To Dye Hair or Not?

Should a mother dye her hair after childbirth?

A new mom wants to look attractive. The question arises whether she can get a haircut and dye her hair after giving birth. The older generation often reacts sharply negatively to this procedure. Women believe that chemicals from hair dye could enter the body and harm the baby. This is a myth.

The lifestyle causes more harm to the health of the baby and the mom:

• Eating low-quality products with unclear composition.
• Polluted air in metropolitan areas.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Excessive worries, anxieties, and stresses.

Ways toxins enter the body

When dyeing hair, there are 2 ways: through the scalp and the respiratory tract. The amount of chemical reagents is minimal. However, a woman may feel unwell from the smell of hair dye. A mask can help in that case. It’s better to choose a salon with good ventilation (air purifiers and exhaust fans).

There are types of hair treatments where the dye does not touch the skin. In the case of perming and root highlighting, a 1 cm gap is maintained from the scalp.

It’s important to remember that after childbirth, the condition of the hair worsens compared to during pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes. During pregnancy, estrogen levels increase. After childbirth, they return to normal. As a result, the hair thins. Over time, its quantity will return to what it was before.

Can you dye your hair after giving birth?

Yes, you can. Taking care of oneself (in any form) positively affects the psychological state. A woman feels more confident.

Nuances of dyeing

• After childbirth, hair tends to darken by a few shades. A previously reliable dye may not give the expected shade. Even if the dyeing is done by a trusted professional, it’s best to remind them about this.
• There are ammonia-free and natural dyes. Prefer these.
• To avoid inhaling the dye, you can wear a mask. Dye your hair in a spacious, well-ventilated room.
• Be sure to check for allergic reactions. Test the dye on the crook of the elbow and temple area. An allergy can occur even with a dye used multiple times.
• If the baby is very young, express milk in advance. This way, the baby will be fed in the mother’s absence, and she will be less anxious.

On momslab.com there is a comprehensive postpartum recovery course. The team includes a pediatrician, yoga instructor, breastfeeding consultant, dietitian-nutritionist, child sleep consultant, pharmacist, and psychologist. They answer all arising questions. There is also a blog with helpful materials on the site.

The course is authored by a mother of two children, Ksenia Vlasova. Her Instagram features many interesting and useful posts, accompanied by discussions in the comments.