Can You Dye Your Hair While Pregnant?

As the reality of pregnancy starts to sink in, all sorts of questions start firing. What do you need to do? What do you need to change? Clothes? Food? Activities? And horror: Can you dye your hair while pregnant? Or is this really the moment to let that color grow out?

Firstly, in case you need to hear this right now: you’re still yourself. Just pregnant. And the way you do pregnancy is totally up to you.

Next: pregnancy and hair dyeing can definitely work together. Based on the research that’s been conducted so far, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is okay with it. The amount of chemicals that are absorbed through the scalp are minimal — so the risk of those chemicals getting to your baby is too.

So if you want to keep up (or change up) that color, it seriously shouldn’t be a problem — and there are ways to make it even safer.

📝 In this article:

Is coloring hair during pregnancy safe?

Yes, coloring your hair while pregnant is generally considered safe.

So if you’re not quite ready to give up your color routine, don’t stress — there are ways to keep things safe(ish) while you’re pregnant. Here are some easy tips to help you dye smarter:

• Dye your hair in a well-ventilated area. (TBH this is a good idea whether you’re pregnant or not.) [2]
• Avoid direct scalp contact for prolonged periods, make sure to follow the instructions and leave the dye on for minimum time.
• If you’re coloring your hair at home, remember to wear gloves, as your skin can be a bit more sensitive at this time. [2]
• Opt for kinder options. Try to steer clear of ammonia. Semi-permanent and temporary dye works well. Henna and vegetable dyes also work well. They’re not as packed with punch as permanent dye is. Just be sure to read the labels. Packaging can be deceiving. “Natural dyes” can sometimes be just as toxic as regular ol’ permanent dyes.
• Make sure to rinse your scalp thoroughly with water and wipe away any excess dye that might be there.

Can I dye my hair in second trimester?

Yes, you can — in fact, dyeing your hair in the second trimester (versus the first) is often advised. In the first trimester, your body is still getting used to the whole pregnancy idea and that zygote is barely more than a thought. Best to keep things as safe as possible in the early days.

Can you bleach your hair when pregnant?

Bleaching hair when pregnant appears to have the same level of risk as other kinds of permanent dyes (i.e. not much, as far as we know). But again, it’s best to wait until you’re about 12 weeks in. And there are gentler treatments available if you’d prefer not to take the chance.

Can you highlight hair while pregnant?

Yes, you can — and in fact, highlights may be an even safer option. The lower the chemical exposure the better, right? Highlighting can be a great substitute because the chemicals are only absorbed by the hair, not the scalp.

It’s also great if you need a little lift but you don’t want to go full steam ahead with a whole head of color.

Can I get my hair dyed at a salon while pregnant?

The golden rule with most activities that you do when you're pregnant is: tell people first.

And yes, this applies here too. Tell your stylist that you’re pregnant. Sure, this will likely cause eruptions of elation in the salon — but it will also give them the opportunity to advise you on gentler treatments.

Some good swap outs include:

• Going for highlights rather than a full head
• Choosing plant-based options, if they have them available
• Keeping those chemicals away from your scalp, just in case. Yes, this might be the perfect time to try balayage.

So, can I dye my hair while pregnant? Yes, you can.

Go for later. Go for gentler. Go for windows open.

Enjoy your ‘do, mama!