Can Pregnant Women Dye Their Hair? Find Out What to Use During Pregnancy

One of the most common questions during pregnancy—and also a myth that persists among expecting and pregnant women—is whether you can dye your hair or not. You just need to use special hair dyes for pregnant women, the right products and use them correctly, along with guidance and/or permission from your obstetrician.

Why Can’t Pregnant Women Dye Their Hair?

But why was it not allowed before, and now it is? Previously, all hair dyes were made with ammonia, which is harmful during pregnancy and for the baby. These are strong chemicals that can enter the mother’s bloodstream and potentially harm the baby, as they can cross the placental barrier¹.

Starting from the third month (12 weeks) the doctor may allow the use of ammonia-free and peroxide-free dyes, so then the pregnant woman can dye her hair, but only on strands away from the scalp. During pregnancy, women’s hair and nails become much more beautiful² and it makes you want to dye your hair even more to complement this beauty, but pay attention to this. Below is a word from a dermatologist on the topic.

How to Substitute Hair Dye During Pregnancy

If your roots are darker and you dye your hair lighter, an option to avoid having a large dark root is to darken all your hair to balance your look. It is also recommended for expecting mothers to wait until after childbirth to retouch their roots³.

The hair fibers can tolerate chemicals and do not transfer anything to your bloodstream, but the roots can. So, it’s better to avoid applying dye so close to the scalp even if you are well into your pregnancy. Another nice trick is the “oil bath,” a darker dye that can be mixed with cream, making it less potent than pure dye. Highlights are also allowed starting from the 12th week.

What Can I Use During Pregnancy?

There are some brands of hair dye for pregnant women on the market such as Lorea’l, Bigen, and many henna-based products. You need to pay attention when buying and check with your usual hairdresser for a brand that truly does not contain these substances which could be harmful to your baby.

Remember that pregnancy is a relatively short period in our lives—I think you can wait to do radical chemical treatments until after this phase is over. Save that different color you want to try for later, and never apply color or any other chemicals before talking to your obstetrician. Absolutely no hair straightening treatments, okay moms-to-be!

Kisses and lots of health!

See also: Can Pregnant Women Get a Facial?