Summary of This Article
It is generally safe for pregnant women to get haircuts, hair coloring, or perms at a salon. There is currently no medical evidence that hair dye or perm chemicals absorbed through the scalp can harm the baby. However, the skin during pregnancy is more sensitive, and there is a risk of reacting to hair dye or perm chemicals that have been used without issue before. Additionally, the smell of hair dye or perm solutions may cause nausea, so if you feel unwell, don’t hesitate to take breaks.
- Introduction
- Best Timing for Visiting a Hair Salon During Pregnancy
- Does Going to the Hair Salon During Pregnancy Affect the Fetus?
- Is It Safe to Get a Perm or Color Your Hair During Pregnancy?
- How to Choose a Hair Salon During Pregnancy
- Precautions for Visiting a Hair Salon During Pregnancy
- Be Mindful of Your Condition in Early Pregnancy
- Don’t Overexert Yourself
- Avoid Long Treatments in the Same Position
- Be Careful of Lying on Your Back in the Mid and Late Stages of Pregnancy
- Things to Bring When Visiting a Hair Salon During Pregnancy
- Should You Mention Your Pregnancy When Making an Appointment?
- Conclusion
Introduction
During pregnancy, while there are many joyful moments, there can also be various concerns and uncertainties. Fashion and hairstyles may need to be adjusted to accommodate the changing body during pregnancy. This time, we will focus on the precautions for pregnant women when visiting a hair salon.
Best Timing for Visiting a Hair Salon During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, it’s important to be mindful of sudden changes in your condition. For pregnant women experiencing morning sickness or anemia, standing or sitting for long periods can be uncomfortable.
In the later stages of pregnancy, you might want to visit the hair salon one last time before giving birth, but as your belly grows, staying in the same position for a long time can become challenging. Some pregnant women find their bellies feel tight more easily. Even if you feel well initially, you might start feeling unwell, experience back pain, or suffer from swollen feet.
It’s also a good idea to inform the hair salon in advance that you are pregnant, even in the early stages. There are no strict restrictions on when you can visit the hair salon during pregnancy, but it’s best to go based on how you feel on the day.
You can visit the hair salon in both the early and late stages of pregnancy, but the best time is during the stable mid-pregnancy period.
Does Going to the Hair Salon During Pregnancy Affect the Fetus?
It is generally safe for pregnant women to visit the hair salon. Haircuts, as well as coloring, gray hair treatments, perms, and treatments, are all considered to have no adverse effects.
Check Fetal Health with NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing)
NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is a test that examines fetal chromosomal abnormalities such as Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), and Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) from the mother’s blood sample. Compared to traditional blood-based prenatal testing, NIPT is considered to have extremely high accuracy in terms of sensitivity and specificity.
NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) can be performed with a blood sample taken from the mother’s arm, making it a safe test without the risk of miscarriage. Additionally, it can be done as soon as pregnancy is confirmed by an ultrasound, allowing early knowledge of the baby’s condition.
Is It Safe to Get a Perm or Color Your Hair During Pregnancy?
One concern when visiting a hair salon is whether coloring or perming might harm the baby. Generally, it is safe for pregnant women to get haircuts, hair coloring, or perms at the salon. There is currently no medical evidence to suggest that the chemicals in hair dye or perm solutions, absorbed through the scalp, have any harmful effects on the baby.
Sensitive Skin During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your skin is in a delicate state, and you might develop reactions to hair dyes or perm solutions that you have previously used without any issues. If skin problems occur, you may need to visit a dermatologist, and there are limitations on the medications that can be used during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to be cautious. If you notice any unusual reactions, stop using the products immediately.
Sensitivity to Smells During Pregnancy
The smell of hair dye or perm solutions can sometimes cause nausea. Even if you’re not using them yourself, the smell from other customers’ treatments can also make you feel unwell. It is a good idea to inform your hairdresser in advance that you are pregnant. If you start feeling unwell, don’t hesitate to take a break. Since each pregnant woman’s situation and condition are different, it’s best to visit the salon when you are feeling well.
Avoid Getting Chemicals on the Scalp
When getting your hair colored, ask your hairdresser to avoid applying the dye directly to your scalp. They can often take measures such as protecting your scalp with a cream or using application techniques that minimize contact with the scalp. Be sure to discuss this with your hairdresser.
Is It Safe to Use Over-the-Counter Perm or Hair Dye Products?
There is currently no medical evidence to suggest that hair dye or perm solutions absorbed through the scalp can affect the baby, so using over-the-counter products is also generally considered safe. However, it is important to note that over-the-counter hair dyes are formulated to be strong enough for even application by the general public, which can increase the risk of skin irritation. Therefore, it may be safer to have the treatment done at a salon.
How to Choose a Hair Salon During Pregnancy
If you already have a familiar hair salon that you regularly visit, it is a good idea to continue going there. However, if you are choosing a new salon, here are some points specifically for pregnant women to consider:
Shampoo Stations That Allow You to Sit
There are various types of shampoo stations, including fully flat bed-like ones and those where you can sit while having your hair washed. For pregnant women with back pain or lower back pain, a shampoo station where you can sit may be less stressful. Be sure to check in advance by calling the salon or checking their website.
Choose a Salon Near Your Clinic or Hospital
During pregnancy, unexpected things can happen suddenly. Choosing a hair salon near your clinic or hospital can provide peace of mind, as you can quickly seek medical attention if needed.
Precautions for Visiting a Hair Salon During Pregnancy
Be Mindful of Your Condition in Early Pregnancy
There are no specific restrictions on when to visit the hair salon during pregnancy. However, in the early stages of pregnancy, you may be more sensitive to smells or experience morning sickness, so it’s best to go based on how you feel. Even if you are in the early stages of pregnancy, make sure to inform the salon. Some salons may accommodate pregnant women by providing extra care or shortening the duration of the treatment.
Don’t Overexert Yourself
If anything feels off, don’t hesitate to communicate it early. It’s important not to push yourself if you’re feeling unwell. If you need a break, let the staff know. Hair salons often have air conditioning, so if you feel cold, ask for a blanket to keep your feet warm and prevent getting chilly.
Avoid Long Treatments in the Same Position
As your belly grows, it can become difficult to stay in the same position for long periods. This can lead to back pain, lower back pain, a tight abdomen, and swelling. It’s advisable to take breaks during your salon visit. To avoid long sessions, consider splitting appointments for a cut and color or perm on different days.
Be Careful of Lying on Your Back in the Mid and Late Stages of Pregnancy
In the second trimester and beyond, it’s important to be aware of supine hypotensive syndrome. Supine hypotensive syndrome occurs when a pregnant woman lies on her back, causing the weight of the uterus to compress the large vein on the right side of the body. This can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure, causing symptoms such as feeling unwell or fainting.
When reclining for a shampoo at the salon, you can take precautions by: 1) keeping the upper body slightly elevated and 2) placing a towel under your right hip to avoid lying completely flat. This will help prevent the syndrome and keep you comfortable.
If you experience any discomfort while lying on your back, relieve the pressure on the vein on the right side by turning onto your left side. This will help alleviate the symptoms.
Things to Bring When Visiting a Hair Salon During Pregnancy
When visiting a salon during pregnancy, it’s good to be prepared for any sudden changes in your condition. Make sure to bring your maternity health record book, health insurance card, the phone number of a taxi company, the phone number of your regular hospital, and emergency contact numbers. This will help you respond quickly in case of any unexpected issues.
Should You Mention Your Pregnancy When Making an Appointment?
It is rare, but some hair salons may refuse pregnant women. While you might consider hiding your pregnancy, it’s important to inform the salon when making a reservation.
During pregnancy, maintaining the same posture for long periods or lying on your back can cause discomfort. If you inform the salon when booking, they can make the necessary preparations to accommodate you. For a comfortable experience for both you and the salon staff, be sure to mention your pregnancy when making your appointment.
Conclusion
Even during pregnancy, you can fully enjoy fashion and beauty without restrictions as long as you take necessary precautions. Being stylish can boost your confidence and satisfaction. So, while being mindful of your health, take the opportunity to visit the salon for a change of pace and relaxation, and enjoy your maternity life.
【References】
- National Institute for Environmental Studies – “Association Between Use of Personal Care Products During Pregnancy and Urinary Tract Abnormalities in Male Newborns”
- Japanese Association for Acute Medicine – Supine Hypotensive Syndrome
Article Editorial Supervisor
Dr Hiroshi Oka
NIPT specialist clinic, MD
Graduated from Keio University, School of Medicine