Dyeing your hair during pregnancy: How to do it safely while expecting a child
When it comes to hair dyeing, the key is caution and information
Dra. Valeriia Gyrych*
Jan 25, 2024 (Updated Jul 3, 2024)
Jan 25, 2024 (Updated Jul 3, 2024)
Being pregnant doesn't mean you can't take care of yourself. However, during this period, you may have questions about what to avoid. You might have heard your mother or grandmother say, "While I was pregnant with you, I never dyed my hair because it could harm you".
Uncertainty about the effects of chemicals used in hair dyes has led to debates and conflicting advice. You want to be a radiant mom during your pregnancy, but you're afraid that dyeing your hair might pose a risk to your baby.
Can you dye your hair while pregnant? Don't worry; we're here to clear your doubts.
Can you dye your hair while pregnant?
Although there have been few studies analyzing the wide variety of hair treatments and their potential effects on the fetus, dyeing your hair while pregnancy is usually safe because very few chemicals are absorbed through the skin.
However, it is the case that depending on the complexity of each pregnancy, some obstetricians advise against dyes containing ammonia and other oxidizers, as they could be toxic to the baby's development.
Therefore, it is recommended that during pregnancy, you use hair dye brands specifically designed for pregnant women, which are of plant origin or henna-based. These options are harmless to the baby and reduce the chances of allergies.
However, it is the case that depending on the complexity of each pregnancy, some obstetricians advise against dyes containing ammonia and other oxidizers, as they could be toxic to the baby's development.
Therefore, it is recommended that during pregnancy, you use hair dye brands specifically designed for pregnant women, which are of plant origin or henna-based. These options are harmless to the baby and reduce the chances of allergies.
From how many months can you dye your hair while pregnant?
Although the general consensus is that there is no problem with dyeing your hair while pregnant, even from the first trimester, if you are genuinely concerned, we recommend waiting until after week 12.
This is because the first few weeks are crucial for the proper development of your baby. During this time, their brain and spinal cord begin to form, their heart starts beating, and the overall structure of their little body starts to take shape.
This is because the first few weeks are crucial for the proper development of your baby. During this time, their brain and spinal cord begin to form, their heart starts beating, and the overall structure of their little body starts to take shape.
What type of hair dye is safest while pregnant?
Hair dye brands designed for pregnant women are the safest way to dye your hair during pregnancy, as they minimize your exposure to chemicals. Look for options that are ammonia-free or use natural plant-based dyes like henna (although henna can only add pigment and not lighten your hair).
Now, let's talk about peroxide, the chemical that helps lighten dyed blonde hair. If you fall into this category, you should know that it's not recommended during pregnancy. Try opting for a darker shade during these months.
Additionally, if you use a full color or touch up your roots, you have to apply dye to the scalp, which involves greater exposure to chemicals. In this case, consider getting highlights as they are safer since they only affect the length of your hair and don't come into contact with the scalp.
Safe hair dye brands for pregnant women – safe for you and your baby
Fortunately, there are countless options in the market that are safe for dyeing your hair while pregnant. Here are some examples:
Now, let's talk about peroxide, the chemical that helps lighten dyed blonde hair. If you fall into this category, you should know that it's not recommended during pregnancy. Try opting for a darker shade during these months.
Additionally, if you use a full color or touch up your roots, you have to apply dye to the scalp, which involves greater exposure to chemicals. In this case, consider getting highlights as they are safer since they only affect the length of your hair and don't come into contact with the scalp.
Safe hair dye brands for pregnant women – safe for you and your baby
Fortunately, there are countless options in the market that are safe for dyeing your hair while pregnant. Here are some examples:
Brands of hair dye for pregnant women made from natural ingredients
These are undoubtedly the safest options since their natural ingredients are gentle on your hair and your baby.
Henna is the most common component in this category, obtained from the crushed dry leaves and stems of the Lawsonia inermis L. bush. In Asia and the Middle East, women have used henna powder for more than 5,000 years to add brightness, texture, and body to their hair.
Some hair dye brands for pregnant women in this category that you can find are:
Henna is the most common component in this category, obtained from the crushed dry leaves and stems of the Lawsonia inermis L. bush. In Asia and the Middle East, women have used henna powder for more than 5,000 years to add brightness, texture, and body to their hair.
Some hair dye brands for pregnant women in this category that you can find are:
- Henna Nefertum (Therbal): This 100% henna leaf powder dye is ideal for dyeing your hair during pregnancy as it is peroxide-free and provides a beautiful reddish hue, shine, flexibility, and more volume. Its essential oils nourish and repair your scalp.
- Light Mountain, Color the Gray! Natural Hair Color & Conditioner: This formula is made solely from natural botanical extracts (henna, indigo, and sen). It is certified organic and cruelty-free by the USDA and other International Certification Services. Its natural botanical ingredients protect and nourish your hair, helping to restore its body and shine, while gently depositing color with a finer mesh powder.
Hair dye brands for pregnant women free of ammonia and benzene
These dyes are free of the most harmful ingredients for dyeing your hair while pregnant. In some cases, you can only find them online, and their prices are usually higher than more commercial dyes.
- Bubble Dye: This shampoo produces a rich foam that does not damage your hands or stain your skin. It covers your hair from root to tip. It is formulated with non-irritating herbal essences, which help nourish the scalp and replenish the nutrients your hair needs during pregnancy.
- Phyto Color: This 74% plant-based permanent color is free of PPD, resorcinol, and ammonia. It is ideal for dyeing your hair during pregnancy, as it contains monoi and jojoba oil, as well as jujube bark extract, which has anti-itch and anti-irritant properties, all of natural origin.
Ammonia-free hair dye brands you can find at the supermarket
While we highly recommend opting for the previous alternatives, if receiving packages or going to natural food stores is somewhat problematic for you, the options we are about to provide are economical and efficient alternatives that you can find at the supermarket:
- Soft Color by Wella: This ammonia-free hair dye offers 90% less breakage compared to other dyes. It includes a treatment to restore shine and strength for up to 4 weeks and is enriched with shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera.
- Ammonia-Free Excellence by L’Oréal Paris: With triple-care technologies and universal highlights that adapt to all skin types, this hair dye is infused with ceramides, reducing breakage by 98%.
Tips for Safely Dyeing Your Hair During Pregnancy
Even though your mother or grandmother probably chose not to dye their hair during pregnancy, there are sustainable hair dye brands available today that allow you to look beautiful during your pregnancy without harming yourself or your baby.
How can you do it safely? Here are some tips:
- Use only hair dye brands for pregnant women.
- Avoid leaving the dye on your hair longer than specified in the instructions. Keep the dye on your head for the shortest time possible.
- Always use gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to keep the dye off your skin.
- Whether you dye your hair at home or go to a salon, apply it in a well-ventilated area. This will help you breathe fresher air instead of inhaling chemical fumes.
During pregnancy, it's essential to prioritize your health and that of your baby in every decision you make. When it comes to hair dyeing, the key is caution and information. So, whenever you have doubts or concerns, seek medical or expert guidance to make informed and safe choices.
At FertilyMed, we understand the importance of every step on the path to motherhood, including seemingly small but significant decisions, such as hair care during pregnancy.
*Dr. Valeriia Gyrych
Gynecologist-Obstetrician and biologist specializing in infertility. She graduated from the National Medical University "A.A. Bogomolets" in Kiev, Ukraine.
