Last Updated on May 18, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta
Mostly yes. The data available on the safety of hair dye during pregnancy and breastfeeding is scarce. According to the current data, it is safe to use hair dye after the first trimester and during breastfeeding.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, most of the available research suggests that the chemicals found in hair dyes are not very toxic and are mostly safe for use during pregnancy. Moreover, only small amounts of hair dye can be absorbed by the skin, and so very little would be left to reach the foetus. Similarly, during breastfeeding too, the chance of the chemical reaching the bloodstream is very low and because of that the chance of the dye to reach the breast milk is highly unlikely.
Some physicians recommend waiting at least until the second or third trimester, if not until after pregnancy to dye your hair. The first trimester should be avoided as this is the period for the formation of major organs such as the brain, and spinal cord and the rapid development of the baby.
According to the National Health Service, UK, there are certain studies which have found that extremely high doses of the chemicals used in hair dyes may be harmful. However, the quantity of chemicals in the hair dyes that people are exposed to while colouring their hair is very low.
Nevertheless, if you want to dye your hair during pregnancy or while you are breastfeeding, taking some precautions would be good. Using gloves, leaving the dye on for the minimum time, being in a properly ventilated room and washing your hair after the application of the dye.
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