I recently read that Kourtney Kardashian is “defending” her decision to dye her hair while pregnant. Really? What does she have to defend? Already mom to Mason, 2, this isn’t Kourtney’s first pregnancy -- and you have to believe she knows what she’s doing the second time around and wouldn’t do anything to harm her baby-to-be.
I have an appointment to get my hair highlighted tomorrow, and I have no qualms about my decision to park my pregnant butt in the salon chair for two hours of pampering.
Here’s why: Dyeing your hair during pregnancy is a completely acceptable practice. The American Pregnancy Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) agree that hair dyes are probably safe during pregnancy because very little dye is absorbed through your skin. I know, that “probably” isn’t entirely reassuring, and since I use mostly organic beauty products, some friends might be surprised that it doesn’t bother me.
There are a few precautions you can take, though, to make coloring your hair while pregnant even safer -- which both Kourtney and I are taking, thank you very much. While I cannot wait to have my color refreshed tomorrow, I have waited patiently until my first trimester is over. ACOG also recommends avoiding dyes containing ammonia. (My salon uses Davines hair color, which is ammonia-free and more natural than most dyes.) Plus, I’m getting highlights, which are considered safer since they are applied in foils so the dye won’t be touching my skin, where it could be absorbed. The experts also say to have hair color applied in a well-ventilated area. Check.
Ultimately, I think pregnant women deserve a break on this one. I’m already missing my pre-pregnancy body, and staring at my dark roots and stray grays every day doesn’t make me feel any better about myself. While I’ve been religiously highlighting my hair since it morphed from platinum blond to a dirty blond hue in high school, Kourtney wrote on her blog that she hadn’t dyed her hair in years, but “thought it was time for some fun.” Yes, it’s a-okay to live a little and do things that make you feel good about yourself during pregnancy! Personally, I plan to schedule one more appointment for highlights right before my due date -- because once the baby comes, who knows when I'll have time to spend two hours at the salon again?
iVillage Making a Mama blogger Julie Seguss 
loves all things health and fitness, and holds a personal trainer certification from the American Council on Exercise. She is expecting her first child, or second if you count her very spoiled French bulldog. Find more from Julie at Inhabitots and Momtourage.
