- With Mayo Clinic obstetrician and medical editor-in-chief
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
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Roger W. Harms, M.D.
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
"Nothing helps people stay healthy more than the power of real knowledge about health." — Dr. Roger Harms
As medical editor-in-chief, Dr. Roger Harms is excited about the potential for MayoClinic.com to help educate people about their health and provide them the tools and information to live healthier lives.
The Auburn, Neb., native has been with Mayo Clinic since 1981 and is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Harms is a consultant and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and his specialty areas include office gynecology, high-risk obstetrics and obstetrical ultrasound.
From 2002 to 2007, Dr. Harms was director for education for Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dr. Harms was the 1988 Mayo Medical School Teacher of the Year and served as associate dean for student affairs and academic affairs before taking this leadership role. He is the co-author of the "Mayo Clinic Model of Education." In 2008, Dr. Harms was presented the Distinguished Educator Award, Mayo Clinic, Rochester.
Dr. Harms is vice chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and medical editor of the Pregnancy section on this Web site. In addition, Dr. Harms is editor-in-chief of the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book, a month-by-month guide to everything a woman needs to know about having a baby.
"My medical education experience has grown out of a love of teaching, and that is what this site is about," Dr. Harms says. "If any visitor to this site makes a more informed and thus more comfortable decision about his or her health because of the information we provide, we are successful."
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Question
Hair dye and pregnancy: A concern?
Is it OK to use hair dye during pregnancy?
Answer
from Roger W. Harms, M.D.
When you use hair dye, a small amount of the dye may penetrate your skin. Generally, however, the dye isn't thought to pose harm to a developing baby.
Few studies have examined women's use of hair dye before and during pregnancy. A 2005 study suggested an association between hair dye and pregnancy and the childhood cancer neuroblastoma — but other studies haven't reached the same conclusion. Most researchers say it's unlikely that maternal use of hair products before or during pregnancy would increase the risk of childhood brain tumors.
If you're concerned about the use of hair dye during pregnancy, talk to your health care provider. He or she may suggest postponing any chemical hair treatments.
If you decide to dye your hair during pregnancy, consider these precautions from the Food and Drug Administration:
- Wear gloves when applying hair dye.
- Apply hair dye as quickly as possible.
- Rinse your scalp thoroughly after using hair dye.
Exercise during pregnancy: Is heart rate a concern?
- McCall, EE. Maternal hair dye use and risk of neuroblastoma in offspring. Cancer Causes and Control. 2005;16:743.
- Holly EA, et al. West coast study of childhood brain tumours and maternal use of hair-colouring products. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology. 2002;16:226.
- Connelly JM, et al. Environmental risk factors for brain tumors. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports. 2007;7:208.
- Cosmetics and your health: Frequently asked questions. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/cosmetics-your-health.pdf. Accessed May 14, 2009.
- Hair treatments and pregnancy. Organization of Teratology Information Specialists. http://www.otispregnancy.org/pdf/hair_treatments.pdf. Accessed May 14, 2009.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 14, 2009.
