It is often believed by many that hair coloring must be avoided during pregnancy. However, many experts say that it's safe to use chemical-free pregnancy-safe hair dyes. Research suggests that there isn't a statistically significant association between using hair dyes and its associated neonatal complications (1). As per this study, most women participants (62.67%) dyed their hair during the third trimester of their pregnancy, and the experiment model did not report a confirmatory rise in overall neonatal complications. Our haircare experts did a thorough analysis to find pregnancy-friendly hair colors and based on our observations, we can say that the best pregnancy-safe hair dyes are a great alternative to chemical-based colors. 

These safe formulas let you embrace your pregnancy and enhance your overall hair look. In fact, small amounts of pregnancy-safe hair colors absorb dermally, and there is less probability that it would reach the fetus or cause discomfort. However, it's always better to consult your doctor before applying hair color. 

If you have the permission and are ready to dye your hair before the baby is in your arms, we are here to help you further. Drawing from our experiences and product analysis, we have created a list of pregnancy-safe hair dyes so you can choose your favorite formula. 

• 1
  Best Overall

  ARCTIC FOX Semi-permanent Hair Color

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Flaunt a vibrant hair color and attract eyeballs everywhere. The Arctic Fox semi-permanent hair dye is a pregnancy-safe hair color that leaves your tresses healthy and hydrated. Get those mermaid vibes every day. The aquamarine semi-permanent color is ready to cover brassy and blonde tones. It turns dull and lightly-colored hair into radiant and gorgeous blue tresses. This hair color for pregnant ladies is free from harmful chemicals that damage fibers. In fact, it conditions and restores natural hair vibrancy. 

2

Best Ammonia-free Color

Naturtint Permanent Hair Color

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Cover gray hair in just a flash and achieve a healthy hair look. This safe hair color for pregnant women by Naturtint is inspired by nature and contains all clean ingredients. It's enriched with hair-loving ingredients, such as oleic acid, meadowfoam seed oil, quinoa, shea butter, and baobab proteins. You may prefer shifting to ammonia-free hair color during pregnancy from your regular dyes to protect your tresses from damage. The permanent color gel moisturizes and nourishes hair and adds softness and shine. 

3

Most Affordable

Bigen Powder Hair Color

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Unlike regular hair dyes, the Bigen hair dye for pregnant women doesn't contain nasty ingredients that mess with the scalp biome. It colors your tresses without lifting or lightening, and doesn't irritate the scalp and hair. Based on our first-hand experience, we can conclude that using this color is simple. You can use this hair product by simply adding water, so no more messy application is required. Also, it's economical and fits your monthly budget without drilling a hole in your pocket. 

4

Best Dermatologically-tested

Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel

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There are several reasons why this Herbatint pregnancy hair color is a cult classic. The gentle formula lightens your natural hair color and covers grays to tone your tresses perfectly. Herbatint hair color is a true example of nature and science coming together. Formulated to protect and enhance color, the natural hair dye pregnancy-safe formula preserves color intensity and provides effective results. Your hair color will look more natural and timeless as this blend is made with organic and hair-friendly ingredients. Hence, the permanent color is perfect for health-conscious folks. 

5

Best Cruelty-free

MANIC PANIC Mermaid Hair Dye

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For soon-to-be moms who love classic and high-voltage hair color, the Manic Panic dye is nothing less than perfect. This is yet another in the list of the best hair dyes for pregnancy that lets you achieve glowing hair looks. The interesting feature is that your hair glows  even under a backlight. The creamy formula goes on smooth and doesn't penetrate the hair cortex. It stays on the hair shaft and prevents damage. Our analysis of the product shows that the hair dye pregnancy-safe color can be mixed with other formulas to create custom shades. From soft to bold, you can create any color based on your mood.

6

Best Quick Drying

Hannah Natural 100% Pure Henna Powder

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Made with 100% natural Henna, the Hannah pregnancy-friendly hair dye is perfect to enhance hair shine. The pure Henna conditions hair and revives dull locks. Free from harsh chemical additives, the organic blend leaves a stunning color without irritating the scalp. It's an irresistibly smooth powder that runs perfectly on hair from root to tip. This pregnancy-safe root touch-up color box comes with two packs of Henna powder of 50 grams each, a shower cap, a pair of gloves, and detailed usage instructions. 

7

Best UV Protectant

Revlon ColorSilk Haircolor

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Revlon's safe hair dye for pregnant women leaves your tresses soft and more beautiful than ever. You can effortlessly achieve salon-like results right from your comfort zone. Made with 3D color gel technology, the ammonia-free color covers each strand precisely to vanish grays like magic. It's infused with keratin that restores the natural shine of your hair and strengthens fibers. This non-toxic hair dye for pregnancy contains a special ingredient, silk proteins, known for their nourishing properties. Our research indicates that the color stays true and shiny and protects hair from UV exposure damage. 

8

Best for Gray Hair

Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color

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Handpicked from Schwarzkopf's extensive hair color lineup, this Simply Color dye is suitable for all hair types and lengths. Color your hair effortlessly and keep irritation at bay! The pregnancy-safe hair dye brand formulates colors free from reaction-causing elements like PPD (Paraphenylenediamine) and PTD (Paraphenyltoulenediamine). This mild color is developed with soy protein, argan oil, and botanical oat milk. Since it's a dermatologically-tested formula, hair dye is safe during pregnancy and feels non-irritating. Besides, it enhances hair texture and provides a vibrant color.

9

Best Vegan

ONC NaturalColors Permanent Hair Color

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Getting a gorgeous hair color without damage becomes possible with ONC permanent dye. Thanks to infused organic ingredients, this natural hair dye for pregnancy provides long-lasting radiance from top to bottom. Added argan oil, chamomile, orange extracts, coconut oil, and vitamins make hair shiny, smooth, and silky. In addition, it helps balance natural hair pH to condition strands. Through our practical knowledge, we can say that this best hair color for pregnancy does not increase the pH level to open hair cuticles. Instead, it traps heat released from the head when using a heat dryer or thermal cap. This complete hair color kit comes with gloves, a bowl, a shower cap, and a brush. 

10

Best Non-drip Formula

Garnier Olia Ammonia Free Permanent Hair Color

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This is another pregnancy-safe hair color by Garnier that results in healthier-looking and brilliant-colored hair. Designed with 60% natural oils, Olia features a non-drip formula. It never irritates your olfactory senses. What makes it unique is that this hair product comes with an extraordinary fail-proof color formula that instantly transforms your hair into radiant and classy tresses. Unlike regular hair dyes, this pregnancy-friendly hair dye gives 3 times more shine. Available in 34 shades, you can find your favorite pick and achieve your dream hair looks. 

We are sure you are happy to see a list of pregnancy-safe hair dyes you chan choose from but if you’re confused, check out our user guide below to help you choose the most suitable formula. 

Consider the below factors to choose a pregnancy-safe hair dye. 

Ingredients 

The first thing to look for is the ingredients in hair dyes. Choose hair coloring products crafted with natural and herbal ingredients. These are safe on the scalp and hair. Avoid chemical-based formulas infused with harmful ingredients like parabens, gluten, sulfates, silicones, etc. These chemicals in hair dye can hurt hair and body health. 

pH balancing formula 

Best hair colors for pregnancy that are made with pH-balancing ingredients help restore natural hair and scalp health. These formulas maintain the scalp and hair ecosystem to keep irritation and discomfort at bay. Moreover, they also strengthen hair and control shine and volume. 

Explaining more about the pH balance, our contributor Katie McCann, a Breastfeeding Counselor, says, “Fluctuations in pH can significantly affect hair health. The natural pH of hair is around 3.5-4.5, and maintaining this acidity is crucial for healthy hair. When the hair's pH is pushed to the alkaline side, the cuticle can become raised, leading to increased friction between the hair fibers, which in turn causes issues such as frizz, breakage, and damage to the hair's surface. Pregnancy-safe hair dyes, especially natural ones like henna, are generally pH-balanced to align with hair's natural pH. These dyes are less likely to disrupt the hair's pH balance, reducing the risk of damage compared to traditional chemical dyes.”

Sensitivity 

Some soon-to-be mothers might have sensitive skin. The presence of harmful ingredients may trigger allergic reactions and show harmful effects. Hair dye chemicals may cause redness, irritation, itching, etc. Hence, they can opt for unscented pregnancy-safe hair colors. 

Once you have picked the best pregnancy-safe hair color, here is your go-to application guide. 

Here are some steps you can follow to color your hair safely. 

1. Read the instructions carefully provided by the manufacturer for hassle-free application. 
2. Wear gloves to avoid messy application.  
3. Apply the product thoroughly as per the instructions. 
4. Don't leave the formula more than the required time mentioned on the direction list. 
5. Rinse your hair properly with water. 
6. Don't forget to do a patch test to ensure that the dye suits you. 

When finding a hair coloring product for pregnant women, it is safe to avoid formulas with chemical additives. One can pick colors free from- 

• Parabens

These are common preservatives added in skincare and haircare products to prevent microbial growth. These chemicals in hair dye are unsafe ingredients and may lead to various hair problems like color-fading, scalp and hair drying, etc. 

• Ammonia
  This is an alkaline chemical that increases the natural pH of hair. It
  lightens natural hair color and releases a pungent odor that can irritate the senses, especially during pregnancy (2).
• Resorcinol
  This is another chemical that reduces melanin production and fades natural hair color (3). Its high dosage may disrupt the functions of the central nervous system and respiratory system.
• Sulfates
  Sulfates are used as disinfecting agents and remove buildup. However, they strip off natural scalp oil and make hair dry and brittle.
• PPD
  PPD or paraphenylenediamine is used in dark hair dyes to enhance color longevity. The chemical can cause redness, inflammation, blisters, and other allergic signs.
• Toulene
  Exposure to toluene may cause euphoria, hallucinations, drowsiness, headache, and dizziness. Hence, one must avoid it.
• Hydrogen peroxide
  Hydrogen peroxide is known for lightening hair. However, it penetrates the hair cuticles and damages them which results in breakage and split ends. 

Besides the ingredients to be wary of, here are some precautions you can take while coloring hair during pregnancy.  

Coloring your hair during pregnancy is possible with the best pregnancy-safe hair colors. However, you can take certain precautions to ensure a safe coloring experience. 

1. Avoid dyeing hair too frequently. 
2. Always use pregnancy hair color options to avoid irritation. 
3. Do a patch test before coloring to check your sensitivity. 
4. Avoid bleach requiring heavy-duty dyes as they release toxic and harmful substances into the air. 
5. Never consume foods or drinks while coloring. 
6. Ask for assistance when needed and color hair in a well-ventilated room to ensure proper breathing. 
7. Color hair during the third trimester. The first and second trimesters are the critical phases of pregnancy and fetal development. Hence, you need to be more cautious and color hair when the critical period is over. 
8. Consider your doctor before applying a hair color. 

Besides using safe hair dyes during pregnancy, you can try a few natural and home ingredients to color hair. For instance, you can apply extracts of henna, beetroot, tomato, calendula, hibiscus, etc., to color your hair naturally. 

Conclusion 

Your body experiences a lot of changes. But don't stop yourself from experimenting with different hair looks. The best pregnancy-safe hair dyes help you color your hair safely during the gestation period. These formulas are free from harsh chemicals and feel gentle on skin and hair. The above-mentioned dyes are formulated with natural key ingredients, including plant extracts, essential oils, etc., that help restore overall hair and body health. Check out for some factors like ingredients, sensitivity, pH balancing abilities, and other crucial points to find the best color. Also, consider your doctor's advice before using a hair dye to avoid complications. 

Contributor: Katie McCann, Breastfeeding Counselor- From Bump To Bubble