Is It Safe To Color Or Smooth Hair While Pregnant?

How do stylists advise their clients of the risks?

This is not a simple subject, as hairstylists and salon owners, we are legally liable to inform our client of the risks of salon chemical exposure. However, most stylists are not educated in cosmetology school on how to do this & there is no straightforward answer we can offer as to what the long-term consequences of chemical exposure are. We see a need to fill a gap in this education so we have some important information for you as well as some safety assets to help you navigate this as an independent stylist, or salon.

Here are some things to consider when your client is deciding to have a chemical service while pregnant, and nursing.

The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 has not been updated. Under the current law, the FDA cannot require cosmetic companies to conduct safety assessments. There have been attempts to update this, such as the introduction of the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011, If that had been enacted, the law would have included such provisions as phasing-out ingredients linked to cancer and developmental harm and eliminating labeling loopholes by mandating full ingredient disclosure on labels. This law would also have included full disclosure of salon products (The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, n.d.). The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 was not enacted. We are still operating under a 1938 law, an 83-year-old law. The 1938 act has enabled companies to leave out essential information of chemical mixture in their Material Safety Data Sheet.

Most chemical color lines have not tested their product for inhalation, one of the main routes of exposure.

Even with strict observance of the MSDS and instructions provided by the chemical color line, we cannot say with 100 percent confidence that we are protected while using these chemicals.

This makes it difficult to inform clients of the potential risks and effects of using chemicals to color and lighten their hair preconception, pregnancy, and nursing, as we are legally required to do so because the chemical color line transfers that responsibility to the stylist, but does not adequately educate and equip us with resources to keep us and others safe.

I need to stress that I have not come across one MSDS that has tested their chemical MIXTURE, MSDS's provide information on INDIVIDUAL chemical ingredients and their safe exposure limits and toxicity. When chemicals mix they form other chemicals... So what is the true chemical mixture makeup and how dangerous is it?

Who knows, it hasn't been tested. Why isn't it? It is not required.

I truly believe the consumer is under the impression that unsafe products and services wouldn't be put on the market and that they are in general, safe being a consumer of such. I was under this impression for years.

Ahhh, Ignorance really is BLISS!

The research and studies of the potential risks around receiving a chemical service while pregnant and nursing are limited. Many stylists assume there has to be a non-toxic option on the market.

I am here to tell you after 4 years of researching and testing these, along with getting direct feedback from other stylists trying different lines, there are problems with all of them. Frankly, it seems like companies just swap one toxic ingredient for another one and then claim that their product is 'natural' intended to imply it is a safer option (greenwashing).

If no non-toxic color line then what?

There are Low-Toxic Options - How Safe Are They?

Are Direct Dyes Safer?

Direct pigments can be a safer option because there is no activator involved meaning fewer chemical mixtures making VOCs however, these direct dyes do not offer grey coverage. Depending on the level and tone you may be able to blend. Even direct dyes can have hidden ingredients that may cause a reaction so always check the MSDS.

Is Semi-Permanent Hair Color safer than Permanent Hair Color?

The studies reflect negative reactions/ implications for using both. It is hard to state that one is safer than the other.

There is a significant lack of information and understanding around exposure to permanent, semi-demi, and temporary color. No chemical color line has paid for a study to prove the long or even short-term consequences of using their chemical line. I have found mixed results and conclusions based on specific studies and surveys as to whether semi-permanent or temporary dyes are safer than permanent. Studies state more research is needed. In one cited study, neuroblastoma with temporary dyes is more common than with permanent dyes.

Is Henna a safer option?

This is a tricky one, it depends on the source and variety of the Henna. Many colors labeled 'Henna' may also have added ingredients that are toxic.

Check out this study:

black henna (hair dye) causes cardiovascular defects in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo model.

Studies around professional use of hair chemicals state when misused, these chemicals have the most potential to harm. These studies are citing inadequate ventilated areas and a lack of education on how to use the product safely as major contributors to acute and chronic toxicity symptoms and reactions, for this reason, and other reasons it is important to make sure salon ventilation meets OSHA standards. And that salon staff are properly trained in safety.

BOTH CONSUMER AND STYLIST GUIDES CONTAIN DIRECT LINKS TO NATIONAL STUDIES ON CHEMICAL USE AND THE POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS ON THE LAST PAGE.

If I am pregnant, how do I ask my stylist for a safer service? Here Is A Free Digital PDF Printable Guide

Hair Hug Guide For Prettay Mamas

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How do stylists advise their clients of the risks? Here Is A Digital PDF Printable Guide

Is It Safe To Color A Pregnant Client’s Hair? Hair Hug Guide For The Hair Hugger

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Alright, I hope this has been helpful and informative. I hope your brain doesn't hurt as much as mine does. I have more resources and assets for you to navigate safety. Such as a basic waiver and safety protocol work flows that can help mitigate and eliminate hazards.

Xx The hair hu