SKINIPEDIA - Skinipedia TV: Depilatories during Pregnancy

Skinipedia TV, Episode #04:
Using Depilatories and Hair Dyes during Pregnancy and Nursing

We are often turning to depilatories and hair dyes to get rid of unwanted hair or maintain our hair color and highlights. Depilatory creams and products are especially common since they are typically very affordable and convenient, their results are reported to last a couple of weeks, and they don't carry a high risk of side effects. As far as pregnant women are concerned however, depilatories and hair dyes may not be the safest hair removal method and you may have to temporarily rely on the natural sun for highlights!

The safety of a depilatory during pregnancy has not been completely established. What is known however is that because depilatory products contain powerful chemicals, there is a chance of absorption during usage that could be potentially harmful. T he active ingredients that may pose danger to a fetus or nursing infant are barium sulfide powder and calcium thioglycolate. The thioglycolic acid reacts chemically while disulfide bonds to the hair. Because these ingredients are aggressive enough to react chemically, it is recommended by many doctors to refrain from using these types of products while pregnant or nursing.

There may not be much of a risk with hair dyes, but if you are concerned, the research that is available points to avoiding level 3 or permanent black hair dyes. You may want to consider changing to a level 2 dye and staying away from black shades.

To date there are no actual studies showing that the chemicals that make up depilatories and hair dyes are unsafe on the skin during pregnancy or while nursing. But there are also no studies or research proving that they are safe for the fetus or baby. Our recommendation is to avoid these types of products altogether during your pregnancy and while you are nursing. If you do feel that you want to use them, don’t use them on your breasts or stomach and consider a lower level and lighter color hair dye. Don’t forget to always check to see what your doctor recommends.

We do want to stress that it is always best to consult your doctor on issues such as this because he or she is the one who is most aware of your personal health and because it's his or her specific field of study. The following information is only our viewpoint, and although it is based on research, it is still essential that you review it with your physician.

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