When you’re pregnant, you have to say goodbye to some of your favourite things: sushi, wine, and retinol-based skincare products. But, do you really have to take a break from your colourist? We chatted with COLOR.ME by KEVIN.MURPHY Global Design Director Kate Reid to find out what she has to say about the topic.
"One of the first things I found myself researching when I found I was pregnant (I am currently 22 weeks) was what can and can’t I do, eat and what next? Anxiety kicked in, especially when it comes to my beauty regimens (especially maintaining my blonde!)
Fairly limited information is to be found but research indicates both semi and permanent colours are not highly toxic and are safe to use during pregnancy. But with such limited information available, what does one do about their hair colour? Which products are safe? Each colour brand is made differently and some are safer than others.
Looking to celebrities like the Kardashians, at a distance they didn’t seem to stop getting Botox and facial fillers and their hair colour always looks fresh. You begin to question everything. What is okay and what will harm the baby? The truth is, it is very confusing and there is conflicting information out there.
From my experience as a colourist and as an expectant new mum, when searching for a colour line, I suggest looking for products that are Sulphate-, Paraben-, Ammonia- and PPD-free like COLOR.ME by KEVIN.MURPHY. COLOR.ME makes it totally possible to safely achieve the colour you want throughout pregnancy. Beyond the colour you use, the application is the other factor to consider. Many colourists utilise foils to reduce the chance of colour absorbing through the scalp. Thanks to POWDER.LIGHTENER, AMMONIA-FREE and some creative foiling techniques, I am thankfully able to still maintain my blonde!"
According to the American Pregnancy Association, hair colour is considered safe to use during pregnancy. The website states, “Although fairly limited, most research indicates the chemicals found in semi-permanent and permanent dyes are safe to use during pregnancy. In addition, only small amounts of hair dye may be absorbed by the skin, leaving little that would be able to reach the fetus.” The American Pregnancy Association also says the same concept applies to breastfeeding.
Ultimately, hair colour, much like the rest of your beauty routine during pregnancy, boils down to doing whatever you’re comfortable with. Because there is a limited amount of research done on pregnant women, only you can decide what’s best for you and your baby.
The bottom line: research on hair colour and pregnancy is limited so when in doubt, always consult your physician, and then your colourist.
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