Hormone surges do some interesting things to a pregnant woman's hair. For some women, pregnancy makes their hair thicker and more lustrous than ever before, while others experience the opposite effect. Whatever effect pregnancy has on your hair, you will want to make sure that it is healthy by using eco-friendly hair care products that protect both your hair and your baby from toxins.

Your scalp, like the rest of your skin, is extremely absorbent, and it will easily soak in your hair products, especially those applied in the hot, moist conditions of the bath. Steer clear of shampoos and conditioners that contain petroleum products or coal tar. Coal tar is a known carcinogenic that is used in hair dyes and some dandruff and psoriasis shampoos. Also avoid hairsprays and hair gels that contain petroleum derivatives, formaldehyde, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance. Try the hair care products from Jason Natural (www.jason-natural.com) or Jane Carter Solution (www.janecartersolution.com).

Hair styling products. Some styling mousses contain triethanolamine, a toxin used to make chemical weapons. Also, commercial brands of hair spray and other styling agents use alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone plastic (a carcinogen), and formaldehyde, as well as artificial fragrances.

Hair dryers. You don't have to give up drying your hair just to go easy on the planet. Look for an ionic hair dryer or an Energy-Star rated model that uses less energy than comparable products.

Hair dye. The European Union has recently banned twenty-two ingredients that are commonly used in hair dyes citing concerns about the chemicals' possible links to bladder and bone marrow cancer. Not much is known about the safety of hair dyes in pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider about any hair coloring treatments you are considering.

If you do decide to color, try henna or an eco-friendly hair dye like Tints of Nature (www.tintsofnature.com) or Eco Colors (www.ecocolors.net).