Natural Ways of Hair Colouring while Pregnant & Safety Precautions

Being pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t have beautiful hair. You just need to take extra caution when colouring or dying your hair during pregnancy. But if you want to colour your hair during pregnancy, you will want to be sure that it’s absolutely safe. So read this article, to find out!

Is Hair Colouring Safe During Pregnancy?

Hair colouring during pregnancy is mostly safe, as long as you take certain precautions and colour only parts of your hair. Most doctors feel that the risks of hair colouring are minimal for a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. They do, however, recommend that women stick to natural colours rather than using chemical hair dyes. This is because one can never predict the reaction to certain chemicals used in hair dye when the immune system is weak, which is the case during pregnancy.

Right Time for Colouring Hair While Pregnant

Most doctors will recommend you wait until the second trimester to dye your hair. This is because dying hair during pregnancy is less risky once your baby begins to form their organs. Once the development of the organs is complete, your baby will have more immunity to the colouring agents themselves. Doctors also recommend trying substitutes for chemical dyes.

Other Substitutes for Hair Colouring

If you are intent on colouring your hair but are afraid that chemical dyes will do your baby or you harm or are unsure of what kind of natural dye to use, consult your doctor about the options available to you. Here are a few.

Vegetable Hair Dye

Organic vegetable hair dye is an excellent natural substitute for the chemical ones. This type of dye doesn’t contain chemical fumes, and reduce the risk of nausea during the colouring process and is also considered a healthy form of hair colour for hair since it doesn’t weaken the roots of the hair.

Natural Ways of Hair Colouring During Pregnancy

If vegetable dyes don’t appeal to you, don’t worry, there are other options that you can consider.

Henna

Henna is a traditional form of colouring the hair in the Indian subcontinent. It is entirely natural and does not use vegetables or chemicals. This type of dye is considered the safest to colour hair. The henna leaves have drawbacks, however, as the range of colour available is extremely limited. This is recommended if you are only trying to hide those pesky grey hairs or just want a different shade of colour. Using henna (mehndi) leaves are recommended over the powder to ensure the elimination of potential chemicals used to preserve the powder. To use henna leaves follow the steps mentioned below:

• Using a pan, soak the leaves overnight.
• If you are looking to make the colour nutritious for your hair, you can tea leaves or egg whites to the mixture.
• When day breaks, using a food processor grind the mixture into a paste.
• Using a brush, lightly stroke the regions you want to colour with the paste, ensure you apply it evenly
• Let it dry for some time.
• Wash your hair with a mild shampoo if you have egg whites in the mixture.
• Avoid shampoo and rinse your hair if there are no egg whites in the mixture.

Use of Mild Colours

If you decide to go for alternate options like the milder dyes available in the market, remember to use ammonia-free colours, as ammonia can be extremely bad for your hair and skin. Using semi-permanent mild dyes can also eliminate some toxins.

Precautions to Take While Colouring Hair in Pregnancy

There are certain precautions you will need to exercise during pregnancy when colouring your hair. Although there are limited risks in using hair dyes when pregnant, here are a few precautions you should take:

• Use hair dyes less frequently.
• When faced with a choice, opt for natural dyes.
• Follow the package instructions while applying the dye.
• Consult your doctor before using the dye and in case of any side effects.
• Use mild shampoos.
• Only dye your hair after the first trimester has ended.
• Buy trusted brands of hair colour, as the cheaper ones may harm your hair and affect your health as well as your baby’s health.
• Ensure you don’t consume any food or beverage while colouring your hair to avoid accidental ingestion of chemicals.
• Avoid using hair colour near your eyes, remember, the risk of infection could also harm your baby.
• Use good quality conditioners to maintain healthy hair.
• Don’t use dyes that require you to bleach your hair, as this may harm the baby.
• Always apply small quantities first to see how your body reacts to the dye before applying it thoroughly.

When to Consult a Doctor

Most hair dyes have minimal side effects. If you wish to colour your hair, you must check with a doctor first, because your doctor can help you identify what hair dye would be safe to use during pregnancy. Certain natural dyes can cause allergic reactions to the skin. Chemical dyes may do the same. Another reason to consult a doctor is to find out when during your pregnancy is it safest to colour your hair.

The Lowdown

It is important to remember that hair dye can cause harm if you use too much of it. Keep in mind that your body might be allergic to certain dyes. Consult your doctor before using hair dyes. It is essential to understand what you are allergic to and what your hair dye contains. Before using the dye on your entire head, use a small amount in one spot and leave it for a while. See if your body reacts well to the dye. If not, it is advisable to change the type of dye. Try streaking or frosting your tips instead of colouring the entire hair, as highlights are also a safer option.

Remember that if you face any side effects, you must consult your doctor immediately. Remember not to colour any other hair apart from the hair on your head, especially the hair near the eyes. If the colour slips into your eye, it could cause infections. In case of an infection, your baby will be more at risk as they have an underdeveloped immune system that may not be able to combat the infection naturally.

Also Read: Can You Get a Facial While Pregnant?