I read all kinds of books about babies and pregnancy before I had Siena, and, as a result, so many of my sentences started with “I read that…”, “I was thinking that”, “I learned that”… So much that my husband Justin has told me to stop reading books altogether. I had a high-risk pregnancy. I was 39 and pregnant with complications. I always saw people who are in their 20s and early 30s having easy pregnancies, having no issues, going to yoga, and being super active, and that just wasn’t my journey. It was complicated to say the least.
When I found out I was pregnant, one of the first things I wanted to find out through my reading was “Can I dye or highlight my hair while pregnant?”. Even though most research indicates that the chemicals found in both semi-permanent and permanent dyes are not highly toxic and are safe to use during pregnancy, some women just don’t go there. Considering I had a high-risk pregnancy, I really had to think about this.
I was also told that as long as the dye or highlight is placed on the strands of your hair and does not touch the scalp, you will be fine. Well, after all the reading and talking, this was definitely a risk I was willing to take. Once I made the decision, it was interesting to see how certain hairdressers wouldn’t even dye or highlight my hair during the first three months of my pregnancy. They just wouldn’t take the risk of anything happening to me or the baby. I have to say that, at times, I felt that I needed my roots done so bad that I thought – why did I tell the hairstylists I was pregnant because I wasn’t showing anyway at that point. Looking back, I commend every single one of them who did not do my hair. They were looking out for me and my baby.
It was challenging though. I realized that the first trimester was a time when I was so self-conscious about how I looked, how much weight I was gaining, and how my body was changing. I also wanted to make sure I looked good and that my husband still thought I looked beautiful. Ultimately, I did find a hairstylist who would do my roots and was very careful with it all by using natural products. It was a blessing!
It allowed me to have beautiful hair during the first three months, and most importantly, I felt like I was taking care of myself. I personally did not have any complications due to dying my hair and felt it was the best decision for me personally, but I suggest you consult your obstetrician before doing so.
