SUBSCRIBE
  • Home
  • Watch
  • 2024 Event
    • General Info
    • Presenters & Speakers
    • Tickets
    • Get in Touch
    • FAQ
  • Shop
Home • Coily • Curly • Hair Color

Can I Color My Hair While Pregnant?

Share this Article
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Can I Color My Hair While Pregnant?
By Vanessa Osbourne · Updated November 30, 2015

pregnant hair dye

To dye or not to dye while pregnant? That is the question!

Being pregnant is a unique experience for every woman. It’s a time of change–emotional and physical highs and lows. With all the changes you go through, you may feel a burning desire to exert some control. If you’ve become used to dying your hair regularly, you may want to continue with this part of your beauty regimen. If you’d never dyed your hair before, you may think of it as a way to boosts your spirit, a way to have a bit more power over your appearance as your body continues to change.

Will dyeing your hair pose a risk to your unborn child?

Thought it is limited, there is scientific data regarding the safety of dyeing your hair while pregnant. There is at least one study by Baby Centre UK that suggests that using hair dyes during pregnancy may result in neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer, however the bulk of the existing research does not support that finding. American Pregnancy have conducted animal testing that suggests there is no risk to your developing child if you choose to dye your hair. The general consensus is that the concentrations of potentially harmful chemicals found in hair dyes are too low to pose any harm to you or the developing fetus especially where skin (scalp”> contact is avoided. For this reason, processes such as streaking, highlighting and frosting are more widely encouraged than full color coverage, according to Baby Center.
The general consensus is that the concentrations of potentially harmful chemicals found in hair dyes are too low to pose any harm

Your hormones may affect the chemicals’ ability to work

Years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter, I was still relaxing my hair–I went natural after her birth. I remember going to the salon twice during my pregnancy and both times, I left with hair that had refused to take the relaxer. I learned that my pregnancy hormones had affected my hair to the point that it no longer responded to those chemicals. Even my first postpartum attempt at relaxing my hair did not work. The fact is that pregnancy alters the hair. It can change its density and texture as well as how the hair responds to chemicals. It is impossible to say how and if your hair will be affected but it is worth considering when trying to decide if you want to take the step and color your hair.

The fact is that pregnancy alters the hair. It can change its density and texture as well as how the hair responds to chemicals.

Take the following precautions when dyeing your hair

Article continues after video.
APRILSKIN Pink Aloe Facial Polish Cleanser
Amazon
APRILSKIN Pink Aloe Facial Polish Cleanser
SHOP NOW
Top Product.
Briogeo Style + Treat™ Dry Shampoo Puff
Briogeo
Briogeo Style + Treat™ Dry Shampoo Puff
SHOP NOW
Holler & Glow 12 Days of Self Care 12 Piece Masking Set
Target
Holler & Glow 12 Days of Self Care 12 Piece Masking Set
SHOP NOW
Lanolips Day & Night Lip Minis
Lanolips
Lanolips Day & Night Lip Minis
SHOP NOW
Ruby Kisses Lip Oil Booster
Amazon
Ruby Kisses Lip Oil Booster
SHOP NOW
Melanie Mills Hollywood Gleam Body Radiance
Amazon
Melanie Mills Hollywood Gleam Body Radiance
SHOP NOW
Catrice Under Eye Brightener
Amazon
Catrice Under Eye Brightener
SHOP NOW
Curlsmith  Shake + Shine
Amazon
Curlsmith Shake + Shine
SHOP NOW

If you have chosen to dye your hair while pregnant, incorporate these tips into your coloring routine (many of them apply beyond pregnancy”>.

  • Delay dyeing for as long as you can. Second trimester is good. Third trimester is even better.
  • Use exactly as directed.
  • Do a patch test to make sure you’re not allergic
  • Ensure the area you dye your hair in is properly ventilated
  • Protect hands by wearing gloves
  • Ensure you rinse all traces of chemical from your hair

Is there a safer alternative to chemical hair dye?

Vegetable dyes with a henna base are considered safer alternatives for changing your hair color. Ammonia is one harmful ingredient that you want to avoid at all costs, so pay close attention to the contents of any hair color you use to ensure you know exactly what you are getting.

  • Herbatint Permanent Herbal Haircolour Gel, $13.23
  • Naturtint Permanent Hair Colorant, $12.45

As always, consult your primary doctor and do research before making a change. Should you decide to go ahead and change up your hair color, visit a licensed hairstylist and colorist to discuss the potential options.

Read More

How Donni Davy Built Half Magic By Following Her Intuition
Beauty
How Donni Davy Built Half Magic By Following Her Intuition
Our Favorite Beauty Looks From The 2025 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards
Beauty
Our Favorite Beauty Looks From The 2025 ESSENCE Black Women ...
Ask A Stylist: Color Combos To Try During Your Winter Arc
Curly
Ask A Stylist: Color Combos To Try During Your Winter Arc
How Growing Up as a Black Man Shaped My Relationship with My Curls
Curly
How Growing Up as a Black Man Shaped My Relationship with My...
Why Deep Conditioning is A Must This Winter
Shop
Why Deep Conditioning is A Must This Winter
Company Information
  • Customer Service
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Subscribe
  • Newsletters
FOLLOW US
  • Home
  • Watch
  • 2024 Event
    • General Info
    • Presenters & Speakers
    • Tickets
    • Get in Touch
    • FAQ
  • Shop