Is your pregnancy glow on point, but you have those roots creeping back in? Or maybe you’re a new mom halfway buried in diapers and looking for a way to get back to feeling like yourself. Either way, we get it, and we want to help you navigate the world of hair coloring without the confusion or mom guilt. At Blonde Faith Salon, we’ll break down what options you have when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, and how we can get you looking your best while keeping safety front and center.
Hair Coloring During Pregnancy
First of all, let’s be honest. The chemicals that are sometimes used in permanent hair dyes aren’t great to expose yourself or your baby to during pregnancy in large quantities. Dyes can contain chemicals like ammonia or peroxide that can be toxic. Plus, most of the information that the medical community has gathered over the years on the safety of dyes is anecdotal — ladies who have said that they dyed their hair during pregnancy and their babies were just fine.
But if you’re hoping for maternity-photo-ready hair, there’s some good news, too. We do know that your scalp doesn’t take in many of these chemicals during the hair dyeing process, especially if you have a healthy scalp, so they aren’t going to end up in your bloodstream. The amount of hair dye that is absorbed by your skin isn’t going to be enough to be considered bad for your fetus. As with many other things during pregnancy, the decision will ultimately have to be made between you and your doctor. It’s about your doctor’s recommendations, what you’re comfortable with, and what your mom instincts are telling you.
Precautionary Measures
If you’re still feeling nervous about using hair color in pregnancy, there are some precautions you can take to make it safer. The best place to start is letting us know that you are pregnant so we can make some small changes to our hair dyeing process. Here are some other tips that can make a difference.
Choose Professional Services
You can have less exposure to the hair dye by letting us take care of the hair coloring process! Instead of worrying about wearing gloves, getting the right timing, and making sure you rinse your scalp enough, you can let us take care of the details. We’ll handle the dye so you can avoid unnecessary contact with your skin, and we’ll make sure the product isn’t left on too long.
Wait Until After Your First Trimester
The first trimester is a sensitive time of growth for babies. During those first twelve weeks, the brain is developing along with other major organs. Some people decide to be extra careful during the first part of pregnancy and stay away from dyes and other harsh ingredients.
Choose a Well-Ventilated Salon Space
Those strong scents won’t be doing any favors for your morning sickness, and you don’t want to be exposed more than necessary! You can avoid having too much exposure to chemicals in the air by making sure you are in a space that has lots of good ventilation. You can ask to sit near an open window or in a larger room to keep your exposure to a minimum. We’ll listen to your special needs so we can make you feel as comfortable as possible!
Perform a Patch Test
Even if you’re used to a certain dye, being pregnant can change things. We can do a patch test to make sure your skin doesn’t react to it since being pregnant.
Choose a Gentler Dye
Now that you’re pregnant, it might be time to try something you haven’t before! There are lots of options that don’t have strong chemicals. Sure, they may not last quite as long, but they can still make you look great. You can consider all-natural options like henna, or you can opt for something that doesn’t touch your scalp, like highlights.
Wash Your Scalp
Of course, we’ll give your scalp a good scrub and even a nice massage during your service. But it can’t hurt to give it an extra rinse the evening of your appointment just to make sure there are no chemicals from the hair dye lingering on your scalp.
Pregnancy Hair Perks (and Quirks!)
It’s no secret that while your belly is growing, your hair can be going through some changes, too, not all of which are all that great. Thanks to surging hormones, some people get to enjoy thicker, shinier strands! But it’s not all glam. You might feel you’ve traded in healthy locks for frizzy, dry strands, and you might even be losing more hair than normal.
You might also find that the hair care routine that’s worked for years is suddenly completely wrong for your hair. Your toner might not grab the same way, or your highlight might lift a little faster than it did before. Your hair might not play by the usual rules, and that’s okay. We’re here with an extra dose of patience and knowledge to make sure you still feel like a million bucks.
Hair Coloring While Breastfeeding
If you made it through pregnancy and now you’re in the postpartum stage, the good news is that coloring your hair while breastfeeding is also considered low-risk. Hair color chemicals are not known to pass into breast milk in any significant way, especially when applied correctly in a salon setting. What matters more is comfort—minimizing strong smells, protecting your scalp and skin, and maybe timing feeds so you feel extra relaxed during your appointment.
Learn More About Our Hair Coloring Services in Austin, TX
Pregnancy and postpartum come with enough surprises, and your color shouldn’t be one of them! With the right approach, hair coloring can still be part of your self-care routine while you’re expecting or breastfeeding. At Blonde Faith Salon in Austin, TX, we’re here to make sure your hair looks fresh and uniquely you while keeping you safe. Call us at (512) 467-4717 or book online today to keep your color goals shining through every stage.
