Can You Colour Your Hair When Pregnant?
As if you didn’t have enough to worry about when you’re waddling around feeling clumsier than a clown on circus day, you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and notice horrifying roots coming through. It seems that with pregnancy comes nine months of a long and ever-increasing list of no-no’s…no sushi…no soft cheeses…and no hair colour! But while you might be able to live without the Futomaki and fromage, who wants to look in the mirror and be faced with roots and regrowth for at least nine months? Well the fact is you don’t have to! Many colour treatements are absolutely fine to have, you just need to know what, why and where. We consulted Karine Jackson from Covent Garden’s Karine Jackson Salon, to find out exactly what are no-nos, and what are myths, when it comes to colouring while expecting.
Karine says: “The official line is that there is no evidence that colouring hair during pregnancy is harmful, but some clients like to wait until they’ve passed their first trimester. During the first three months your hormones can be all over the place so colours might react differently, and it can be a sensitive time emotionally, so it’s best just to avoid the risk of stress and worry by putting off plans until you are safely past that point. However, highlights don’t ever touch the scalp so they’re fine to have at any time, as long as they’re done by a professional.
“Many people still won’t want to use chemicals at any time during pregnancy though, and understandably so. I only use Organic Colour Systems products, which are 100% natural. By using natural ingredients in colours it minimises the client’s exposure to potentially harmful toxins that can be present in a salon environment. As organic colours don’t contain ammonia (and contains the lowest level of pdd’s possible) it’s less likely to irritate someone with a skin disorder or a pregnant client. I have a lot of pregnant clients who like to keep their colour looking glossy during their pregnancy, and these products are perfect for that. I would always advise a skin test as if you are more susceptible to allergic reactions it’s best to always be safe. The alternative to regular colours is definitely on the rise – it does everything that a regular colour would – with the added benefits of being completely natural.”
Karine, who was recently crowned Stylist of the Year at the Salon Business Awards, caters for lots of pregnant clients. And it’s the personal touches that make a visit to her salon in Litchfield Street feel special. There are glasses of champagne or bucks fizz on offer if you want to indulge, but if you’re off the alcohol and the caffeine there’s a selection of herbal teas and fresh fruit juices that helpful staff will regularly replenish, along with saucers of crisps to keep those blood sugar levels steady, and ward off pregnancy nausea. And they understand a pregnant woman’s need to wee all the time too – so no embarrassing silences as you build up the courage to ask for a toilet break just twenty minutes after the last one!
For a consultation, advice, or to book an appointment, visit the salon just off Covent Garden or see www.karinejackson.co.uk.
