Health
Keratin Treatments to Skip When TTC
Health Points
- Keratin hair treatments can expose you to chemicals linked to pregnancy risks, even when branded as ‘formaldehyde-free’.
- Experts urge women trying to conceive to avoid these treatments due to unknown effects on fertility and fetal health.
- Simple hair care with minimal chemicals is safest during conception and pregnancy.
For those dreaming of frizz-free hair, keratin treatments can be tempting, but they may come with hidden risks if you’re planning a pregnancy. Dr. Lucky Sekhon, a certified OBGYN, highlights that certain chemicals in these treatments—especially formaldehyde—are linked to health complications.
“There’s something to be said about reducing unnecessary exposure,” Sekhon shares.
Keratin is a natural hair protein, but commercial treatments use heat to lock in chemicals, sometimes releasing formaldehyde gas.
The FDA warns that inhaling formaldehyde can cause irritation, nausea, and may raise cancer and kidney risk, even if labels promise otherwise. Studies suggest ongoing research, but safety limits were designed for healthy adults, not those pregnant or trying to conceive.
Instead of chemical treatments, experts advise keeping your hair routine simple—regular washing and conditioning without added dyes or processing helps avoid unnecessary risks.
If you’ve already had a keratin treatment, limit heat styling and use practical precautions like sleeping with a fresh towel on your pillow to minimize any additional exposure, Sekhon advises.
She reminds, “You can’t live in a bubble, but I think there are some things that you can temporarily give up.”
Make wellness-focused choices with your hair care to prioritize your health on your fertility journey.
