Is it safe to color my hair when I知 pregnant?

There is no evidence that the chemicals in hair dye will harm your baby. The amount of dye you would normally use on your hair is not enough to pose an increased risk to either you or your child.

If you're concerned about dying your hair during pregnancy:

• Use gloves so that your skin absorbs less dye.
• Be sure the room is well-ventilated so you don't breathe in chemicals for too long.
• Don't leave dye on longer than the instructions recommend.

If you're still concerned, consider highlights. Because dye from highlights doesn't usually touch your scalp, your skin can't absorb it. Dye can't be absorbed through hair alone. You can also try vegetable dyes or henna.

For more information on hair treatments and pregnancy, read Hair Treatments and Pregnancy from the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS).

January 2007