Hair Colouring During Pregnancy: A Guide to Salon Safety

a women holding her belly with her hands shaping a heart.
Photo by Suhyeon Choi

Congratulations on your pregnancy! If you are considering a colour service during this time, you likely have questions about safety and comfort. My studio prioritises your well-being, and I am here to help you navigate your hair care journey with confidence.

Important Note: This article provides general information based on UK health guidelines and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. I always recommend consulting with your GP or midwife before your appointment.

What the Guidelines Say

According to the NHS, professional hair colouring is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Research indicates that the level of chemicals used in professional dyes is very low, and the amount absorbed by the skin is considered insufficient to cause harm.

Considerations for Your Appointment

While the general consensus is positive, I take several precautions in the studio to ensure you feel comfortable throughout your visit:

  • Timing Your Visit: Although there is no formal medical restriction, some clients choose to wait until after the first trimester (12 weeks) as a personal precaution.
  • Studio Ventilation: My studio is a private, well-ventilated space. This ensures that any scents from professional products are minimised, providing a much more pleasant experience.
  • Managing Sensitivity: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can alter how your skin reacts to products. For this reason, a patch test is mandatory at least 48 hours before your service, even if you have had your hair coloured previously.

Tailored Techniques and Product Choices

I can adapt my methods to suit your specific comfort level. If you wish to minimise product contact with the skin, we can explore different application styles:

  • Off-Scalp Techniques: Services like Balayage or Highlights involve painting the hair away from the root, ensuring the colour has little to no direct contact with the scalp.
  • Gentler Formulations: I use COLOR.ME by KEVIN.MURPHY, which is PPD-free and naturally derived. These formulations are designed to be gentler on the hair and scalp while delivering high-performance results.
  • Alternative Options: Depending on your goals, we can opt for semi-permanent glosses or tone-on-tone colours that are less intensive than permanent tints.

Your Comfort is the Priority

Every pregnancy is unique, and I am happy to adjust the pace of your appointment or the products used to ensure you feel at ease. If you have any concerns or specific requirements from your healthcare provider, please feel free to share them during our consultation.

For further reading, you can view the official NHS Guidance on hair dye and pregnancy.