NHS Direct’s view is as follows: – Can I use hair dye when I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The chemicals in permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes are not highly toxic. Most research, although limited, does show that it is safe to colour your hair while pregnant. Some studies have found that very high doses of the chemicals in hair dyes may cause harm however, these doses are massive in comparison to the very low amount of chemicals that a woman colouring her hair is exposed to. Many women decide to wait to dye their hair until after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when the risk of chemical substances harming the baby is much lower. You can reduce the risk further by making sure that (if you are colouring your hair yourself) you wear gloves, leave the dye on for the minimum time, and work in a well-ventilated room. Highlighting your hair also reduces any risk, as the chemicals used are only absorbed by the hair itself, and not by your scalp and into your bloodstream. Semi-permanent pure vegetable dyes, such as henna, are a safe alternative. Do remember that pregnancy can af
