Hair Color and Pregnancy

Hair Color and Pregnancy

When you're pregnant, it seems like there are a million things to keep track of - do this, don't do that, change this, watch that - it can make pregnancy feel downright daunting. With all of the things pregnant women are told to avoid- sushi and soft cheeses, just to name a couple - it can be difficult to live life without feeling like everything needs to be avoided. To give you one less thing to worry about, we've assembled some tips on coloring hair while pregnant.

Pregnant Hair = Best Hair?

First off-congratulations. You're pregnant and you may notice your hair is thicker than normal. During pregnancy, women experience the benefit of fuller hair. Some women also experience texture changes, though most women note thickness as the most common change during all three trimesters of pregnancy. According to What to Expect, the increased fullness is because of higher estrogen levels during pregnancy. The normal hair cycle is disrupted, so the resting and shedding phases pause during pregnancy, allowing hair to grow long, thick, and full. Of course, this lasts only as long as pregnancy, and all of the hair that would have been shed during the nine months of pregnancy are shed in the months after pregnancy - sometimes, it seems, all at once. While it may seem alarming, it's perfectly normal. Here are some tips on dealing with this hormonal hair phenomenon:

Hair Care Tips During Pregnancy

• Enjoy your thicker, fuller hair while you've got it.
• Go for a style you've always wanted to try, or treat yourself to a professional blowout. Pregnant women are beautiful, and it's the perfect time to celebrate your new natural glow.
• Get a fresh cut before you deliver.
• Not only will a new cut and style give you confidence before your baby arrives, it will also help you to start motherhood with an easy-to-manage, quick ‘do. Whether short hair is easier to manage, or you prefer hair that can easily be pulled back, make sure you choose a style that won't add more time to your daily routine.
• Brace yourself for the great hair migration.

Your thicker, fuller hair will begin to shed after the baby is born. Preparing for it will make it easier, and within just a few months, your hair cycle will return to normal.

Coloring Hair While Pregnant

Hair dye is typically considered a thing to avoid during pregnancy because of the chemical components often included in hair color formulas, and many women choose not to continue their color regimen while pregnant. According to the American Pregnancy Association, “most research indicates the chemicals found in both semi-permanent and permanent dyes are not highly toxic and are safe to use during pregnancy.” Many women are concerned about coloring hair while pregnant -there are still chemicals used in the color, after all.

So, is hair color safe during pregnancy? Thankfully, there is a range of safe coloring options that pregnant women can consider after consulting with their doctor based on their comfort level, from permanent color to shampoo-to-shampoo root touch-ups.

Permanent Hair Dye During Pregnancy

Most American hair color products - from drugstore-boxed hair color to salon-quality color - contain chemicals that are banned in the EU. Madison Reed products don't use the compounds banned in the EU, and our permanent color is free of harsh ingredients PPD, phthalates, ammonia, resorcinol, parabens & gluten. In addition, Radiant Cream Color also includes a Triple Care Complex of argan oil, keratin, and ginseng root to nourish hair.

Semi-Permanent Hair Color During Pregnancy

Semi-permanent gloss is an alternative to permanent hair dye during pregnancy. It's a great way to refresh faded color and highlights without the oxidative process that comes with permanent hair color. Color Reviving Gloss is also free from ammonia, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, PPD, PTD, and resorcinol. Each gloss application lasts 6-8 washes.

Root Concealer During Pregnancy

Root Touch Up is a dry powder that can be brushed onto hair to cover roots. A temporary solution that lasts from shampoo to shampoo, Root Touch Up is an easy way to keep grays at bay without chemical exposure. It's free of titanium dioxide, a possible carcinogen and known to trigger an inflammatory response. It is also gluten-free and does not contain PPD, PTD, ammonia or resorcinol.

No matter what you decide to do with hair dye during pregnancy, always remember that it's your choice, and to consult your doctor to choose the best option for you. Whether it's no color at all or a permanent color, make sure you feel comfortable with what you decide.

Congrats, again! Remember first and foremost, you and your body are doing a truly amazing thing. Embrace your strength, beauty, and celebrate this part of your life. No matter what you decide to do (or not do) with your hair color during your pregnancy, have confidence in your choices and know that you will be beautiful no matter what.

Sources used:
http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/hair-growth/
http://americanpregnancy.org/is-it-safe/hair-treatments-during-pregnancy/