Dr. Dayal says that it's safe to go to salons even in the first trimester. She says some mothers who want to avoid all chemicals no matter how safe might want to put off beauty treatments until the second trimester and later.
If you aren't getting the proper prenatal vitamins and minerals you need, your hair can become dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage. Adding hair dye or other chemical treatments to unhealthy hair can damage it. The color also may not “take” evenly.
If you're stuck on getting a salon treatment, something like highlights is an approved service while pregnant. “Treatments such as highlights may be safer than traditional dyes since most highlight treatments do not involve direct contact to the scalp and are wrapped with foil which may mitigate fumes,” says Dr.
Skip keratin hair-straightening treatments during pregnancy. They contain harmful formaldehyde. You shouldn't need to change your shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, gel, mousse, or blow-dry and curling-iron routine while you're expecting, unless you use prescription dandruff shampoo.
Good news: getting your hair dyed while pregnant is considered safe, especially in the second and third trimesters. Since most hair dyes have little contact with your scalp, the chance of any chemicals reaching your bloodstream, and therefore your baby, is low.
Chemical products designed to straighten or relax hair are generally considered to be safe to use during pregnancy. However, you should avoid products that contain substances called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and products that release formaldehyde when they're heated.
Waxing during pregnancy is completely safe and most depilatory creams, mousses and gels are considered risk free. As with all skin care during pregnancy, check the ingredients list and if you're not sure, check with your obstetrician. Laser hair removal is considered safe in pregnancy.
"Generally, as with most exposures in pregnancy, waiting until after the first trimester to dye or bleach one's hair is advisable," Aziz tells Allure. "After this period, the risk of chemical substances harming the fetus is much lower." Streicher has offered similar advice to her patients.
Some people wonder if you can get your nails done during pregnancy since polishes and polish removers contain many chemicals. Most experts agree that manicures and pedicures are safe during pregnancy. If you go to a professional salon with good safety standards, you can enjoy some pampering while you're expecting.
Wait until your second trimester
“Many doctors recommend holding off on hair color until week 13 of your pregnancy, just to be safe,” Dr. Zanotti says.
Wait for It
The first trimester is a critical time for your baby's growth. To be extra cautious, wait until the second trimester to start dyeing your hair.
Using hair treatments like bleach, straighteners and some head lice treatments in pregnancy can be dangerous. Pregnant women can minimise the risk by avoiding products containing formaldehyde. They should also take steps to minimise skin contact with other hair treatments.
Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives
Back sleeping is no longer safe after 28 weeks gestation, but there are a few other comfortable positions for you to safely doze in.
If you're looking for safe hair-removal methods, waxing is fine during pregnancy. There are some things you'll want to keep in mind, though. Because of an increase in blood flow to your skin – and your pubic area – your skin may be more sensitive and waxing may be more painful than usual during pregnancy.
Is It Safe for Baby? "Only very small amounts of dye are absorbed through the skin and likely pose very little risk to the fetus, although always check with your ophthalmologist and obstetrician prior to eyelash tinting," says Dr. Andreoli, who generally supports lash tinting in pregnancy.
It's safe to get acrylic nails during pregnancy, though you may want to avoid them if your nails are weaker than usual. During pregnancy, you may experience nail changes. Your nails may grow faster and stronger, so it might be really nice to get them done.
That's because during pregnancy you have increased levels of estrogen and androgen, which promote shinier, healthier-looking hair. Some women also experience changes in hair texture, such as more or less natural curl or suddenly oilier strands, which could be attributed to hormonal fluctuations.
Wearing braids during your pregnancy will have no effect on your labour or the health of your baby as braids do not require harsh chemicals to install or maintain. Simply ensure that you thoroughly prepare your natural hair for the braids, by washing with proper products and conditioning well beforehand.
The chemicals in permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes are not highly toxic. Most research, although limited, shows it's safe to colour your hair while pregnant.
Do not eat raw or undercooked meat, chicken, or fish (such as sushi or raw oysters). Do not eat raw eggs or foods that contain raw eggs, such as Caesar dressing. Do not eat raw sprouts, especially alfalfa sprouts. Do not eat soft cheeses and unpasteurized dairy foods, such as Brie, feta, or blue cheese.
The main concern with getting a tattoo during pregnancy is the risk of contracting an infection, such as Hepatitis B and HIV. Although the risk is small, it is recommended that you wait to get a tattoo until after your baby is born.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women limit their caffeine consumption to less than 200 mg (about two, six-ounce cups) per day.
Overall, hair treatments are generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. However, you may also consider getting highlights or using pure vegetable dyes. Regardless, your safest option is to wait at least until after the first trimester, if not until after pregnancy.