Safety of hair products during pregnancy: personal use and occupational exposure.

QUESTION: Several of my pregnant patients who are hairdressers have asked me if exposure to products they use is harmful to their unborn babies. They also want to know if their pregnant clients' personal use of hair products should be of concern. ANSWER: There is no evidence of teratogenic effects for pregnant women exposed to these products from occupational use (ie, hairdressing); however, it is recommended that pregnant hairdressers wear gloves to minimize exposure, work for no more than 35 hours per week, avoid standing for prolonged periods of time, and ensure that the salons where they work have adequate ventilation. Evidence suggests there is minimal systemic absorption of hair products, so personal use by pregnant women 3 to 4 times throughout pregnancy is not considered to be of concern.