Can you dye your hair while pregnant?

Yes, most research suggests that colouring your hair during pregnancy is safe. The NHS says that although research is limited, the amount of chemicals absorbed through a healthy scalp during normal hair colouring is very low.

Still, you may prefer to take a few extra precautions, particularly if using permanent or semi-permanent dye. The NHS notes that some people choose to wait until after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy before colouring their hair.

If you are worried about a particular product, have a scalp condition or have previously reacted to hair dye, speak to your midwife, GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.

What does the NHS say about hair dye during pregnancy?

The NHS states that most research shows it is safe to dye or colour your hair while pregnant.

Permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes contain chemicals, but exposure during ordinary hair colouring is much lower than the very high doses that have caused harm in some research.

Your scalp also absorbs only a small amount of hair dye, particularly when the skin is healthy.

This does not mean every hair product or treatment is identical. Ingredients and application methods vary, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the product you are using.

Should you wait until after 12 weeks?

You may have heard that you should avoid hair dye during the first trimester.

The NHS says you might decide to wait until after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when the risk of chemical substances harming the developing baby is lower. This is presented as an option rather than a rule that everyone must follow.

If colouring your hair during early pregnancy is worrying you, waiting may simply feel more comfortable. If you have already coloured your hair before realising you were pregnant, speak to your midwife or GP if you have concerns rather than assuming that exposure has caused harm.

How to colour your hair at home

If you decide to colour your hair yourself, the NHS recommends several practical precautions.

Wear gloves while applying the dye. Use the product for the minimum recommended time and do not leave it on longer than the manufacturer’s instructions allow.

Apply hair dye in a well-ventilated room to reduce exposure to fumes, and rinse your scalp thoroughly afterwards.

Always follow the instructions supplied with the product rather than changing the application time or method yourself.

Do you need a patch or strand test?

Pregnancy can affect how your hair and skin respond to products you have used before.

The NHS recommends carrying out a strand test before colouring your hair, even if you have used the same dye previously. If you are having your hair coloured professionally, tell your hairdresser that you are pregnant and ask about a patch test.

Hair dye can cause allergic skin reactions in anyone. NHS guidance on hair dye reactions says possible symptoms include itching, burning, soreness, rash and blisters.

If a patch or strand test causes a reaction, do not continue using the product.

Are highlights different from full hair colour?

Highlights can involve less contact between the colouring product and your scalp.

The NHS explains that when dye is applied only to strands of hair rather than directly to the scalp, chemical absorption is reduced because the product is absorbed by the hair rather than the scalp or bloodstream.

If limiting scalp contact matters to you, you could discuss highlighting techniques with your hairdresser.

What about semi-permanent and vegetable dyes?

Semi-permanent colour is still a type of hair dye, so the same sensible approach to product instructions and testing applies.

The NHS also mentions pure vegetable dyes, such as henna, as an alternative that some people may choose during pregnancy.

Be careful with products described as “natural”, since that label alone does not guarantee that a product cannot irritate your skin or trigger an allergic reaction. Check the ingredients and follow the instructions provided.

Can pregnancy change how hair dye turns out?

Possibly. The NHS notes that pregnancy can affect the normal condition of your hair, which means it may respond differently to colouring.

A shade or treatment that behaved predictably before pregnancy may therefore produce a somewhat different result.

This is another reason a strand test can be useful. It lets you see how your hair responds before applying the colour more widely.

What if you work with hair dye?

Occasionally colouring your own hair is different from working with hair products regularly in a salon.

If your job involves repeated exposure to dyes, bleaches or other chemical products, speak to your employer about your workplace risk assessment after telling them you are pregnant. You can also discuss any concerns about occupational exposure with your midwife or GP.

Pregnancy health and safety at work should take account of your particular role and the substances you use rather than relying on general advice for occasional home hair colouring.

When to get professional advice

Speak to your midwife or GP if you are uncertain about using a particular hair dye or chemical treatment during pregnancy, especially if you have a scalp condition, damaged skin or a history of reactions to hair colouring products.

Stop using a hair dye if you develop a reaction. NHS guidance advises seeing a GP if a hair dye reaction becomes worse.

A severe allergic reaction can be an emergency. Call 999 if your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly swell, or if you are struggling to breathe.

For pregnancy-related health concerns where you are unsure which service you need, NHS guidance says you can contact NHS 111. Your local maternity service can also advise you about where to seek pregnancy care in your area.