Hair Coloring During Pregnancy
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN
Content reviewed against published ACOG, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with hair coloring during pregnancy, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Most research suggests that hair dye is likely safe during pregnancy, especially when used occasionally. The small amount of chemicals absorbed through the scalp is minimal. Many providers suggest waiting until after the first trimester for extra caution and choosing highlights or balayage (which do not touch the scalp) as a lower-exposure option.
Key takeaways
- Most research suggests that hair dye is likely safe during pregnancy, especially when used occasionally. The small amount of chemicals absorbed through the scalp is minimal. Many providers suggest waiting until after the first trimester for extra caution and choosing highlights or balayage (which do not touch the scalp) as a lower-exposure option.
- Usually normal when: Coloring your hair during pregnancy with standard precautions
- Call your doctor if: Allergic reaction to hair dye (severe itching, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“About 1 in 8 women experience symptoms of postpartum depression. If you have symptoms of depression that last longer than 2 weeks, tell your health care provider.”
This is one of the most common questions parents ask. Searching for answers means you care.
What Parents Should Know
According to ACOG, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines, most research suggests that hair dye is likely safe during pregnancy, especially when used occasionally. The small amount of chemicals absorbed through the scalp is minimal. Many providers suggest waiting until after the first trimester for extra caution and choosing highlights or balayage (which do not touch the scalp) as a lower-exposure option. At First trimester, some people prefer to wait until after the first trimester to color their hair, as this is the most sensitive period for fetal development. However, there is no strong evidence that occasional hair dyeing causes harm. If you want to be extra cautious, opt for highlights (foils keep dye off the scalp), semi-permanent dyes, or vegetable-based dyes. It is generally considered normal when coloring your hair during pregnancy with standard precautions. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if allergic reaction to hair dye (severe itching, swelling, difficulty breathing).
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
First trimester
Some people prefer to wait until after the first trimester to color their hair, as this is the most sensitive period for fetal development. However, there is no strong evidence that occasional hair dyeing causes harm. If you want to be extra cautious, opt for highlights (foils keep dye off the scalp), semi-permanent dyes, or vegetable-based dyes.
Second trimester
Hair dyeing after the first trimester is considered safe by most providers. Use in a well-ventilated area, wear gloves, and follow product directions for timing. Pregnancy hormones may affect how your hair takes color, so test a small strand first.
Third trimester
Continue the same precautions. If the smell of chemicals bothers you (common with heightened pregnancy sense of smell), choose lower-ammonia or ammonia-free formulas.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed hair coloring during pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you have concerns about specific products or chemicals.
- Mention if you work in a salon with daily chemical exposure.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Coloring your hair during pregnancy with standard precautions
- Choosing highlights or semi-permanent options for lower chemical exposure
- You have concerns about specific products or chemicals
- You work in a salon with daily chemical exposure
- Allergic reaction to hair dye (severe itching, swelling, difficulty breathing)
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice hair coloring during pregnancy — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that coloring your hair during pregnancy with standard precautions — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At First trimester, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if allergic reaction to hair dye (severe itching, swelling, difficulty breathing).
Related Conditions
Related Resources
Postpartum Recovery Guide
Week-by-week postpartum recovery timeline and warning signs.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is hair coloring during pregnancy normal?
When should I call the doctor about hair coloring during pregnancy?
When is hair coloring during pregnancy normal?
What causes hair coloring during pregnancy?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about hair coloring during pregnancy?
Is hair coloring during pregnancy normal at First trimester?
Is hair coloring during pregnancy normal at Second trimester?
Should I go to the ER for hair coloring during pregnancy?
Does hair coloring during pregnancy go away on its own?
References
- [1]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Skin Conditions During Pregnancy. ACOG, 2022. ACOG
- [2]National Library of Medicine. Hair Dye Use and Pregnancy Outcomes. Reproductive Toxicology, 2015. NIH
- [3]March of Dimes. Hair Treatments During Pregnancy. March of Dimes, 2023. March of Dimes
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Hair Coloring During Pregnancy.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed hair coloring during pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you have concerns about specific products or chemicals.
- Mention if you work in a salon with daily chemical exposure.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- You have concerns about specific products or chemicals
- You work in a salon with daily chemical exposure
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Allergic reaction to hair dye (severe itching, swelling, difficulty breathing)
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of hair coloring during pregnancy are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if allergic reaction to hair dye (severe itching, swelling, difficulty breathing).
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
Was this page helpful?
Related Maternal Concerns
Chemical Exposure and Cleaning Products in Pregnancy
Most common household cleaning products are safe to use during pregnancy with basic precautions: good ventilation, wearing gloves, and avoiding mixing chemicals. Products to be more cautious with include oven cleaners, harsh solvents, pesticides, and lead-based paint. When in doubt, choose milder alternatives or ask someone else to handle heavy chemical use.
Dealing with Abnormal Prenatal Screening Results
An abnormal prenatal screening result can be terrifying, but it is important to understand that screening tests are designed to cast a wide net and have significant false-positive rates. Most people with abnormal screening results go on to have healthy babies after further testing confirms the baby is fine. An abnormal screening is a reason for more information, not a diagnosis.
Pregnancy Over 35 (Advanced Maternal Age)
While pregnancy after 35 carries some increased risks (including chromosomal abnormalities, gestational diabetes, and hypertension), the vast majority of people over 35 have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. The term "geriatric pregnancy" is outdated and does not reflect reality. With appropriate prenatal care and monitoring, outcomes are excellent.
Amniocentesis Questions and Fears
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test performed between 15-20 weeks that analyzes amniotic fluid to detect chromosomal conditions and genetic disorders with over 99% accuracy. The risk of pregnancy loss from the procedure is approximately 1 in 500-1,000 when performed by an experienced provider. Understanding the actual risks can help you make an informed decision.
20-Week Anatomy Scan Unexpected Findings
The 20-week anatomy scan checks your baby's major organs, structures, and growth. Most scans are completely normal. When unexpected findings are identified, they range from minor variants that resolve on their own to conditions that need further evaluation. Many findings require nothing more than a follow-up ultrasound to confirm the baby is developing well.
Less Movement with Anterior Placenta
An anterior placenta (attached to the front wall of the uterus) acts as a cushion between the baby and your belly wall, which can make movements feel muffled or less intense. You may feel movement later (22-24 weeks instead of 18-20) and primarily on the sides and lower belly. This is normal, but you should still feel regular movement once it is established.