Many moms-to-be have heard that they can’t dye their hair while they are pregnant. However, according to the APA, there is so little that is actually absorbed by the skin and passed into the bloodstream, where it could reach the growing baby. To be safe, you should always check with your obstetrician before using any products during pregnancy. Here are some natural, vegan, or ammonia-free hair color options which are less toxic.
[Punky]
Best Pregnancy Safe Hair Dyes
The Henna Hair Color is a natural dye that actually stains your hair, therefore, making it last for a very long time. The L’Oreal Paris Excellence, by comparison, is a permanent dye that will last about 2 months, with the Punky semi permanent stain lasting about 1 month.
The Henna Guys Henna Hair Color
The Henna Hair Color is the most natural of all the hair dyes. The Henna tree leaves produce a dye that stains hair and skin. The longer you leave it on, the darker it will stain.
Results
Using Henna results in a dark brown to black color, depending on how long you allow it to process. Although oftentimes after coloring, it can leave a reddish hue. If you’d rather have a cooler tone, you mix indigo – not included – into your formula to combat the red tones for a more black look. Henna is a permanent hair color.
Henna comes in a variety of colors ranging from dark red to black, which you can mix and match for the perfect shade.
While Henna produces incredible shine and silkiness, it’s best known for its deep, rich colors. This results in stunning natural hair that you’ll look like you were born with.
Gray Coverage
Henna’s gray coverage depends on how long you leave it sitting on your hair. The longer it sits the darker it stains your grays. If you don’t let the formula process long enough, the grays will end up either a muddy or a dark red color.
If applied correctly, you can eliminate 100% of grays.
Application Process
To apply Henna you will need (not included in the pack):
- Gloves
- Vaseline
- Color Bowl
- Color application brush
- Hair cover such as a shower cap
- Either a color cape or just an old shirt
Unlike other colors that require a developer, Henna only requires water. The other difference with Henna is once you’ve mixed the color, you want to let it sit rather than apply it immediately to your hair. Once it’s mixed (to the thick paste) cover it up and allow it time to process in the bowl. Remember, the longer it sits, the darker it will get.
Your color needs to process at least 12 hours. It’s sometimes easier to mix it before you go to bed. Let it sit overnight and then apply it the next day.
Make sure your hair is clean and dry before you begin. You want to be free from any conditioners or hair products. Apply Vaseline around your hairline to avoid staining your face. Start in the back of your head and take small sections of hair. Apply the color, and while smooshing it in with the brush from roots to ends, wear your gloves!
You may find it helpful to ask a friend or partner to help you in the back. Once your hair is covered, let it sit for 1-3 hours, depending on your desired color.
Longevity
Henna will stay in your hair indefinitely with minimal fading. One thing to consider when using Henna is that because it’s such a powerful stain, it’s very hard to get out if you ever decide you want to go lighter. Oftentimes you will just have to let it grow out.
Some of the ingredients are potential irritants/allergens, have potential organ toxicities, and maybe controversial during pregnancy (depending on the color).
L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme Permanent Hair Color
L’Oreal Paris Excellence is a great permanent hair color that comes in 16 natural shades to match any look.
Results
This leaves your hair feeling soft and luxurious because of the added collagen and Keratin. It’s important to note that many reviews stated the color turned out darker than advertised. So if your hair is considered porous, go with a shade lighter than you think. It also has a strong smell, so you should consider wearing a mask when mixing it if strong smells bother you.
Gray Coverage
This has 100% gray coverage. It’s a good idea to let it process 5-10 minutes longer if you have stubborn grays.
Application Process
This color kit comes with everything you need, even gloves. It also has a conditioning treatment to use at the end. The only extras you will need are:
- Vaseline for your hairline
- Cape or an old shirt for splatter
No need to measure with this. Just pour the contents of the developer bottle into the color bottle, seal the lid tight, and shake it. Take small sections of hair and squeeze the color directly onto your hair. Then use your hands to smoosh it in. Don’t forget to wear gloves.
Allow it to process according to the manufacturer’s directions. Follow with the included conditioning treatment for added softness, shine, and “excellence”.
Longevity
You can expect this to stay vibrant for about 2 months before your roots will start to grow out, at which point you can reapply the color.
It is rated 6 by EWG (Environmental Work Group). Some of the ingredients are potential irritants/allergens, have potential organ toxicities, and may be controversial during pregnancy.
Punky Vermillion Semi-Permanent Hair Color
Punky is a fantastic semi-permanent option if you want to go the fashion color route, like green, blue, or orange. It comes in a variety of these colors. This is also vegan and cruelty-free, meaning it wasn’t tested on animals.
Results
If vibrant is what you want, vibrant is what you’ll get. This packs a colorful punch with it’s deep and penetrating array of colors.
Gray Coverage
This will dye your gray hairs but it won’t cover them completely. Gray hairs appear lighter and brighter than the rest of your dyed hair.
Application Process
This only includes the tub of color. You will need to supply everything else:
- Gloves
- Vaseline
- Color bowl
- Color brush
- Old shirt
Apply to clean dry hair and work in sections starting from the back of the head. This doesn’t need to be mixed with the developer. It comes ready to use straight out of the jar.
Longevity
This is a semi-permanent color so it lasts only about a month or 28 shampoos. If your hair is lighter, it may last a few washes longer than that.
Some of the ingredients are potential irritants/allergens, have potential organ toxicities, and maybe controversial during pregnancy.
Best Ammonia Free Hair Color
The Garnier Olia and the Revlon Total Color Permanent Hair Color are able to cover all of those pesty gray hairs, while the Clairol Natural Instincts and the Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color will blend the gray hairs but do not completely cover them.
Garnier Olia Ammonia Free Permanent Hair Color
The Garnier Olia is an ammonia-free color so it’s gentle on your hair. It also has a pleasing odor that won’t make you want to choke and cover your face. This comes in over 30 shades so finding the right color will be a breeze.
Results
This ammonia-free color will result in rich, vibrant, shiny locks ranging from light blond to jet black. You will love the end result. A benefit of using ammonia-free is the softness that comes with it. It’s less drying which means more moisture stays locked in your hair.
Gray Coverage
This will cover your grays 100% with many reviews to back that up. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for optimal results and superb gray coverage.
Application Process
This comes with everything you need including gloves and conditioning treatment. It would be a good idea to also have these on hand:
- Vaseline for hairline
- Old shirt or a cape
Simply mix the two included bottles (color and developer) and shake. Start with small sections of hair in the back of the head, squeeze the color out and mash it into your hair, working around to the front of your head. Use those gloves.
Once it’s processed, wash it with the included shampoo and follow with the conditioning treatment.
Longevity
This is a permanent hair color which means it will stay indefinitely. However, over time the color will start to fade and become dull at which point you can reapply in 6-8 weeks. But let’s be real, your hair is growing really fast. You can use this again when your roots stand out.
It is rated 7 by EWG. Some of the ingredients are potential irritants/allergens, have potential organ toxicities, and maybe controversial during pregnancy.
Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent
The Clairol Natural Instincts come in 37 beautiful shades. It’s also ammonia-free and has a nice, gentle smell. This is a semi-permanent color if you don’t want the commitment of a permanent color.
Results
This is semi-permanent so it’s a good one if you like to change or just can’t decide what hair color would suit you. You get all the brilliant color of a permanent with none of the commitment.
It also comes with a color chart so you can pick your perfect shade and feel confident in the result.
Gray Coverage
If you need gray coverage, this isn’t the product for you. While it blends gray hair (meaning it colors them translucently), it won’t cover them completely. Think of it as hiding your grays rather than covering them.
Application Process
Just like most box colors, this comes with everything you need to color your hair. The only extra thing you’ll need is:
- Old shirt or cape
Start with clean, dry hair. No need to apply vaseline around the hairline because it won’t dye your skin very much. Just wipe any excess off your forehead as you go. Mix the color and developer in the included bottle and apply to your hair one small section at a time.
Process and wash with the included shampoo.
Longevity
Semi-permanent color will last you about 28 washes. You can stretch it out by washing your hair less often. Once it’s gone, you can experiment with a different color.
It is rated 9 by EWG. Some of the ingredients are potential irritants/allergens, have potential organ toxicities, and maybe controversial during pregnancy.
Revlon Total Color Permanent Hair Color
The Revlon Total Color Permanent Hair Color is vegan. It’s also free of ammonia, parabens, sulfate, silicone, mineral oil, and phthalates. This color is also gluten-free which is good news if you happen to have a gluten allergy.
Results
You’ll love how soft and shiny your hair will be after using this color. There are 16 shades and a color chart to find the best one for you.
Gray Coverage
This will cover gray hair 100%. Let it sit the full allotted time for best results.
Application Process
This includes the color, developer, gloves, and conditioning treatment. You will need to use:
- Vaseline
- Your shampoo
- Old shirt or cape
On clean dry hair, apply the formula once you’ve mixed the two bottles. Wear gloves and squeeze onto the hair.
Shampoo using your own brand and follow with the conditioning treatment.
Longevity
This permanent hair color will last indefinitely. However, it will lose its luster and begin to fade after 6-8 weeks and you will want to reapply.
It is rated 9 by EWG. Some of the ingredients are potential irritants/allergens, have potential organ toxicities, and maybe controversial during pregnancy.
Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color
The Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color is alcohol, silicone, and ammonia-free hair color. With 12 colors to choose from, you can find the perfect natural shade.
Results
The results are vibrant colors and amazing softness. Zero alcohol means it doesn’t dry your hair out as some box colors will.
The end result will be a beautiful shine in any color from blond to black. Also, keep in mind if your hair is longer than your shoulders, you’ll need two boxes of color.
Gray Coverage
This color won’t cover stubborn grays very well. It blends them nicely with a translucent look but won’t cover them completely.
Application Process
This color includes everything you will need. However, the color is a little thick and may be better suited with a bowl and brush rather than the bottle applicator it comes with. You will need:
- Vaseline
- Color bowl
- Color brush
- Old shirt or cape
You can either squeeze the color onto your hair using the bottle method or brush it onto your hair using the brush method. Either way, take small sections and work from the back to the front. I’d recommend the bowl and brush.
Longevity
While this is permanent and stays in your hair indefinitely, reapply after 6-8 weeks to maintain. Permanent color fades and becomes dull looking at around the 7-week mark.
It is rated 5 by EWG. Some of the ingredients are potential irritants/allergens, have potential organ toxicities and may be controversial during pregnancy.
Best Organic Hair Color for Pregnancy
ONC NATURALCOLORS
The ONC NATURALCOLORS is a certified organic hair color that is also vegan and ammonia-free. It’s made with aloe vera and chamomile so it’s soothing on the scalp. This is a natural hair color brand with a pleasant odor. There are 34 colors to choose from.
Results
This gives you vibrant and beautiful color results and will leave your hair looking shiny and feeling soft.
Gray Coverage
ONC offers 100% gray coverage. For more than 40% gray hair, use the N series colors.
Application Process
It is recommended you use a bowl and brush method which are not included. You will need:
- Vaseline
- Color bowl
- Color brush
- Old shirt
Start in the back of your head and apply the color to the roots first then pull it through to the ends of your hair. Work around your head to towards the front.
Longevity
This is a permanent color, but reapply every 2 months to avoid fading.
Some of the ingredients are potential irritants/allergens, have potential organ toxicities, and may be controversial during pregnancy.
Comparing the Best Pregnancy Safe Hair Dyes
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Revlon Total Color Permanent Hair Color | 3.9 | 8.8 | 22.80 |
| ONC NATURALCOLORS | 6.1 | 7.8 | 19.95 |
| The Henna Guys Henna Hair Color | 9.7 | 8.2 | 15.97 |
| Garnier Olia Ammonia Free Permanent Hair Color | 7.3 | 8.8 | 11.99 |
| Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color | 9.8 | 8.6 | 11.97 |
| L'Oreal Paris Excellence Creme Permanent Hair Color | 9.9 | 9.2 | 10.97 |
| Punky Vermillion Semi-Permanent Hair Color | 9.6 | 8.2 | 8.99 |
| Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent | 9.9 | 9.0 | 7.57 |
Buying Considerations
Safety
Some might wonder if dying your hair while pregnant is a good idea. It’s a personal decision and you may choose not to. The American Pregnancy Association states that, while there is limited research on these ingredients during pregnancy, semi-permanent and permanent hair dyes are not highly toxic and are safe to use during pregnancy.
Many moms choose to wait until after the first trimester to color their hair when the pregnancy is well-established and progressing safely.
Many of the ingredients included in these products are controversial, should not be used in first trimester of pregnancy, or have limited or no data/research on use during pregnancy. Some ingredients have been linked to other non-pregnancy related health problems. Many products have not been evaluated by the FDA. Since no studies have been conducted with these products on pregnant women, there is no absolute certainty that these are 100% safe.
Always consult with your healthcare provider and obstetrician before starting any products while you are pregnant, nursing, or planning on becoming pregnant.
Since the FDA does not regulate cosmetic products, the Environmental Work Group (EWG) has created a database of products. It offers information on the most popular products and ingredients, such as whether the product is an irritant/allergen or linked to organ/reproductive toxicities. It rates products from 1 to 10, with 1 being the least toxic. It is best to stick to products that rate EWG verified, 1 or 2.
The hair dyes listed here are widely known, made with reputable ingredients, and used safely by many women.
Body Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnancy changes our body chemistry and we are sensitive to that. With pregnancy comes heightened reactions to dyes, smells, and ingredients. We found hair colors that help with those issues.
Scalp Sensitivity
These hair dyes are free from a lot of the most common irritants that would likely cause scalp irritation. Most of them were either ammonia-free, alcohol-free, or sulfate-free. Others had special added ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile to help soothe sensitive scalps. However, everybody is different and can react differently to ingredients. There is always a risk of irritation or allergic reaction to any ingredient.
Variety
The brands we feature vary in selection from permanent to semi-permanent. Colors ranged from light blond to dark brown. You are sure to find your perfect match.
FAQs About Pregnancy Safe Hair Dye
Which hair color is best for pregnancy?
The Henna Guys Inc. is all natural without any added chemicals. Always check with your obstetrician first.
What special considerations should I take when dying my hair if I’m pregnant?
You will want to avoid getting dye all over your hands, so always wear gloves when applying or handling the dye. Likewise, always wear an old shirt so you don’t get color all over your clothes or belly.
As you get bigger, it will be harder and more uncomfortable to move so ask a friend or partner to help you apply the color. Plus, it’s just more fun that way.
You should always follow the manufactures directions on the box for the best results and don’t skip any steps.
When is the best trimester to dye my hair?
There is no recommended best time to dye your hair while pregnant, however, most women do wait until after their first trimester. Always consult with your obstetrician before using products during pregnancy.
