How can hair treatments affect a fetus?

Author: Hayden Smith  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Certain hair products like hair dyes, bleach, relaxers, and mousse were associated with lower concentrations of sex steroid hormones. Altering hormone levels, especially during pregnancy, can have lasting consequences. At birth, this may contribute to fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and low birth weight.

Does hair treatment affect pregnancy?

Every pregnancy starts with 3-5% chance of having a birth defect. This is called the background risk. Based on the studies reviewed, getting or performing hair treatments is not expected to significantly increase the chance for birth defects when used correctly.

Can hair chemicals affect pregnancy?

Most research shows that it's safe to dye or colour your hair while pregnant. Although the chemicals in permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes may cause harm, this is only in very high doses. When you use hair dye, you are only exposed to very low amounts of these chemicals.

What hair treatments are not allowed during pregnancy?

Skip keratin hair-straightening treatments during pregnancy. They contain harmful formaldehyde. You shouldn't need to change your shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, gel, mousse, or blow-dry and curling-iron routine while you're expecting, unless you use prescription dandruff shampoo.

Is it safe to do scalp treatment while pregnant?

Scalp treatments can be safe during pregnancy if you choose gentle, natural products and avoid harsh chemicals. Always consult with your healthcare provider and ensure treatments are done in a well-ventilated area.

Hair Loss and Pregnancy

Is it OK to go to a hair salon while pregnant?

There are no specific restrictions on when to visit the hair salon during pregnancy. However, in the early stages of pregnancy, you may be more sensitive to smells or experience morning sickness, so it's best to go based on how you feel. Even if you are in the early stages of pregnancy, make sure to inform the salon.

Is hair loss treatment safe during pregnancy?

There are some medicines you should avoid during pregnancy because they can harm your baby. For example, you should not take minoxidil or spironolactone, medicines used to treat hair loss. Some hair straightening treatments contain the chemical formaldehyde.

Can you do a Brazilian hair treatment while pregnant?

For pregnant women, we believe it is a case-by-case situation. Only a professional can determine if the person can undergo the treatment safely. If a pregnant client asks you to perform a Brazilian keratin or capillary Botox treatment, we recommend taking a photo of the ingredient list and sending it to your client.

Why you shouldn't get your hair done while pregnant?

Pregnancy changes many things about your body, including your hair. These changes can cause your hair to react differently to your usual hair dyes. It's safest to wait until after pregnancy if this is the case to avoid any permanent damage to your hair.

Is Olaplex pregnancy safe?

Generally, Olaplex Purple Shampoo is considered safe for pregnant women. However, it's always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using any new hair care products during pregnancy.

What are the three common chemicals a woman should avoid during pregnancy?

Pregnant people should avoid the following chemicals when pregnant: aluminum, BHAs, DEAs, DHA, formaldehyde, hydroquinone, parabens, phthalates, retinoids, thioglycolic acid, toluene, triclosan, and chemical sunscreens with oxybenzone. These chemicals can cause birth defects and labor issues such as pre-term delivery.

Does hair treatment affect fertility?

Research has shown that exposure to chemicals like formaldehyde, which is commonly found in hair relaxers, can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in the body and menstrual regularity. This can lead to problems with ovulation and may ultimately lower a woman's chance of getting pregnant.

Can I get gel nails while pregnant?

Even though using gel polish during pregnancy is generally safe, we do recommend following some extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of both you and your baby: Do your nails in a well-ventilated area, making sure to crack open some windows and doors to help with wafting away any fumes.

What chemicals should be avoided in hair during pregnancy?

Other ingredients to watch out for in haircare products include parabens; rosemary; synthetic fragrances, which may contain phthalates; and a preservative called methylisothiazolinone (MIT). Phthalates may alter hormone levels, and in scientific studies, MIT inhibited the growth of rats' nerve cells.

Can I do Botox hair treatment while pregnant?

It is crucial for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare provider before undergoing any hair treatment, including Hair Botox. Ultimately, the decision should be made based on individual circumstances and professional medical advice to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

How do you know your baby will have a lot of hair?

The genetic link

23andMe looks at 26 places in your DNA that influence how much hair you had at birth. There are other factors that may influence hair growth as well. Newborns with darker complexions often have more hair than babies with lighter skin, suggesting that genetics probably also plays a role.

Can I do hair treatment during pregnancy?

Consider waiting until the second trimester to treat your hair. Make sure the treatment is done in a well-ventilated area. Do not leave the chemicals on your hair any longer than indicated by the directions. Rinse your scalp thoroughly with water after treatment.

Can you fake tan while pregnant?

Fake tan creams are generally thought to be safe to use in pregnancy. Test them on a small area of skin first and follow the instructions. Avoid using spray tans, as the effects of breathing in the spray are not known. Do not use tanning pills as they contain ingredients that may be toxic to an unborn baby.

Can I get Botox while pregnant?

Although there have been no reports of pregnancy-related complications from Botox, it still remains unclear if this therapy is 100% safe to continue during pregnancy. We advise patients to pause Botox treatments during pregnancy to minimize any potential risks to the developing fetus.

Does hair keratin affect pregnancy?

Keratin treatments that include synthetic fragrances, sulfates, or other harsh chemicals may cause nausea, dizziness, or skin irritation during pregnancy. In addition, using such products during breastfeeding may expose the baby to these chemicals through skin contact or inhalation.

Can I get a Brazilian wax at 4 weeks pregnant?

Getting waxed during pregnancy is completely safe for both you and the baby at any stage of pregnancy. During the early weeks it is no different to waxing at any other time so you can select from our regular waxing treatments, but from 23 weeks up to 38 weeks you'll need to select from this category.

Is it safe to use hair care during pregnancy?

Human studies, however, show that exposure to these chemicals from hair dyes or hair products results in very limited systemic absorption, unless there are burns or abscesses on the scalp. Therefore, these chemicals are unlikely to reach the placenta in substantial amounts to cause harm to the unborn fetus.

Why can't you take Nutrafol while pregnant?

Also, while we have no reason to believe it's harmful, there have not been enough studies for us to say it's suitable for women who may be pregnant so we recommend skipping it while pregnant or trying to conceive and sticking with Nutrafol Postpartum while breastfeeding.

When does pregnancy glow start?

Most women start to notice the pregnancy glow as they head out of the tricky first trimester and into the second. Some women find that they glow for the whole nine months, others will find this change happens over a shorter period. It is important to remember that there is no set time frame for your own pregnancy glow.

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