On the very long list of “don’ts” during pregnancy, you may be happy to learn that hair dye is nowhere to be seen. According to the American Pregnancy Association, “most research indicates the chemicals found in both semi-permanent and permanent dyes are not highly toxic and are safe to use during pregnancy. In addition, only small amounts of hair dye may be absorbed by the skin, leaving little that would be able to reach the fetus.”
Dr. Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, of Columbia University Medical Center, told the news site, HuffPost, “If you want to be ultra-conservative, for any situation, any medication exposure, [waiting until after] the first trimester is something you can do, but there’s really no reason from expert consensus to do that.”
So, the results are in: Hair dye is safe to use during pregnancy. Although research doesn’t show that dye is dangerous to use during pregnancy, it’s never a bad idea to err on the side of caution and opt for more natural, plant-based hair dyes if you’re concerned. Look for products that don’t contain parabens, ammonia, para-phenylenediamine (PPD), or resorcinol.
When experimenting with any new hair dye, pregnant or not, be sure to perform a patch test to ensure it won’t irritate your scalp. First, apply a small amount of the dye mixture to the inside of your arm and wait. If nothing happens, you’re good to go, but keep an eye out for any bumps, rashes, or other signs of an allergic reaction.
Below, we break down our favorite hair color brands that are sure to keep your pregnancy hair looking great.
Hannah Natural 100% Pure Henna Powder
Some hair dyes contain chemicals like ammonia and peroxide that can be toxic after overexposure whether you’re pregnant or not. Luckily, there are many products, such as Hannah Natural 100% Pure Henna Powder, that are completely chemical-free.
The only ingredient in this herbal hair dye is all-natural henna leaves, resulting in an amber hue on lighter hair and a reddish tint on darker hair. The change for darker hair will be less significant but it will shine in the sunlight. Regardless of your shade, your hair will benefit from henna’s ultra-conditioning properties, leaving your hair shiny and soft, an especially nice bonus for those struggling with thinning pregnancy hair.
Garnier Olia Ammonia-Free Brilliant Color Oil-Rich Permanent Hair Color
Do you feel safer sticking with the brands you know and love? Well, you’re in luck. Garnier Olia offers 34 shades of ammonia-free hair dye to accommodate a diverse range of shades, from platinum blondes to jet black, and a few novelty colors, like rose gold, in between. Some hair dye can be very drying, but this formula contains natural flower oils that will keep your locks hydrated and healthy.
Because it’s ammonia-free, this dye smells amazing when being applied, which is welcome news for sensitive noses.
Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit
Madison Reed is taking over the hair color game, one podcast advertisement at a time. For salon-quality color that’s affordable and easy to apply, this at-home radiant hair color kit is the one for you. The dye boasts a “smart 8-free” formula that contains absolutely no ammonia, parabens, resorcinol, paraphenylenediamine, phthalates, gluten, sodium laureth sulfate, or titanium dioxide.
This product contains the ultra-nourishing ingredients keratin, argan oil, and ginseng root extract to keep your hair as happy as can be. With a wide range of 37 colors, there’s an option for every cautious consumer. To help you find your perfect shade, Madison Reed offers a color-recognition chatbot that analyzes your selfie and determines the best shade options for you. If you’re looking for an in-person shopping experience, you can purchase Madison Reed products in-store at Ulta where beauticians will work with you to choose your perfect shade.
Your body and everyday routine undergo significant changes during pregnancy, but your hair care routine doesn’t have to. Pregnancy is hard, so make sure you are taking the time for self-care. Now that you know dyeing your hair can be a safe part of your beauty routine, what are you waiting for?
BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.
