Q&A: Is it safe to color your hair while pregnant?

by Dr. Marjorie Greenfield

I've heard that it's not safe to color your hair or get it permed when you're pregnant. I've always dyed my hair (I like to cover the gray!) so I'm wondering will coloring my hair hurt my baby? What are your thoughts on dying hair while pregnant?

This comes up a lot, especially since moms are having babies at older ages! Hairdressers worry about their constant exposures at work, as well. Many doctors are unlikely to say that hair color is fine to do, in case something comes up with that baby later, even if there is no evidence of cause and effect for any problems.

One of my favorite sources for safety data is MOTHERRISK, a Canadian organization that catalogues information on pregnancy risks. About hair dye they say: "Evidence suggests there is minimal systemic absorption of hair products, so personal use by pregnant women three to four times throughout pregnancy is not considered to be of concern."

There is no evidence that "natural" or temporary hair dye is any safer than standard products. So go ahead, if you want, and wash that gray away...

find more about:
related categories:
All the pregnancy info you need—from the first trimester to the last.
watch more videos