Can I color if I’m pregnant?

Why is classic coloring not recommended?

Colorations contain synthetic chemical compounds, which can pass through the scalp and through the respiratory tract, and then cross the placental barrier via the bloodstream. For Dr Chevallier, the danger is real: “ Studies are lacking, but since the placental barrier is a strainer for many chemicals, the precautionary principle is in order. »

Some of these substances are likely to cause hormonal or neurological disorders, of the malformations, or even growth retardation in utero. As we do not know how to measure these risks, doctors recommend the greatest caution.

Hair color while pregnant: which products should I really avoid?

L’Expert 

Dr Laurent Chevallier, Head of the Environmental Medicine Unit, of the Parc Clinic (Castelnau-le-Lez), author of “Antitoxic Guide to Pregnancy”(Ed. Marabout).

In the list of ingredients on the back of the colors, it’s not easy to find your way around. The paraphenylenediamine (noted PPD, diaminobenzenen, or 4-aminoaniline) is very toxic. The ammonia derivatives, the hydrogen peroxide and phthalates are to be avoided, because their harmlessness is not proven.

Le resorcinol (dihydrobenzene, resorcin, benzenediol, etc.) also crosses the skin barrier and would be an endocrine disruptor.

Hair coloring and pregnancy: what about vegetable coloring?

A priori yes, because, unlike the classic coloring, where the products penetrate into the hair fiber, the natural coloring aims to sheath the hair cuticle, to wrap it with natural pigments. More and more natural hair color brands are popping up on the market: Logona®, Couleur Gaïa®, Nook®… Be careful with hair colors containing essential oils, because most of them are not recommended during pregnancy. Always take advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

How to brighten my hair during pregnancy?

Choose products which contain natural ingredients, such as chamomile. Its golden yellow pigments, apigenia, are fixed on the hair fiber, which will lighten over the applications.

What are the other options to color my hair safely?

To enhance the color of brown and dark chestnut hair, you can also safely opt for products “Home“, made of 100% pure and organic henna, added or not with dye plants (turmeric, indigo, beetroot…).

Note that there are also shampoos and repigmenting treatments that contain more than 90% natural ingredients. But beware of the presence of some strong allergens, as the methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and the methylchloroisothiazolinone, which are of great concern to dermatologists. 

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