What You Should Know Before Dyeing Your Hair While Pregnant

It is as common a question for the expectant set as how much coffee one can safely drink: Is it okay to dye your hair when you are coloring tresses for two? Hair root growth is tough to contend with when a pregnant woman's body is already changing in so many new and, ahem, fun ways (hello swollen feet, stretch marks, and acne!). But burgeoning bellies everywhere can take a collective sigh of relief. 

According to American Pregnancy, chemicals found in both permanent and semi-permanent hair dye are not considered to be highly toxic. Therefore, dyeing your hair while pregnant is generally thought to be safe. That being said, there are still some things to know before booking an appointment at the salon or deciding to color your hair at home.

In the process (get it?) of coloring hair, only a small amount of the actual dye is absorbed into the skin, so an even smaller amount would reach a growing baby. It's worth noting that when a woman gets highlights as opposed to a single-process, no dye will touch the scalp at all. This would be the safest way to touch up hair color while expecting.

Even though hair dye is not thought to adversely affect a pregnancy, according to What to Expect, it's best to wait until the second trimester to color your locks. And it's still advisable to pick highlighting, or another form of painting dye on the hair and not the scalp, to negate the risk of dye being absorbed into the skin. A more natural hair dye that does not use harsh ingredients like bleach or ammonia is the safest to use during any trimester.

Finally, make sure whether you'll be dyeing your own hair or getting a professional treatment that the area is well-ventilated so you are not inhaling fumes from the dye. Wear gloves if you are applying your own hair color. And remember: These additional precautions and considerations are only temporary, just like hair dye.