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Not fitting the clothes that I’ve been wearing for years all of a sudden was slightly disappointing. I realize this is what happens when you’re pregnant. But trying to feel confident after gaining a significant amount of weight while at the same time dealing with body aches has not been easy.
Something that helped lift my spirits was going to my hair dresser recently. However, there are often posts on the internet that caution pregnant women about going to get hair and beauty treatments.
At my appointment, I chatted local stylist Carolin Biafore about the safety of today’s hair dye for expectant mothers.
“As a mother of twins, I appreciate the importance of knowing exactly what we put on and in our bodies during pregnancy,” says Biafore, a stylist who has been in the hair industry for over 17 years. “Some pregnant women are sensitive to scents and may get nauseated from certain products.”
She recommends having a conversation with both your primary care provider and your hairdresser to help you choose gentle products that are going to work for your hair.
Here are a few questions that she suggests asking at your hair appointment:
- Are there any non-chemical options for color, such as ammonia-free or semi permanent?
- Is it possible to do an off-scalp application?
- Can I see the list of ingredients in the products?
A strand test may also be necessary because the hormonal changes during pregnancy could affect the outcome of the desired colour, even if it’s usually your regular formula. The good news is that with the growing awareness of toxins and harmful chemicals, many manufacturers are taking it very seriously to produce more gentle and natural products.
“Many hair lightening options are now non-volatile and offer less offensive smells, which is more comfortable for the clients as well as the stylists,” says Biafore.
Internet articles also bring up the safety of makeup for pregnant women. Ramona Satar a Kelowna-based makeup and microblading artist, suggests that because each pregnancy is different, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to makeup and pregnancy.
Although Satar says that makeup may affect a portion of women who have predisposed allergies or sensitivities to certain types of beauty products, wearing makeup is safe with no side effects for most pregnant women. However, changes can also develop in the months before labour.
“Sometimes an allergy or skin sensitivity towards makeup can develop in a woman once she becomes pregnant,” she informs.
Satar recommends doing your homework when choosing the right makeup artist and esthetician. Because hairdressing and esthetics industries are not regulated by the government, anyone can claim that they can give you a beauty service.
Ask if your beautician is certified and request to see their credentials and certificates to help avoid a negative experience. Another good idea is to see if your beauty professional is using proper disinfection methods for their tools. Lastly, Satar recommends checking the ingredients of the beauty products.
“Inquire about organic products,” says Satar. “The use of these products will lack the harsh chemical ingredients that you might have to worry about.”
I invite pregnancy experts and other moms-to-be to join in on the conversation! Reach out if you have topic suggestions for this column on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or email me at KelownaNow.
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