone-disrupting effects. Fragrance-free options are ideal, as fragrances may contain phthalates.

Shampooing and Conditioning Tips

It's suggested to reduce the frequency of shampooing during pregnancy, as certain chemicals in shampoos can be absorbed through the hair follicles. When using conditioner, apply it only to the ends of your hair, avoiding the roots. You can also opt for natural alternatives, such as a hair mask made from egg, plain yoghurt, and olive oil, to nourish and smooth your hair.

Recommended Pregnancy-Safe Shampoos

Several brands offer pregnancy-safe shampoos and conditioners, including:

• Everyone for Every Body
• Puracy
• Christina Moss Naturals
• Aveeno Active Naturals
• Pantene Soothing Rose Water
• Garnier Fructis Pure Clean
• Renpure Biotin and Collagen
• Klorane with Nettle for Oily Hair and Scalp
• Kiss My Face Whenever Shampoo, Green Tea & Lime
• Juice Organics Color Protect
• Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Curling Shampoo
• Alba Botanica Drink It Up Coconut Milk Shampoo
• HASK COCONUT MONOI Shampoo
• Jason Fragrance-Free Hair Loss Shampoo
• The Seaweed Bath Co. Moisturizing Shampoo, Unscented
• Free & Clear Hair Shampoo
• Cleure Hypoallergenic Volumizing Shampoo
• Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo with Lemongrass & Argan Oil
• Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

How often to shampoo during pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be a little overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating all the dos and don'ts. While shampooing your hair during pregnancy is generally safe, there are some ingredients in traditional shampoos that you may want to avoid, and some extra considerations to keep in mind.

It's recommended to use clean or conscious beauty products during pregnancy, as certain ingredients in traditional shampoos may be harmful to you and your baby. Parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and sodium lauryl sulfate are some of the common chemicals found in shampoos that you should steer clear of. These ingredients have been linked to birth defects in animal studies, hormone disruptions, and nerve cell inhibition. Additionally, your hair follicles provide a direct pathway to your skin, so it's important to be mindful of what you put on your hair.

To minimize your exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals, it's a good idea to reduce the frequency of shampooing. Aim for shampooing once a week, and on other days, you can simply rinse your hair with water. When you do shampoo, focus on cleansing the scalp and only apply conditioner to the ends of your hair, avoiding the roots.

If you're looking for a natural alternative to traditional shampoo, you can try making a yogurt hair mask. Mix plain yogurt with an egg and olive oil, and apply it to your hair. This will help to smooth and tame frizz without exposing you to any questionable chemicals.

It's also worth noting that pregnancy can cause changes to your hair and scalp. You may experience increased volume and thickness, or your hair may become curlier or straighter. These changes are normal and often temporary, but they might influence how often you need to shampoo.

Lastly, don't forget that your hair care needs may change with the seasons. In the winter, when dryness is a common issue, opt for richer, more moisturizing ingredients. In the summer, when oiliness may be a concern, look for ingredients that help regulate oil production.

Remember, everyone's experience is unique, so don't be afraid to consult a dermatologist or your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding hair care during pregnancy.

Frequently asked questions