By Hayley McDaniel, Daireds Salon Colorist

If you’ve just found out that you are expecting a baby, congratulations!!! Over the next nine months you are sure to encounter lots of opinions and advice, (most of which will come uninvited) and all of which are meant with the best intentions. People will be very quick to tell you what you can eat, how you should sleep, even what temperature your bath water should be. One thing that has proven to be a wives tale, however, is that you shouldn’t get your hair colored while carrying your newest bundle of joy.

When I heard this myth during my first pregnancy, all I could think of was, “Awesome! Not only do I get to count out my usual Star Bucks fix, gain thirty pounds, and have months of restless sleep, but I get to watch my roots grow out past my ears!!!” Didn’t sound like a very exciting nine months. I was completely thrilled when my OBGYN set me straight a couple of weeks later; “Caffeine should be cut back on, thirty pounds is completely normal, invest in a body pillow, and by ALL MEANS continue coloring your hair!!!” Maybe this pregnancy thing wouldn’t be so hard after all.

According to www.babycenter.com, there are “…no reports of hair dye causing changes to human pregnancies.” They furthermore point out that “little to none of the chemicals in hair dye are absorbed into your system.” If you are still apprehensive after speaking with your own doctor and doing your own research, maybe try highlights instead of an all-over color. Highlighting is contained in foil, and won’t make any contact with your scalp, thus lowering your fears even more. Also, keep in mind that fumes are upsetting to most pregnant women, so your hair color should be applied in a spacious, well-ventilated area. (Just one more reason on the list of why at-home hair color is a no-no!)

Pregnancy is a beautiful, life changing experience and different for every woman. While your schedule, body, and outlook may change dramatically during this special time, keep in the fore front your mental health. Having your color done may seem small among the larger issues you will face each day, but never take for granted how good it feels to love how you look.

The complimentary scalp massage and makeup touch-ups aren’t too shabby either!