In an effort to protect the fetus from ionizing radiations and asbestos, most pregnant women tend to stay away from the electronic equipment known to emit these electromagnetic radiations. Most pregnant mothers who avoid using a hairdryer worry that the radiation from the hairdryer will harm their newborns because the hairdryer emits a lot of radiation. In this article, you will learn in detail about the effects of a hairdryer on pregnant women. Additionally, we will debunk some of the myths associated with the impact of a hairdryer on the fetus.

Can a Pregnant Woman Use a Hairdryer?

The radiation emitted from the hairdryer is non-ionizing and does not threaten human health. It can be used to dry the hair of pregnant women. Some pregnant women also fear that the asbestos particles in the hairdryer are released along with the vital air, harming the fetus after being absorbed by the human body but this is not the case. Most manufacturers now use ceramic, mica, and other insulation materials, with asbestos being rapidly eliminated as a hairdryer material.

If pregnant mothers are concerned about the harmful effects of hair dryers on the fetus, they should use them less and use hair dryers of well-known electrical brands with more protective factors.

What are the Hazards of Hairdryers?

Research has shown that using hairdryers and other electrical appliances having high EMFs during pregnancy can affect the growth of the fetus. In addition, according to a study, higher electromagnetic fields near ordinary home appliances can increase the chances of losing a baby. Let's discuss the hazards of hair dryers on pregnant women:

• The Electromagnetic Radiation Hazards

A typical household 1000W hairdryer emits approximately 350 mg of radiation, and because the back of the hairdryer emits the most heat, we use air outlets to dry hair. The low-frequency radiation is 42.8 mg when you’re 3cm away from the air outlet head and 5.5mg when you’re 8-10 cm away from the air outlet head.

It is essential to understand that a hairdryer is a device that uses a heating wire to heat the air. The current passing through the wire is converted into heat, and electromagnetic waves are emitted from the outside. Non-ionizing radiation, such as infrared, can cause nuclear ionization, cell mutations, or genetic mutations. However, if you can manage to keep your head 8-10 cm away from the hairdryer while using it, it is not rendered harmful.

• Electromagnetic Field Hazards of Hairdryers

The frequency of EMFs (electromagnetic fields) is an important factor that determines whether or not the radiations can be hazardous for fetuses or not. High EMFs are usually radiated by X-ray machines, CT scanners, etc. but on the contrary, most hair dryers operate on low frequency so the chances of ionization and subsequent mutation are comparatively less. Long-term exposure to EMFs with low frequency can be hazardous as reported in some of the scientific research reports.

• Hairdryer Hazard of Asbestos Particles

The vast majority of hair dryers in the 1970s and 1980s contained asbestos that affected human bodies in several ways, especially in the case of pregnant women. According to OSHA data, 90% of hairdryer manufacturers used asbestos ingredients. Studies have shown that levels of asbestos released from hair dryers are higher than the allowed limit. Above the eight-hour weighted average, the allowable exposure level of OSHA is only 0.1 fiber /cm. According to studies, hairdryers can remove up to 0.11 structures/cm of asbestos.

As a result, the release of asbestos into the hairdryer can cause several health problems, including asbestos lung cancer, mesothelioma cancer, and miscarriage. However, modern-day hair dryers that either don’t contain asbestos or contain allowed limits are unlikely to cause any damage to the pregnant woman as well as the fetus.

• Hairdryer

When the working power of the dryer is high enough, the development of intense magnetic field rays causes headaches, dizziness, and lack of energy in pregnant women. Therefore, another school of thought opposes the use of hairdryers for pregnant women.

• Damaged Hair

If used properly, hairdryers don’t cause any harm but hairdryers are harmful to pregnant women if kept close (7cm or less) while using. Hairdryers, if used regularly, can damage the hair, causing roughness and color loss. Therefore, it is essential to know how to dry hair properly without damaging it.

The Influence of the Hairdryer

After learning about the negative aspects of this hair tool, here are some positive effects of the hairdryer.

• Hairdryer Can Help You Save Money

One thing's for sure: if you haven't met your hairdresser, you don't need to spend money on a salon for styling your hair; hairdryers are the alternative you can use and save money along the way. That's why hair dryers are the most popular choice for women.

• Hairdryer is Used to Lighten the Hair

If your hair is thick, then occasional heat stroke is beneficial. It also keeps your hair smooth and light. Hairdryers are especially useful if you have curly or thick hair, as straightening them after a bath helps to straighten them faster. Once the hairdryer is used, you can customize your hairstyle however you want.

• Reduces the Time it Takes for Hair to Dry

Drying time is another problem for thick, long hair. You don't want to keep your hair wet for hours. By using a hairdryer, you can dry your hair in seconds or minutes. In addition, a hairdryer evaporates water and moisture faster than other traditional techniques, allowing you to halve your hair drying time.

How to Use a Hairdryer Correctly

If you are new to hairstyles and want to learn how to use a hairdryer, follow these instructions to make your hairstyle a breeze at home:

• Blow Drying

It should be no surprise that blowing your hair in the heat is terrible for your beautiful hair edges. We advocate not using the high heat settings of your blow dryer to blow dry because when you blow-dry your hair, it creates a "flash drawing" action that removes surface moisture. Instead of overheating your hair, the easiest way to avoid this "flash drawing" effect is to dry your hair gently.

• Towel Drying

Using a towel to dry your hair before using a hairdryer is another cheap and effective way. The most critical factors are the type of towel you use and how careful you are with your hair. For example, using a soft t-shirt or microfiber hair towel is a great life hack.

Continue to gently blot and squeeze out excess water using your soft T-shirt or microfiber hair towel. Next, tie your hair in a turban, and if your hair is long, let the microfiber towel absorb the remaining water for 10 to 15 minutes.

• Air Drying

Drying your hair with air requires time and some basic skills that prevent hair from weakening. You may want to start by washing your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, regardless of your hair type. It can help prevent frizz.

After that, carefully towel-dry your hair as much as possible. Blot gently, concentrating on the roots, until your hair is damp but not dripping or soaked. It's best not to ruffle or tousle your hair. Once you’ve air-dried your hair considerably, you can use a hairdryer.

Matters Needing Attention in Hairdryer for Pregnant Women

For pregnant women, it's essential to keep a few things in mind and pay extra attention to the specification of the hairdryer that is under use. Below are some of the tips to keep in mind while choosing and using a hairdryer to dry up your hair:

• Material Selection of Blower

When choosing a hairdryer for pregnant women, it is best not to use an asbestos hairdryer. Asbestos particles are formed during an asbestos hairdryer, which is harmful to pregnant women as well as the fetus. As a result, it is advisable to use a ceramic or mica hairdryer.

• As Far as Possible Away from The Head

A pregnant woman should stay keep their head far away from the hairdryer because the farther you are from the hairdryer, the lower the radiation. When the distance between the user and the device reaches 8 to 10 cm, the radiation is reduced to 5.5 mg. If the distance is kept at least 10 cm, there will be no harm to the human body.

• First Dry Hair Moisture

It is recommended to dry the dripping water with a dry cloth before using the hairdryer. Then, you can use a hairdryer to wipe the hair with a very absorbent towel to reduce the time spent and let the hair dry as soon as possible.

• Don’t Continue to Blow

Prolonged hair blowing can damage the hair. Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women take a short break. It is best not to use the hairdryer for more than half an hour. Pregnant women should divide their hair into two parts, up and down or left and right, to blow dry their hair in a short time. Insert your fingers into your hair while blowing to smooth the airflow and dry your hair faster.

• To Avoid Leakage

Although electrocution by a hairdryer is unlikely, it is recommended to stay on the safe side. You should avoid using a hairdryer in humid environments and keep it away from the water as much as possible.

• Do Not Use Hot Air

When using a hairdryer, it is recommended to stay away from hot air as much as possible. Hot winds damage both hair and scalp at high temperatures.

• It's Best Not To Use it in The First Three Months of Pregnancy

The first trimester of pregnancy, as we all know, is a critical time. The fetus is most susceptible to external influences during the first trimester of pregnancy, so avoid using a hairdryer. Even if you use it, you should keep a safe distance. The best way is to use a wet towel to dry hair first.

 

For pregnant women, any external radiation can affect the baby if exposure is for a long time. Using a hairdryer does more harm than good especially if it is used without taking proper precautionary measures. Therefore, pregnant women should be cautious when using it; otherwise, it can result in an irreversible loss.