Is it safe to color hair while pregnant?
Based on 1 peer-reviewed studyhome
Verdict: Use Caution
Occasional highlighting, probably okay. Permanent all-over dye carries chemicals with a longer risk profile.
What's actually in it
Permanent hair dye contains paraphenylenediamine (PPD), ammonia, peroxide, and aromatic amines. Some absorb through scalp. Highlights and balayage minimize scalp contact; all-over color maximizes it.
What the research says
A 2025 screening study in Environ Sci Technol mapped hair dye chemistry among personal care products, flagging aromatic amines.
During pregnancy, wait until the second trimester and choose highlights or ammonia-free semi-permanent dyes. Avoid at-home boxed color in a small bathroom; the VOCs concentrate.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical signatures for household consumer products. | Environ Sci Technol | 2025 |
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