Hair dye and beauty care in pregnancy: what to look out for

Pregnancy is a time when your body changes, and you may well want to feel good in it. It is natural to wonder whether hair dye, a manicure or a skincare product is harmful. The general picture is reassuring: most everyday beauty routines can carry on calmly. A few points are still worth knowing.

Hair dye

Research on hair dye in pregnancy suggests that only a very small amount passes from the scalp into the blood and that, overall, there is no clear sign of meaningful harm. Even so, many people and doctors prefer to be cautious and wait until the end of the first trimester, because that is when your baby’s organs are forming.

If you like, you can reduce exposure further:

• Apply dye in a well-ventilated room and avoid breathing the fumes for long.
• Wear gloves and keep the contact time with your scalp short.
• Consider methods that do not touch the scalp, such as highlights or balayage.
• Do not exceed the recommended time and rinse thoroughly.
• If you will spend a long time breathing salon fumes, take fresh-air breaks.

Products sold as herbal are not automatically harmless either; read the ingredients and ask your doctor if you are unsure.

Hair straightening and chemical treatments

Some smoothing or Brazilian blow-dry products can release formaldehyde-type substances. Strong fumes can be unpleasant in pregnancy. Postponing these treatments until after pregnancy and breastfeeding is a reasonable choice. The same caution applies to perms.

Manicures and pedicures

Nail care is generally fine. The main issue is solvent and polish fumes breathed for a long time in a stuffy room:

• Choose a salon with good ventilation.
• Use a mask if you wish and keep visits short.
• Make sure tools are clean and sterilised; infection matters more in pregnancy.
• For gel or shellac manicures under a UV lamp, you can protect your hands with sunscreen.

Skincare products and creams

Moisturisers, sunscreen, gentle cleansers and stretch-mark oils are usually fine. Skin can become more sensitive in pregnancy and patchy pigmentation (melasma) is common, so sun protection matters.

Ingredients to watch:

• Retinol and its relatives (retinoids): Topical forms are generally avoided in pregnancy. Acne medicines taken by mouth that are vitamin A derivatives can cause serious problems for a baby; if you are planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor.
• Strong chemical peels: High-strength peels, such as concentrated salicylic acid, are often advised against.
• Essential oils and aromatherapy: Some are not recommended in pregnancy; ask before using.
• Hydroquinone and lightening creams: Do not use them without your doctor’s advice.

Hair removal and other treatments

Waxing, shaving and laser hair removal are generally considered fine, though your skin may be more sensitive. With chemical hair-removal creams, test a small patch first and ventilate. For tattoos and piercings, waiting until after pregnancy is the more cautious choice because of infection risk.

What you can do

• Check the ingredients before starting a new product; simple, fragrance-free products are a good start.
• Test each new product on a small patch of skin first.
• Use sunscreen every day.
• If in doubt, take the product name to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Time for yourself is a kind of care too; sometimes a warm shower and a soft towel is all it takes.

When to contact your doctor

• A widespread rash, itching, or swelling of the face or lips after a product; if you have shortness of breath, call 112.
• A burning or sore scalp or skin that does not settle, or signs of infection (redness, pus, fever).
• You used a retinoid medicine or a strong treatment before you knew you were pregnant.

This article is for general information; for your own situation, your doctor’s advice comes first.