During pregnancy, a woman should not chemically straighten her hair, as most hair straightening products contain chemical substances, such as formaldehyde, parabens or benzene, for example, which are not safe during pregnancy, and are therefore not safe. It is recommended to straighten your hair during pregnancy.
This is because during treatment to straighten hair, such as progressive treatment, for example, the chemical substances used can be absorbed by the scalp or inhaled by the pregnant woman, and harm the baby’s development, especially in the first trimester, which is the phase in which The baby’s main organs are being formed.
However, there are some ways to straighten your hair during pregnancy, such as using a straightener or using vegan products without chemical substances, for example, and it is important to consult your obstetrician before use so that it is safe for the pregnant woman and the baby.
Can pregnant women do progressive?
Pregnant women should not undergo straightening throughout their pregnancy, and also during breastfeeding, as most progressive straightening treatments use chemicals, especially formaldehyde, which can harm the pregnant woman’s health and the baby’s development.
Formaldehyde, when applied to the hair, can be absorbed by the skin of the scalp, and the vapor released during its application can be inhaled by pregnant or breastfeeding women, quickly reaching the lungs and bloodstream, and can reach the baby through of the placenta or breast milk and cause harm to the baby.
Risks of straightening your hair during pregnancy
The chemical substances present in straightening products can cause risks during pregnancy, such as:
- Changes in thyroid hormones in women and babies;
- Part premature;
- Pre eclampsia;
- Miscarriage;
- Changes in blood sugar levels;
- Infantile cryptorchidism;
- Hypospadias in the baby;
- Delay in fetal development;
- Problems in the baby’s development or malformations.
Furthermore, these chemical substances in straightening products can cause allergic reactions to the scalp or asthma in pregnant women, or poisoning in pregnant women and their babies.
What substances should be avoided?
During pregnancy, the main straightening chemicals that should be avoided are:
- Formaldehyde or formaldehyde;
- Glutaraldehyde;
- Parabens;
- Sulfates;
- Ammonia;
- ammonium thioglycolate;
- Benzenos;
- Guanidina;
- Cyclosiloxanes;
- Sodium hydroxide;
- Diethanolamine;
- Phthalates, such as diethylphthalate or diethylhexylphthalate;
- Benzophenone or oxybenzone;
- Triclosano.
Furthermore, chemical formaldehyde can be found under different names, such as formalin, methylene oxide, methanal, polyformol or methyl aldehyde, for example, and it is important for pregnant women to be aware of the names of chemicals present in cosmetic or hair care products, to avoid its use during pregnancy.
It is also important that pregnant women avoid straightening treatments with keratin, as products with keratin to straighten hair may contain formaldehyde, as keratin alone does not straighten the hair, but only moisturizes and helps to rebuild the strands.
How to keep your hair beautiful during pregnancy
Although it is not recommended to chemically straighten your hair during pregnancy and breastfeeding, you can keep your hair straight by brushing it and using a straightener afterwards. But in addition, it is important to consume healthy foods, low in fat and sugar because hair needs vitamins and minerals to grow more beautiful and shiny.
Furthermore, some natural or vegan products without chemical additives, in the form of shampoos, conditioners or fluids with a smooth effect, such as Belissé, can be used by pregnant women, as long as they are approved by the obstetrician.
During pregnancy, due to normal hormonal changes, hair has a more intense shine, has less breakage and grows faster. However, to facilitate growth it is important to consume foods rich in protein, such as meat and eggs, and eat 1 Brazil nut a day, which is also a strategy to keep your hair and nails looking beautiful.
It is normal for hair to fall out more and become weaker after pregnancy due to hormonal changes, and hair can also become thinner and thinner due to breastfeeding. Therefore, a short haircut can make life easier for pregnant women and new mothers.
But to ensure the health of your hair, it is advisable to go to the salon at least every 2 to 3 months to have your hair cut and hydrated professionally, obtaining better results.
Check out some tips from our nutritionist for healthier, more beautiful hair in this video:
