Like most pregnant women you probably have reservations about chemically treating your hair during pregnancy. Despite the debate and mixed views on using hair products during pregnancy, the one thing that stands undisputed is that not much is known about the effects of these hair treatments on the developing fetus. The best bet is if you can go without them for the whole nine months then nothing like it since there are no organic hair treatment products available presently. The next bet would be to skip hair procedures for the first three months (the most vulnerable phase) and safely resume dyeing and perms in the subsequent trimesters.


Hair Chemical Facts



• There are no definite answers with regards to safety when it comes to using chemical treatments on your hair when you are pregnant.



• Although hair dye and perms have not been linked to birth defects, some ingredients can cause chromosomal damage and cancer in animals when used in large doses



• Hair dye is absorbed through the scalp and can be identified in the urine.



• Because of insufficient findings, most doctors advise to put off a perm, hair relaxer and hair coloring until after the first trimester since the fetus is most vulnerable in the first three months. (it is sensible to avoid mixtures that are allowed to sit on your scalp for longer periods)



• If a hair treatment is very necessary, seek alternatives. For example choose semi-permanent dyes (with low or no ammonia or low or no peroxide) over permanent dyes, and better still go for natural pure henna which is a vegetable dye though limiting in hue.



• In case you are self-treating ensure you choose a product with the least number of chemicals, use gloves and keep the windows open for proper ventilation since strong fumes from dyes and perms can be irritating or even nauseating. Consider visiting a well-ventilated salon on the least busy day to avoid exposure to excessive fumes and chemicals.



• Because hair chemicals are absorbed through the scalp into the bloodstream and not the hair shaft, it is advisable to switch to alternatives like highlighting or painting because the chemical is applied ½ to one inch away from your scalp (chemicals do not enter your bloodstream)



• To tame unruly hair consider going natural or braiding hair for the time being instead of a perm. Pregnancy hormones can cause the chemicals in the hair relaxing products to react differently from what you expected e.g. hair ends up curly and frizzy instead of straight



Hair Care


• During pregnancy the growth pattern of hair is different. Old hair doesn't fall off and as a result your hair feels thicker and easier to style, especially from the second trimester onwards.



• Conversely hair problems that existed previously worsen during pregnancy: limp hair limps even further, frizzy hair becomes frizzier and oily and dry hair becomes oilier and dryer respectively.



• Your hair texture is different from before, therefore coloring may make dye shades turn out unevenly and a perm can have unpredictable results.



• Drink more water as your growing baby's need for water increases. Insufficient fluids will cause your baby to pull that water from your skin and hair leaving both drier.



• Your hair may be drier or oilier due to hormonal changes. Depending on your genes and pregnancy hormones, the sebaceous glands either speed up or slow down production.



• For dry hair do not shampoo too often, maybe twice a week and a weekly use of deep conditioning pack or hot oil treatment helps.



• For oily hair washing everyday helps but use gentle formulas that will not strip hair of its natural oil.



• Get a trim every two months to keep off the frizz.



• Be extra gentle with hair that has been exposed to chemicals in the past; it is weakest where the treated hair meets the new growth and improper brushing may snap the strands at this point.



• Change your shampoo and conditioners to suit your new hair texture for the whole pregnancy term. Opt for adult gentle formulas instead of baby shampoos to maintain proper scalp care



• Avoid brushing your hair when it is wet, do not wrap your hair in a towel turban and treat your hair gently e.g. when you brush your hair