Can you dye your hair while pregnant? Here’s what you need to know.

Let’s face it. Being pregnant is not very glamorous – from oiling your stretch marks to not being able to reach your toenails to polish them! There’s a lot you’re not allowed to eat, wear or do. Now you want to know, ‘Can you dye your hair while pregnant?’ Let’s find out!

You want to dye your hair, but you’re pregnant. What do you do?

It’s hard enough being pregnant without having to worry about what can and cannot be done. The last thing any woman wants is another restriction! So why not dye your hair while pregnant?

We’ve got all the details on how to get that bold new colour safely – even when you’re expecting!

Read our guide now and learn how to dye your hair while pregnant.

Can you dye your hair while pregnant?

Being pregnant is not all fun and games. You have to worry about how your body will change, what you can eat or drink, if it’s safe to do this or that…

So many women want to dye their hair while they are pregnant but don’t know whether it’s safe for them. They’re worried that the chemicals in most dyes might be harmful for their baby-to-be.

But the answer is yes, you can still colour or bleach your hair while being pregnant.

It turns out there are no scientific studies showing any link between using chemical dyes during pregnancy and birth defects.

But there are a few things that we need to know first so let’s begin with the basics – what actually happens in our body during pregnancy and how does this affect us?

How does my hair change during pregnancy?

Pregnancy may make you feel a bit of a hot mess, but the ‘pregnancy glow’ is a real thing.

Your skin becomes brighter and your hair stops falling out and appears thicker because of the extra nutrients pumping around your body.

With these new found luscious locks, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to change it up and try a new colour (or two?). Or even just keep your roots and greys covered while you grow that tiny human. 

So does hair dye pose any risks? Can you dye your hair while pregnant? We’re here to tell you all you need to know to put your mind and bump at rest!

Worries about the amount of chemicals in hair dye such as ammonia and peroxide putting our baby in harms way are completely normal worries to have.

But the official guidance from the NHS is reassuring.

The chemicals in permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes are not highly toxic. Most research, although limited, shows it’s safe to colour your hair while pregnant. 

~NHS Guidelines

Is it safe to dye your hair during pregnancy?

Hooray! The official consensus is yes, using hair dye when pregnant is safe.

This is because the hair dye just doesn’t stay in contact with your skin long enough to enter your bloodstream in a way that is harmful to your growing bean.

Although hair dye contains chemicals, they aren’t in high doses or large enough amounts to be in any way dangerous to your baby.

So you are free to dye your hair while pregnant. Get browsing those Hair colours ideas 2022 that you can do at home to your hearts content!

Can you dye your hair while breastfeeding?

Are you wondering if it’s safe to dye your hair while breastfeeding?

You’re not alone. Many women ask us this question, and we want to make sure that you have all the information you need before making a decision. Let’s take a look at what science has to say about whether or not it is safe for breastfeeding mothers to dye their hair.

The good news is that there are no known harmful effects of permanent or semi-permanent dyes on breastfed infants.

The chemicals in these products do not pass through the mother’s milk, nor do they accumulate in her tissues after repeated use over time.

However, there are some things moms should be aware of when using any type of product containing chemicals during pregnancy and lactation.

These include avoiding prolonged exposure to fumes, wearing gloves when applying the product, washing hands thoroughly after application and rinsing off immediately if any product gets on your skin or clothes.

And always check with your doctor first! If they give you the green light then go ahead and colour away!

Will my hair change when I’m pregnant?

Remember that pregnancy can also affect your hair’s normal condition. This is often a good thing!

You might find your hair appears thicker and glossier. You won’t find as many hairs in the plug hole either!

Your hair will fall out less thanks to those baby-growing hormones, which is also why it seems thicker.

Hormone changes may mean that dyes don’t necessarily affect your hair in the same way, so using hair dye when pregnant may not give the results that you’re used to, even if you use the same old trusty dye you’ve always used before.

It’s also always a good idea to do a patch test first to check for any adverse reactions to any new hair colour.

Can you dye your hair during your first trimester?

So, are you pregnant with your first child and wondering if dyeing hair is safe during pregnancy?

So far as we know there’s no evidence that dyeing your hair can hurt either yourself or baby.

But you may want to wait until you’re past that worrying first trimester to start colouring your locks. This just gives you extra peace of mind that everything’s ok and it’s safe to freshen up your look and turn you into a hot mama-to-be.

When can I start using hair dye in pregnancy?

There’s no hard and fast rule as to when you can start dyeing your hair while pregnant.

Many women wait until after 12 weeks of pregnancy (after the first trimester), when the very low risk of the chemicals harming the baby is even lower. 

What is the safest hair dye to use?

If you are hesitant to use regular hair dyes during pregnancy, there are some safer alternatives to consider.

Having highlights, ombre or balayage styles are particularly safe to do as the dye is only placed on strands of your hair and doesn’t touch your scalp. 

Semi-permanent pure vegetable dyes, such as henna hair dye and herbal hair dyes, are safe to use hair dyes if you want to stay completely chemical-free.

Check out the different types of hair dye you can use.

You can also take these precautions to feel safer: 

• wearing gloves.
• leaving the dye on for the minimum time.
• opening the windows to avoid breathing in the chemicals
• rinsing your scalp thoroughly when washing out the dye. 

As always, going for a free consultation at your local salon will help to put your mind at rest about what’s right for you and your hair in pregnancy.

And if you do decide to dye your hair yourself, make sure you follow our Tips for hair dying at home – the big Do’s and Don’ts.

Parting words

There you have it! You can dye your hair while pregnant.

But, if at any time you feel like the color is too much for you or that something doesn’t seem right, we recommend to stop and go see a doctor before continuing on with anything else.

Remember there are many other ways to look fabulous during pregnancy – from dressing up in stylish maternity clothes to wearing makeup that’s safe (and even using stretch mark creams!).

Good luck!