Can I colour my hair during pregnancy?

The truth

To date, there has been no accurate research that directly links hair colour or chemicals used in permanents to fetal damage during pregnancy. That being said, the chemicals used in hair colour and perms have been shown to cause cancer and genetic disorders in animal studies when used in high doses (50 times the amounts used in salon treatments). 

Using any and all unnecessary chemicals during pregnancy - especially on the scalp which absorbs the chemicals into the blood stream - should be avoided when possible but highlighting your hair or getting a perm has never been proven to cause any damage and many women choose to keep up hair treatments throughout pregnancy. What do we think? Do what’s best for you. 

Your hair, your choice

Some women feel strongly that their self-esteem is worth the temporary exposure to chemicals. Interestingly, health professionals believe pregnant women are exposed to more harmful chemicals from pollution on a day to day basis than they are with a quick hair colour touch-up or permanent.

Hair changes during pregnancy

Perhaps the real question is: how will your hair react? Thanks to hormones, your hair, skin and nails change drastically during pregnancy. You may get a perm only to realize that your hair is not reacting the same as it has in the past, or your hair may not take color as well as it did before. There are many women who have been getting perms or hair colour all their life, only to find out the hard way that their pregnancy hair didn't tolerate the procedures. 

Ask your healthcare provider 

One option is to shop for organic, semi-permanent hair colours and treatments. These aren’t as long lasting but they may be a temporary fix to while you’re pregnant. If you have concerns, it’s always good to speak to your healthcare provider and their insight may help you to decide.Did you have any hair catastrophes during pregnancy? Did you use hair dyes or perm your hair?

Written by Team Health & Parenting