Is It Ok To Color My Hair While Pregnant? 

Pregnancy is a tough time. Most to-be new mamas stay in a state of confusion about the dos and don’ts during this time. While some of their concerns can be silly, they just want the best for the little bean growing inside their belly. A lot of these mamas often go to Google to look for something very specific – is it ok to color my hair while pregnant?

It is true that you need to stay away from certain things when pregnant, like tobacco, alcohol, or certain medicines; there is not much specification about hair coloring.

The skin on the scalp is thick enough to protect the inner portion of the body from toxic chemicals.

However, there is more to know. In this article, we shall discuss everything about hair dyeing and see if it is safe for mamas to color their hair. We will also share with you the opinion of Ob/Gyn Selena Zanotti, MD, to give you more assurance on this issue.

Is It Ok To Color My Hair While Pregnant?

Hair color, whether you buy it in a store or get it done in a salon, is full of chemicals. And we already know that some of the current research has questions about the safety of hair dye in general. So, it is not very silly of to-be mothers to ask if it is safe to have hair color done during pregnancy. However, this does not mean your hair must remain plain and boring during the pregnancy.

“We don’t have much data on the safety of hair dyes during pregnancy,”

Dr Zanotti mentions.

“But we do know that your skin is a strong barrier. Only minimal traces of the chemicals in hair dyes get absorbed into the body if you have a healthy scalp.”

Part of the reason why we have limited information on this topic is related to the ways clinical trials are run. Pregnant women are usually an exclusion from studies due to both cost and ethical reason. It is more like our hands are tied. We want to know more about the effects of these chemicals on the body during pregnancy, but it is extremely unethical to expose a pregnant woman to harm.

So, no, we do not know much for sure. But do not worry. There is enough anecdotal evidence from healthy children and parents to suggest that hair coloring during pregnancy is safe.

Still, here are some precautions to be super safe during this time.

Wait Till The Second Trimester

The first trimester is a period of fast growth and development. All the major organs, including the spinal cord and the brain, are currently developing. If you plan to be a bit more cautious, we suggest you avoid this trimester to color your hair.

“Many doctors recommend holding off on hair color until week 13 of your pregnancy, just to be safe,”

Dr. Zanotti says.

Go For Highlights

There are multiple hair coloring options that do not require the stylist to put dye on the scalp. Balayage, for instance, gives an ombre effect to the hair, with the artificial dye being applied only at the bottom of the hair and fading as you move up.

Lowlights, highlights, streaks, and two-tone hair are all the coloring options that you can try. They give a pop of color to the hair while not touching the scalp. So, if you want to look like a punk mama, we think these are the best options out there for you.

Choose A Gentle Dye

There are varieties of dyes in the market that have many ingredients. This is indeed great as it gives you a better opportunity to select a dye that suits your situation the best.

Maybe you require peroxide-free or ammonia-free dyes. Maybe you require a dye that is made for use on sensitive skin. Or maybe you just hit the score and found yourself a box of vegetable-based dye or henna.

Suppose it is a struggle to find the perfect option for you, discuss it with your stylist first. Know about the chemical compounds they will be using and then make the decision.

Use Temporary Dyes

Primarily, there are three main types of hair dye: permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary. Temporary dyes are the simple ones that easily wear off after one wash. Semi-permanent dyes last for around four to six weeks. Permanent hair dyes, on the other hand, last for as long as the new roots don’t come out.

If you are way too concerned about coloring your hair in the second or third trimester, it is way better to stick to temporary colors that will wash away after one shampoo. They will not ruin your hair and necessarily do not pose any threat to the pregnancy either.

Take A Bit More Care If You Have Any Skin Conditions

If you have a skin condition like psoriasis, eczema, or any other skin condition, talk with your gynae before you make the decision to color your hair.

“These conditions can cause tiny breaks in the skin and may decrease some of your skin’s protection,”

Dr. Zanotti warns.

“You may also have more irritation or sensitivity from hair dye if you have skin conditions.”

Also, try to use the same color you have used before. This will reduce the chances of any unexpected reactions to the skin.

Get A Bit Of Fresh Air

A trademark of multiple pregnancies is having a dislike for strong smells. Any smell that you may have liked before might just become intolerable when you become pregnant. Even the slightest smell could make you gag. Most of the hair dyes have a pungent smell. Therefore, there is a greater chance that they may not be very pleasing to your pregnancy hormones.

“And if you have allergies or asthma, the smells can bother you even more,”

Dr. Zanotti further adds.

Save yourself some headaches or nausea by dyeing your hair in a place where you get proper air to breathe.

“Proper ventilation is also a good way to lower your exposure to chemicals in the air,”

she further adds.

Wear Gloves

Be a little kind to your hands and put on some gloves if you are coloring your hair by yourself – pregnant or not.

“Skin can be more sensitive to irritation during pregnancy,”

Dr. Zanotti mentions.

“So, always wear gloves when you’re coloring your hair. Even if you’re not pregnant, though, gloves are a necessity. You don’t want to stain your hands or expose them to irritating chemicals.”

Is It Okay To Bleach Your Hair While You’re Pregnant?

If you wish to have a lighter color on your head, bleaching is the general tool of choice. And, like hair dye, hair bleach is also safe to use during pregnancy. However, we need more research in this field.

“Many people bleach their hair during pregnancy. The bleach does penetrate your skin, but not to a degree that most doctors would consider harmful,”

adds Dr. Zanotti.

“Follow the same precautions as you would with hair dye,”

she suggests.

“Apply it in a well-ventilated area, wear gloves and wait until the second trimester for extra safety.”

Is It Okay To Use A Perm Solution Or Relaxers During Pregnancy?

There isn’t much research on the impact of relaxers and perms on the development of the fetus. However, a very recent analysis found that there is a necessary correlation between uterine cancer and hair straightening products.

The data, which was published back in 2022, suggests a relationship. But we need more data to define this relationship. In other words, scientists cannot confirm, depending only on the available information, that using such products can increase the risk of cancer. If it does, that suggests the chemicals applied on the scalp at the time of straightening may change hormones.

Here is some good news, though: The same researchers who found the relationship between hair straighteners and cancer did not see a relation when looking at the perming products.

Here is not so much good news: Some people think relaxers are not as effective for them when they are pregnant. So, you might not get the bang for your buck that you are expecting.

If you decide to straighten your hair, Dr. Zanotti suggests doing a bit of homework ahead of the appointment.

“If you’re getting a perm or relaxer treatment done at the salon, ask them about their ventilation practices. You don’t want to be getting a treatment done with two or three other people without ventilation. The smell could be overpowering and make you feel sick,”

she adds.

Is It Ok To Color Your Hair When Breastfeeding?

For all the new mamas who are breastfeeding their little ones, you need to be very careful of what goes on in your body. Things like alcohol or specific prescription drugs may end up in the breast milk. Make sure that your doctor knows about any medications you are on if you plan to breastfeed the baby.

Just like we do not have a lot of research on the effects of hair dyes on the fetus, we have very little to less information about the effect of hair dye on breast milk. Fortunately, there is no such evidence at this point that could claim that hair dye gets into the breast milk if you are using it as directed. So, upon balance, it appears highly unlikely that it would pose any risk to the baby.

“You can safely color your hair if you’re breastfeeding,”

adds Dr. Zanotti.

“Just keep your baby out of the room when you’re coloring so the smells don’t irritate them. And you should still wear gloves and do it in a well-ventilated area.”

Is It Ok To Work In A Hair Salon When You Are Pregnant?

Hairstylists must spend a lot of time standing. During pregnancy, cutting and coloring hair can be a bit too exhausting. Also, you cannot forget the back pain. If you are working as a hairstylist during your pregnancy, make sure to take ample breaks and sit down whenever you can. Also, make sure that you are properly hydrated during the day.

If the pregnancy is going well, you may work in the hair salon with a few basic precautions.

“Hairstylists should always wear gloves when coloring or perming hair,”

Dr. Zanotti mentions.

“And ventilation is even more important because you might be exposed to hair dye or other chemicals several times a day.”

She further continues to say,

“If you work in a salon, wear a mask at work to help reduce the risk of inhaling chemicals in the air.”

And a bonus: It may give you protection against any contagious respiratory virus as well.

If You Are Facing Any Doubt, It Is Always Best To Ask Your Doctor

It is indeed difficult to keep track of everything that you should and should not do during pregnancy. If you are not sure about the safety of anything, do not be afraid to ask your doctor.

“Your doctor is here to help you have a healthy pregnancy,”

Dr. Zanotti assures.

“If you’re concerned about something, call your doctor and ask. With their help, you can make the best decisions to ensure pregnancy is as safe as possible.”

When you plan to get a hair color done, make sure to reach out to a reputed hairstylist. They have years of experience and know their way around. They can suggest something that will look impeccable on you and will not pose a threat to your pregnancy.

The Bottom Line

I am hoping that you have gotten the answer to your question, “Is it ok to color my hair while pregnant?”

Pregnancy is a tough time. There is a huge pool of hormones inside you, ready to explode anytime. So, going through a few mood swings here and there is not something unnatural. Women tend to think they are no more beautiful when pregnant. So, wanting a small change is normal. But because pregnancy is a complicated thing. You cannot afford to take any risks that will harm you or the little one inside. So, whatever step you choose to take, make sure to consult with your gynae. If they give you a heads-up, you are all set to rock your pregnancy with a brand-new look.

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