Hair dyes in pregnancy: yes or no?

The last future mother in order of time to say that she changed her hair routine, passing from a classic color to one based on henna, was Paola Turani. The influencer with 1.8 million followers on Instagram, expecting her first child, in recent weeks has let herself go with joy to various social confidences about the wait, which came naturally after years of unsuccessful attempts, and just a few days before the start of the Medically Assisted Procreation (MAP) path.

Among the precautions taken in this period by Paola Turani, also that of putting too aggressive dyes on stand-by.

A choice not unprecedented but made by many mum to be, on which however there is still little clarity. Is this an excess of caution or can hair dyes really harm the fetus during pregnancy? To dispel any doubts, we asked Rossella Nappi, associate professor of the Obstetric & Gynecological Clinic of the University of Pavia, for clarification. “The idea that pregnant women don’t have to dye their hair is passed down from generation to generation and has its roots in popular culture. As often happens in these cases, there is a grain of truth but fortunately today many steps forward have been made in terms of safety, in the search for cosmetic ingredients, and this considerably reduces the question ”, he explains.

ATTENTION ESPECIALLY IN THE FIRST QUARTER
To the question: Tinta yes or no, the answer therefore seems to be “it depends”. «The components to be kept under control because they are toxic are basically two: ammonia, which serves to make the color penetrate the hair, and resorcinol, which contributes to its fixation. Both have the ability to enter the skin, which is a highly absorbent surface, and to reach the fetus via the placenta, especially in the first trimester. For this reason, in the first 12 weeks of gestation it would be better to avoid them ». However, this does not mean having to cancel the appointment with the hairdresser or give up the beauty pampering that makes us feel good about ourselves. The solutions to stem the obstacle, in fact, are many.

HENNÉ MA NON SOLO
The most immediate alternative to dye your hair and give it new light without harming the fetus is to rely on henna, a completely natural and therefore super safe herbal extract. Very easy to use, as well as in the salon it can also be applied on the hair independently at home. “However, henna does not easily cover white hair and has no lightening power, but is limited to almost all results between red and dark, so it is not the right solution for everyone”. If in the past, however, the alternatives stopped here, today there are several professional lines supplied to many hairdressers, naturally ammonia-free.

ALSO EYE TO ALLERGIES
«These innovative formulas damage the hair much less and are often used even in standard situations or on allergic or particularly sensitive people. All the more reason, therefore, they must be adopted in pregnancy, when the immune system undergoes significant changes that serve to favor the implantation of the embryo and the development of gestation, and which can lead, in predisposed subjects, even to reactions such as atopic or contact dermatitis ».

YELLOW TRAFFIC LIGHT FOR SHATUSH AND BALAYAGE
When we talk about harmful dyes in pregnancy, we mean dyes that affect the hair root. A separate discussion, however, deserve Shatush, Balayage and the different techniques that intervene only on the length. «In these cases, despite the fact that even through the hair there is a tiny possibility of transmission of substances, it can be said that there are no contraindications. However, the rule of prudence always applies, unless it is strictly necessary, if in doubt it is better to postpone the appointment with the hairdresser a bit and wait for the first weeks to pass ».

GOAL AFTER THE FIRST QUARTER
The most delicate period of pregnancy is the initial one. This is true in every respect and the world of dyes is no exception. After the first quarter, however, the road is undoubtedly downhill. «At that point, the risks we have talked about can be said to almost disappear and that it is possible to return to the usual habits without problems, except for the presence of other specific problems. – explains the gynecologist – From personal experience, however, I have to say that many women do not do it immediately because despite giving them the go-ahead, they already feel invested in the role of protective mothers of the baby they carry in their wombs during gestation ».