One of the main concerns women have when they become pregnant is about beauty care, especially concerning their hair. Dyeing, straightening, and chemical treatments are widely used among women, but the big question is: When they’re pregnant, can they continue using these products as usual? Can a pregnant woman get a Brazilian blowout?
Brazilian Blowout Composition
Brazilian blowout treatments during pregnancy are not recommended, because, like most chemical hair straighteners used by stylists, they contain formaldehyde. This substance, in addition to being considered carcinogenic by the National Cancer Institute (INCA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), is considered harmful to fetal development when in contact with the scalp and consequently the mother’s bloodstream, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy, which is a crucial stage of development1.
The amount recommended by regulatory agencies is no more than 0.2% formaldehyde concentration in the product, which is not enough to achieve straightening. Therefore, all care is needed, and in some cases products are used that claim to be free of the harmful substance, but in reality are not in order to achieve the desired result.
Treatment Options for Pregnant Women
There are ads for newer methods and miracle promises claiming to be safe, such as Brazilian blowouts for pregnant women: chocolate, fruit, and sugar-based keratin treatments that are recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women and even for children. However, each product should be rigorously analyzed, and it is advisable to bring the product label to your doctor for review and approval.
Another very common situation during application is the stylist adding formaldehyde to the product to achieve better results, but this can cause serious harm to the baby’s health. For this reason, it is recommended that this type of procedure, especially during this period, be done only with specialists and salons that are highly recommended and fully trusted.
Which Products Can I Use During Pregnancy?
Just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean you have to stop taking care of yourself. In fact, a woman’s self-esteem should be even better during this stage. Shampoos, perfumes, nail polish and moisturizers do not have any restrictions during pregnancy, but should be used rationally2. Avoid unfamiliar products that may cause allergic reactions, which are common at this stage when women can become intolerant to some fragrances, dyes, or even certain substances.
By the way, in addition to maintaining self-esteem, taking care of your sex life is also wonderful at this time. Pregnancy is no reason not to spice up your relationship and enjoy more pleasure. So, we’d like to share a tip for improving intimacy during this phase. The use of gel lubricants increases lubrication, enhances pleasure, and if it’s water-based, it also controls vaginal pH, reducing the risk of infections, such as FamiGel. FamiGel is the first fertility-friendly gel lubricant, produced with a water base and closely mimics cervical mucus, which makes sexual intercourse much more pleasurable and also helps those trying to conceive. You can purchase it here in our online store.
Restricted Products
The only product restrictions are for those that contain formaldehyde, such as Brazilian blowouts and some straightening treatments, and those with ammonia in their composition, as is the case with most hair dyes. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is advisable to use hair toners, which, even though they last less in the hair, are safe because they do not contain ammonia or lead, which is also harmful for the mother and baby.
During pregnancy, due to increased hormones, it’s normal for women to notice certain changes in their hair3. Even with some hair loss, hair usually becomes more beautiful, shinier, and has a texture it never had before. Therefore, a Brazilian blowout is not always necessary during pregnancy. But if you still feel you need more care, use shine oils, hair masks, and shampoos with different ingredients that pose no risk to your health.
Products Allowed
Nail polish and makeup are also allowed for expectant mothers, so feel even more beautiful during pregnancy. Another great option is facial cleansing. And if your main desire is to straighten your hair, use a flat iron along with the traditional round brush; these can help you during this period, which, after all, passes so quickly, right? We women can handle a few months for the sake of our little ones’ health.
All the effort made during pregnancy is worthwhile to give birth to a healthy baby, and after the breastfeeding stage, you’ll have your whole life to use any hair products you want and feel even more beautiful. If you have questions about any product, consult your gynecologist and get your doubts answered.
Readers’ Questions:
I had a Brazilian blowout while pregnant. Now what?
Many women, not knowing they’re pregnant, continue with their usual hair treatments and, upon discovering the pregnancy, become worried. But the risk of something going wrong in this situation, especially at the very beginning, is practically nil. That’s because, in early gestation, the embryo’s blood circulation happens through the corpus luteum, and only over time will it become directly connected to the mother. So, if you’ve had a Brazilian blowout, simply don’t do it again!
See also: Can Pregnant Women Dye Their Hair? Find Out What’s Safe During Pregnancy
