Highlights, Balayage, and Bleach During Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

Pregnancy is a transformative time for both your body and mind. As your baby grows, you may notice changes in your hair texture, skin, and overall appearance, which could leave you questioning your regular beauty routine. One common question among expectant mothers is whether it’s safe to continue colouring their hair, especially when it comes to treatments like highlights, balayage, and bleach. With the rise of self-care during pregnancy and the increasing focus on antenatal health, it’s natural to want reassurance that your beauty habits are not impacting your baby’s well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the safety of hair colouring treatments during pregnancy, what precautions to take, and how to balance beauty with antenatal care. We will also delve into antenatal support options for haircare, lifestyle adjustments, and wellness practices that can help you maintain your sense of self throughout pregnancy.

Is It Safe to Colour Your Hair During Pregnancy?

The question of whether hair colouring is safe during pregnancy has been widely debated. The main concern stems from the chemicals found in hair dyes, particularly ammonia and peroxide, which are commonly used in bleach and permanent dyes. While it’s true that some of these chemicals can be harsh, most experts agree that minimal absorption occurs through the scalp when dyes are applied. As such, the general consensus is that hair colouring is relatively safe during pregnancy, especially when certain precautions are taken. The NHS (National Health Service) advises that while there is limited evidence on the effects of hair dye in pregnancy, it’s likely to be safe in small amounts. However, many women choose to avoid treatments in the first trimester, as this is a crucial time for the baby’s development. If you’re concerned, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider at one of your regular antenatal appointments for personalised advice. They can discuss the potential risks based on your pregnancy health, and guide you on what to avoid or consider when choosing hair treatments.

Choosing Safe Hair Treatments During Pregnancy

If you want to continue colouring your hair while pregnant, there are options available that can help minimise exposure to harsh chemicals. Each colouring method comes with its own level of risk, and choosing the right one depends on your personal preferences and safety concerns.

1. Highlights and Balayage

Both highlights and balayage are popular hair treatments that involve applying colour to the outer layers of the hair. Because the dye is applied away from the scalp, highlights and balayage are often considered safer options during pregnancy. This technique reduces the chance of chemicals being absorbed into the skin, making it a popular choice among expectant mothers. Moreover, these treatments provide a low-maintenance option that doesn’t require frequent touch-ups. This is particularly beneficial if you’re attending antenatal classes near me or managing other pregnancy health routines, as it frees up time while still keeping you feeling refreshed. To maintain the health of your hair after highlights or balayage, consider using products like the Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector (available here) or the Kérastase Blond Absolu Serum (shop it here). These treatments nourish and protect colour-treated hair, helping to keep it healthy and strong during pregnancy.

2. Semi-Permanent Dyes

Another safer alternative during pregnancy is using semi-permanent or vegetable-based dyes. These products generally contain fewer harsh chemicals and no ammonia, making them gentler on both your hair and your body. Brands like Naturtint (shop it here) and Herbatint (available here) offer natural hair dyes that are free from ammonia, parabens, and other potentially harmful ingredients. Semi-permanent dyes fade gradually and don’t require as much upkeep as permanent dyes, which can be helpful when your focus is on pregnancy care and preparing for your baby’s arrival.

3. Bleach

Bleaching your hair during pregnancy may require more caution, as bleach contains stronger chemicals like hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. These chemicals can produce fumes, which may be harmful when inhaled in large quantities. If you must bleach your hair during pregnancy, it’s best to do so in a well-ventilated space and avoid prolonged exposure to the fumes. You might also want to consult your healthcare provider at an antenatal clinic before proceeding with any bleach treatments. In some cases, delaying bleach treatments until after pregnancy or opting for partial treatments like highlights might be a better choice for your antenatal care routine.

4. Going Natural

If you’re unsure about any chemical treatments during pregnancy, going natural is always a great option. Many expectant mothers embrace their natural hair colour or opt for a low-maintenance look to avoid any unnecessary exposure to chemicals. This also aligns well with focusing on overall antenatal fitness and antenatal support, ensuring that your body is in the best condition during this important time. To nourish your natural hair, consider using hydrating treatments like Moroccanoil Treatment (available here) or Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner (shop it here), which are safe for use during pregnancy and help keep your hair soft and manageable.

Tips for Safe Hair Care During Pregnancy

If you’re still set on colouring your hair while pregnant, there are a few simple precautions you can take to ensure your haircare routine is as safe as possible:

• Wait until after the first trimester: Many experts recommend waiting until after the first trimester, as this is when your baby’s organs and major systems are forming. After this critical period, the risk of exposure to chemicals is lower.
• Choose a well-ventilated salon: When attending your hair appointments, ensure that the salon is well-ventilated to reduce your exposure to fumes. You can also request an early morning appointment when air quality may be better.
• Use natural, ammonia-free dyes: Opt for gentler options like semi-permanent dyes or natural products that contain fewer chemicals.
• Do it yourself: If you’re concerned about salon treatments, consider using DIY hair dyes that are specifically labelled safe for use during pregnancy. Many brands offer at-home kits that allow you to control how much dye is applied and how long it stays on your hair.
• Protect your scalp: If you’re opting for a full dye or bleach, try to avoid applying the product directly onto your scalp. A barrier like coconut oil can help shield your skin from absorbing too much of the chemicals.

Antenatal Self-Care for Hair Health

Beyond hair colouring, pregnancy is the perfect time to focus on self-care and nurturing your hair’s natural health. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can often lead to thicker, shinier hair for some women, while others may experience dryness or hair loss. Incorporating gentle, pregnancy-friendly products and treatments can help you maintain your hair’s health and manage any changes you might experience.

1. Antenatal Massage for Hair and Scalp Health

One often overlooked treatment is the antenatal massage, which includes scalp massages that promote relaxation and stimulate circulation. Regular scalp massages during pregnancy can help nourish your hair follicles and encourage healthy hair growth. You can also use oils like Argan Oil or Coconut Oil to hydrate your scalp and hair during a massage. The pregnancy massage benefits extend beyond hair health, as they also help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and alleviate common pregnancy discomforts. You can book a professional prenatal massage or simply incorporate scalp massages into your self-care routine at home.

2. Antenatal Yoga for Overall Wellbeing

In addition to massages, engaging in antenatal yoga or yoga during pregnancy can be a fantastic way to support your overall well-being, which in turn can positively impact your hair and skin health. Practices like prenatal yoga or pregnancy yoga classes help reduce stress, increase circulation, and balance the hormonal changes your body is going through. As a bonus, antenatal yoga prepares your body for labour and delivery while helping you stay fit and relaxed.

Shopping for Pregnancy-Safe Hair Products

When shopping for hair products during pregnancy, look for brands that prioritise natural ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals. Below are some highly recommended pregnancy-safe hair products that you can easily purchase online:

• MooGoo Milk Shampoo (shop it here): A gentle, natural shampoo free from harsh chemicals and sulphates. Safe for both mother and baby.
• SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Conditioner (available here): Infused with organic shea butter and natural oils to keep hair soft and strong during pregnancy.
• Earth Mama Organics Calming Lavender Shampoo and Body Wash (shop it here): A pregnancy-safe, multipurpose product that works as both a shampoo and body wash, free from synthetic fragrances.

Conclusion

While hair colouring during pregnancy can be safe when done correctly, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons based on your individual health and preferences. By consulting your healthcare provider, using safer alternatives like highlights or semi-permanent dyes, and practising overall antenatal care, you can maintain your beauty routine while ensuring the health of your growing baby. Whether you choose to embrace your natural hair colour, opt for highlights, or stick to ammonia-free products, the key is to make informed decisions that support your overall well-being. Don’t forget to nurture your hair from within through self-care practices like antenatal yoga and prenatal massage, which contribute to a healthy pregnancy both inside and out.