Fragrantly Beautiful

Natural beauty

Jennifer Aniston, J-Lo, Nicole Kidman--the paparazzi's always on the lookout for the first signs of a baby bump.

So when J-Lo started sporting gray roots, tongues started waggin.

Cause whether you're a superstar or a stay at home mom, everyone knows, if you're pregnant dying your hair is often discouraged.

Dana, expectant mother"The baby's developing and forming and you obviously don't want to do anything to hinder that."

As Dana's doctors told her - there's a *possibility* harsh chemicals from hair dye could seep into her scalp and make their way to her unborn child.

Doctor Virginia Simmons, OB/GYN, Newton Wellesley Hospital"The concern that ammonia and peroxide could cause some kind of birth defect."

But now there's a new child friendly choice for mom's to be.Natural hair color--containing a low amount of chemicals, or even *no* chemcials at all.

Chanel Carzello, Giacomo and Rondi Salon"They're 93 percent chemical free with very low ammonia and peroxide in them and they have a lot of natural ingredients. "

Most hair dye use chemicals to help deposit the color inside the hair. The new products skip that step and just add color.

And it's not just moms-to-be who may want to go natural. A new european study finds hair dye could increase your risk of cancer.

Researchers don't know why this is--so they don't yet know if natural dyes will lower your cancer risk, but say it makes sense to be safe rather than sorry.

Ephraim Hockberg, Oncologist, Mass. General Hospital"If you choose your dye your hair at all, it makes sense to use something that has the least chemical exposure possible. So in that sense natural hair dyes are superior."

One colorful catch? Natural products can't lighten hair. So if you're looking for a sun-kissed summer shine, consider highlights. Doctors say they're safe as long as they don't touch your head.

Chanel Carzello, Giacomo and Rondi Salon"We're not touching the scalp. No chemicals touching the skin or getting in the pores."

So whether you're looking for a ravishing red, a bold brunette, or a breathtaking black, now you can become a "natural" beauty.

posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 4:53 PM