My wife is pregnant and wants to dye her hair. Her friends have colored their hair without any complications. Is this safe during pregnancy?
In short, the risk is probably negligible.
Numerous hair dye formulations are available on the market. They can be classified into three categories:
- Temporary rinses that coat the hair shaft
- Semipermanent which wash off after successive washes
- Permanent/oxidation dyes
There are not extensive human studies available, but some absorption of the last two category dyes into the circulation have been reported. Some oxidative hair dyes (class 3) are carcinogenic in lab animals, but human studies do not indicate an increased cancer risk.
Two medical texts that you may want to refer to are: "Occupational and Environmental Reproductive Hazards," edited by M. Paul and "Maternal-Fetal Toxicology: A Clinician's Guide."
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