Is hair dye safe during pregnancy?

What does the evidence say about hair dye during pregnancy?

1. Only small amounts of hair-dye chemicals are absorbed through healthy scalp skin, and studies haven't found a higher risk of birth defects from occasional hair coloring during pregnancy. 1
2. Highlights, balayage, and foil techniques reduce scalp contact, making them a good extra-cautious choice if you want one. 1
3. Studies of professional hairstylists, who are exposed far more than someone coloring their own hair a few times a year, haven't shown a consistent increase in pregnancy risks when basic protective practices are used. 1
4. Apply hair dye in a well-ventilated area, wear gloves if you're doing the applying, and follow the timing on the box rather than leaving it on longer. 1
5. A review of the research found minimal absorption from hair products overall, so using hair dye personally three to four times during pregnancy isn't considered a concern, and even for salon workers with regular exposure, it found no evidence of harm to the baby when gloves and good ventilation were used. 2

Is hair dye safe in each trimester?

• First trimester. Some providers suggest waiting until after the first trimester as an extra-cautious choice, since this is when the baby's organs are developing and there's less safety data. Others are fine with occasional coloring even in the first trimester.
• Second trimester. Generally considered fine in this window. Keep the space well-ventilated, minimize scalp contact when you can, and stick to the timing on the box.
• Third trimester. Same guidance here. Good ventilation and shorter contact time are still the standard advice.