[Skip to Content]

Using Hair Dyes and Color During Pregnancy

Medically reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD

Is it OK to Color My Hair During Pregnancy?

Because very little dye is absorbed through the skin, coloring your hair is "usually safe" during pregnancy, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Few studies have closely looked at the many kinds of hair treatments and their potential effects on a fetus. But what is known shows that hair treatments are most likely safe.

What Else Should I Know?

If you're concerned about a big color change but want to give yourself a little lift, you could have your hair highlighted. This uses far fewer chemicals than dying your entire head of hair. And some pregnant women wait to color their hair until after the first trimester (when the baby’s organs are forming).

Medically reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: January 2023