Dye in pregnancy: how to do it without taking risks

During pregnancy, hair changes, if in the first months it may appear dry and dull, with the consolidation of gestation the hair will appear much thicker and more flowing, shining with its own light. The merit is to be attributed to the "increase in estrogen in the body" which will make the hair more resistant and nourished. However, this does not mean that we will get rid of white hair and regrowth and we will need to do the dye. Is it really dangerous to get pregnant? We explain it to you in this article.

Before proceeding with the reading, here is an interesting video with the 10 things to know before doing the color. Good vision!

Dye in pregnancy: is it really risky to do it?

No specific hair dye tests have been carried out on pregnant women, there are those who say it is very dangerous for the health of the fetus and those who do not see absolutely any risk. What we must consider is that the skin is permeable, therefore any substance comes into contact with it, goes into circulation in the organism.

Hair dyeing performed by hairdressers is based on a chemical process of oxidation of the hair, through ammonia or hydrogen peroxide mixed with some coloring substances that act on the pigmentation of the hair. The product is applied from the roots to the tips and inevitably comes into contact with the scalp.

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Regardless of pregnancy, there are people who do not tolerate contact with these substances, manifesting real skin rashes.

We must also consider that professional hair products have changed over time and in particular the formulations have changed. Today, the dyes are decidedly more delicate than in the past: if the product is on the market it means that it has passed all the tests and complies with the strict provisions on cosmetics issued by the Italian government and valid throughout Europe.

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The right time to do the dye during pregnancy

The first three months of pregnancy are the most delicate and during this period the fetus begins to form and settles inside the uterus. To have greater safety and dye during pregnancy, allow the first trimester to pass: at this stage you will also be more sensitive to odors and the dye may annoy you and cause you nausea.

Also consider that during the 9 months of pregnancy, you will need to apply the dye no more than 3 or 4 times, so skin contact with chemicals remains very limited.

The advice we want to give you is to make sure that the skin is perfectly intact and does not have small wounds or cuts that would cause the components of the product used to enter the circulation much sooner.

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Dye in pregnancy: what to pay attention to?

If you are pregnant and need to dye your hair, it is preferable to avoid products containing potentially irritating substances for the scalp. Which ones are they?

  • ammonia
  • resorcinol
  • PFD (paraphenylenediamine)


The skin is much more sensitive during pregnancy and coming into contact with the listed substances could cause dermatitis. Irritations should be calmed and treated with specific drugs, but given the particular interesting state of the woman, it is better to avoid. For this reason, we advise you to choose a trusted hairdresser, informing him of the gestation and asking him to apply products as delicate as possible.

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Do you have no intention of going to the hairdresser and want to do the color at home by yourself? Follow these tips:

  • choose well-known cosmetic companies and buy only through their official channels
  • avoid products on sale on stalls or of unknown brands
  • read the product label: the "absence of ammonia or other chemical compounds is usually well marked on the package. Prefer products that have a clear" ingredient label.


Water dyes are an example of a delicate hair dye free of harmful substances. They could have a less intense effect and discharge the color after a few washes, but they will certainly be less aggressive than permanent and traditional ones. During pregnancy, to cover regrowth or gray hair, they represent a valid alternative.

> Buy L "Oréal Paris Casting Gloss without ammonia for € 6.69

See also: Haircuts 2020: all the trends of spring summer!

© Getty Images Haircuts 2020: all the trends of spring summer!

Natural alternatives to chemical coloring

If you are concerned about your health or the baby in your womb, you may want to opt for natural dyes. The most famous is henna: it is not suitable if you want platinum blonde hair because it does not bleach, but it proves to be a very valid ally to even out your color, covering white hair to perfection. The henna, moreover, is also able to heal damaged hair and absorb excess sebum in the case of oily hair: in short, a real beauty treatment.

You can find all natural henna colors simply by searching online or ask your hairdresser for advice: chocolate brown, copper red and mahogany are some of the most popular shades of this type of hair dye.

Another natural remedy to show off perfect hair even during pregnancy are the reflecting masks: they act as a true nourishing treatment, with the plus of also giving color and reviving dull reflections. The advantage? Some types you can use even more than once a week!

> Buy Garnier Herbalia Color 100% natural on Amazon for 13 €

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Hair treatments: allowed or not in pregnancy?

There are those who choose to live peacefully with regrowth during all 9 months of pregnancy and those who, on the other hand, just can't look good with white hair that peeps out or roots that grow back without respite. Besides the dye, there are other types of treatments to do at the hairdresser, let's see which ones are allowed and which ones are best avoided if you are pregnant.

  • Sunstrokes

With sunstrokes the problem of skin absorption does not arise. This technique is carried out by the hairdresser only on the lengths that are made of dead keratin, without touching the skin and therefore there is no risk of dermatitis or irritation.

  • Permanent

A perm is such a stressful hair treatment that it inevitably spills over to the expectant mother as well. How does it work? It affects the keratin structure by acting on the sulfur naturally present inside the hair.

  • Straightening treatments

Better known as "Brazilian straightening" or "keratin straightening" they allow you to have straight hair like spaghetti and that last over time. During pregnancy this treatment is not recommended because the products that the hairdresser will use are based on formaldehyde, a substance that has been declared carcinogenic.

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Tips for healthy hair before and after pregnancy

Many women complain of negative hair changes even after pregnancy. In the meantime, it is good to specify that after giving birth you can go back to do the treatments at the hairdresser, however paying attention. In addition, to avoid especially the hateful hair loss after pregnancy, we have prepared these simple tips for you to follow.

  • If you have dry or normal hair, try a cleansing oil instead of shampoo, which is effective for cleansing without drying or flaking the scalp.

  • Use the conditioner only if needed: after shampooing it helps to close the scales of the hair and to cover the lengths with a protective film. But if used after the washing oil it could thicken the whole hair. Occasionally alternate with a nourishing mask.

  • Water and apple cider vinegar for the final rinse: this is the secret to shiny and shiny hair.

  • Excessive heat is the number one enemy for your hair: keep your hair dryer at a safe distance and limit the use of straighteners and irons.

  • Vitamin B strengthens hair, but is best avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy. Better to prefer products that contain collagen, millet, wheat, wheat and vitamin B5 or panthenol.

Tags:  News - Gossip Parenthood Old-Luxury