Pregnant woman with foils in hair during safe low-tox salon colour service.

Pregnancy Hair Colour Guide: Honest & Low-Tox Advice

One of the most common questions we hear in the salon is: “Is it safe to colour my hair while pregnant?”

The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. And what really grinds my gears is when I see salons—yes, even low-tox salons—claiming their colours are “pregnancy safe” without even understanding what is in their hair colours or products they use in the salon.

Here’s the thing: no salon can guarantee that. Colour is still colour, and there is no way to make an absolute claim of safety during pregnancy. What we can do is give you clear, honest information—both the pros and the cautions—so you can make an informed choice that feels right for you and your baby.

Why “Pregnancy Safe” Is Misleading

Every pregnancy is different, and every mum-to-be has her own comfort levels when it comes to chemicals, smells, and self-care. While lowering toxins is always a smart move, labelling any colour service as “safe” oversimplifies a complex issue.

At Ardor Organics, we choose not to market this way. Instead, we:

  • Share the science openly—risks and reassurances.
  • Respect that colour is still a chemical service.
  • Empower our clients with information, not fear.

What the Science Says

Positive & Reassuring Findings

  • Low Absorption: Both the NHS and ACOG agree that only very small amounts of hair dye chemicals are absorbed through the skin, and occasional colouring is unlikely to pose harm to the fetus (NHS, ACOG).
  • No Impact on Apgar or General Neonatal Health: A large study of 2,000+ women found no significant difference in Apgar scores or general neonatal complications for babies born to mothers who coloured their hair during pregnancy (Kazemi Shishavan et al., 2021).
  • Folate is Protective: Research shows that taking folate in early pregnancy reduced the risks linked to occupational exposure to hair sprays/dyes by up to 36% (EHP study, 2009).

Cautions & Considerations

  • Low Birth Weight: Some studies found that pre-pregnancy dye use or colouring in the third trimester was linked to slightly higher risks of low birth weight (Jiang et al., 2018; Kazemi Shishavan et al., 2021).
  • Hypospadias Risk: A few studies suggested a possible link between ammonia/chemical exposure and hypospadias in boys, especially with occupational or high exposure (Henrotin et al., 2017).
  • Occupational Exposure: Hairdressers and women frequently exposed to dyes and sprays may face higher risks of preterm birth or childhood leukemia in offspring, compared to occasional salon clients (MotherToBaby, 2024; e-lactancia.org).
  • Emerging PFAS Concerns: A 2024 study showed women who dyed their hair during pregnancy had 36% higher levels of PFOS, a “forever chemical” linked to developmental and immune risks (The Guardian, 2024).

Why Inhalation Matters: Fragrance, Phthalates & Hormones

When it comes to colouring your hair during pregnancy, it’s not only about what touches your scalp—it’s also about what you’re breathing in. Many salon products, especially those with synthetic fragrances, contain phthalates. These chemicals are known endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with the way your hormones work.

A 2021 study found that pregnant women who used hair products such as dyes, bleach, relaxers, and mousse showed changes in hormone levels, including sex and thyroid hormones. These hormones are vital for your baby’s growth and development, so any disruption during pregnancy is a concern (Rivera-Núñez et al., 2021).

Phthalates don’t just sit on the skin—they can evaporate into the air or aerosolise, meaning you can inhale them while in the salon. This is why breathing in strong fragrances or fumes may be just as important to think about as what’s in the colour itself.

My personal recommendation: If you’re pregnant and considering colour, look for a genuinely low-tox salon. This means more than just low-tox colour—it includes checking what’s in the shampoos, conditioners, sprays, and styling products used around you. Ask your salon what’s in their product lines and whether they use synthetic fragrances. A clean-air, low-tox salon can make a big difference in reducing the overall chemical load during your visit.

Reference: Rivera-Núñez, Z. et al. (2021). Use of personal care products—including hair dyes, bleach, and relaxers—during pregnancy is associated with changes in maternal hormone levels. Environmental Research. Retrieved from ScienceDaily.

Personal Choice

Personal Choice

When I was pregnant, I still chose to colour my hair. I’ve experienced pregnancy in three very different salon environments: with my first, I worked in a traditional salon; with my second, I was colouring at home; and with my third, I was fortunate enough to be in my own low-tox space.

For me, colouring my hair has always been part of how I express myself. My hair feels like my crown, and keeping it coloured helps me feel polished and complete.

But that was my decision. Yours might look completely different — and that’s okay. The most important thing is that you feel informed, supported, and confident in whatever choice you make.

What We Do at Ardor Organics

We work with PPD-free, ammonia-free, resorcinol-free, synthetic-fragrance-free colour lines. Our salon is also a clean air salon, meaning all of our products—from treatments to styling—are carefully chosen to avoid harsh toxins and scents. Important to note: We do have different colour lines so it is best to talk to your hairdresser on your preferences so we can find the best option for you. All off our colour lines are free from ammonia.

That said, we’ll never tell you our colours are “pregnancy safe.” Instead, we’ll:

  • Give you all the facts—risks and reassurances.
  • Discuss your options.
  • Support your decision—whether that’s colouring, waiting, or taking a gentler approach.

Options While Pregnant

If you want to minimise exposure but still enjoy fresh hair, here are some positive and practical options:

Foils + Toner – A great option in pregnancy because minimal colour touches your scalp.

Here’s something most people don’t realise:

  • If a salon is still working with colours that contain PPD, the lighter shades generally have lower amounts of it compared to darker colours.

  • Each formula contains a range of ingredients, and companies usually provide a percentage range rather than an exact figure.

  • So, if someone tells you a colour has an exact % of a chemical, that’s not accurate — the truth is it varies across shades and batches.

The key takeaway? Choosing foils and toners means you’re reducing direct contact, and opting for lighter, low-tox colour lines can lower exposure even more.

Glosses or Semi-Permanent Toners

These services are often used to refresh shine or adjust tone without a full permanent colour, and they usually involve less processing time. However, it’s important not to assume that all glosses or semi-permanents are “gentle” — many brands still include ingredients such as PPD or resorcinol. If this option appeals to you, always ask what brand your salon uses and check the ingredient list. In a low-tox salon, you’ll typically find ranges that are free from the harsher additives, making this a safer choice.

Stretching Appointments

Another way to lower your exposure during pregnancy is to simply reduce the number of colouring sessions you have. By spacing out your appointments, you limit how often colour is applied and processed on your hair. This can be especially helpful if you wear darker shades, as regrowth tends to blend more naturally and isn’t always as noticeable.

Stretching appointments also gives your scalp and hair more of a break between services. It’s not about avoiding colour altogether but about being mindful of frequency. Many pregnant clients find that going a few weeks longer between appointments makes them feel more comfortable while still keeping their colour looking fresh.

Highlights or Balayage

Techniques like highlights or balayage can be a good choice in pregnancy because the colour is applied to strands of hair rather than directly to the scalp. This means there’s little to no direct contact with the skin, which can reduce exposure compared to an all-over colour.

Another benefit is maintenance. Because balayage and highlights grow out more softly, you often don’t need touch-ups as frequently as with a solid root application. This naturally helps you stretch out your salon visits and lowers the number of times you’re exposed to colour while pregnant.

It’s worth noting, though, that these services still involve chemical processing, so they’re not “chemical-free.” The difference is in the placement and the lower frequency of upkeep, which can make them a practical compromise if you still want brightness or dimension in your hair during pregnancy.

Henna or Vegetable Dyes

Henna and plant-based colours can seem like the most natural option, but it’s important to do your research. Not all hennas are truly toxin-free — some imported products have been shown to contain PPD or other additives. If you’re looking for a genuinely clean service, always ask for ingredient transparency and make sure it’s 100% plant-based.

It’s also worth knowing that henna has its limitations. It can be very difficult to remove once it’s in the hair, it doesn’t always cover grey completely, and it can restrict your colour options in the future. At our salon, we use a 100% plant-based henna line that we trust, but we always talk through the pros and cons before recommending it.

First Trimester Pause

Many professionals recommend waiting until after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy before colouring your hair. This isn’t because research has proven that colouring in the first trimester is unsafe, but rather because this is the stage where your baby’s development is most critical. Avoiding unnecessary exposures during this time is often considered a sensible precaution.

By the second trimester, both you and your baby are usually more stable, and occasional colouring is generally considered low risk. For some clients, waiting until after the first trimester provides peace of mind. For others, the choice to colour sooner feels right. Either way, the decision is personal, and the important part is that you feel informed and supported.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy is such a personal journey, and how you feel in your own skin matters.

The good news is: occasional colouring is generally considered safe by medical experts—especially after the first trimester. On the flip side, research reminds us that high or frequent exposure (like in a professional setting) may carry risks.

The most important thing? Informed choice.

At Ardor Organics, we’ll never make empty “safety” claims—but we will always provide a low-tox environment, transparent information, and a nurturing space for you to decide what feels right.

Disclaimer

The information in this blog reflects my personal experience and the research I’ve reviewed as a salon owner working with low-tox colour. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Every pregnancy is unique, and what feels right for one person may not be the same for another. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about colouring your hair during pregnancy, and choose what feels best for you and your family.

References & Further Reading

Clinical Guidance & Balanced Summaries

Primary Studies – Pregnancy & Birth Outcomes

Hypospadias & Chemical Exposure

PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”) & Hair Dyes

Extra Digging (For Professionals & The Curious)

 


 

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