Getting primped for the holidays may mean it is time to boost the tone of your locks or cover those early grays, but isn’t hair dye out of the question while pregnant? The answer may surprise you.
According to the American Pregnancy Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), hair dyes are probably safe to use during pregnancy.
One reason for the semi-safe ruling: little dye is absorbed through the skin.
There is, however, still a concern over the possibly harmful fumes given off by hair coloring products, specifically ammonia. According to the Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, ammonia is a corrosive substance and the main toxic effects are restricted to the sites of direct contact with ammonia (i.e., skin, eyes, respiratory tract, mouth, and digestive tract). As such, inhaling the fumes can cause burns and irritation. While the effects on a developing baby are still unclear, the fumes can affect your health during pregnancy.