Is ammonia free hair dye safe during pregnancy? I've reviewed pregnancy safe hair dyes and also learn if pregnancy safe root touch up.
As a cosmetologist, I can assure you that using a hair color during pregnancy is perfectly safe, provided you use a paraben-free, ammonia-free, or organic hair color.
Some hair dyes contain resorcinol that is proved by research published in the Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology vol. 42,5 (2004) to be toxic for pregnant women but only if ingested orally. However, there might be cases where due to abscess or cuts on scalp, this chemical can enter the bloodstream. So it's totally possible for misfortune to occur.
If you’re looking for something harmless that can cover your greys, add color, and still be safe for your baby, you should check out our list of the best safe hair for pregnancy below.
| Safe Hair Dyes For Pregnancy | Best For |
| Herbatint Permanent Herbal Haircolor Gel | Permanent Hair Coloring |
| Aveda Full Spectrum Permanent Hair Color | Dry Hair |
| Clairol Natural Instincts Brass Free Hair Color | Blonde Hair |
| Garnier Olia Permanent Hair Color | Budget-Friendly |
| Naturtint Organic Hair Color | Sensitive Scalp |
| ONC Natural Colors Permanent Hair Color | Brunette Hair |
| L’Oreal Inoa Ammonia Free Permanent Hair Color | Grey Coverage |
| Hannah Natural 100% Pure Henna Powder | Inflamed Scalp |
| Wine Red Henna Hair Dye - The Henna Guys | Natural Color |
| Herb Speedy PPD-Free Hair Dye | Hair Loss |
Top Pregnancy Safe Hair Dyes 2024
Herbatint Permanent Herbal Haircolor Gel
Best Permanent Safe Hair Dye For Pregnancy
The first on my list of the best safe hair dye for pregnancy is the Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel. I love this dye for two reasons.
For one, it contains mostly natural ingredients like rosemary and walnut extracts that nourish your tresses while covering up the greys.
Second, it is an ammonia-free hair color that is perfectly safe for your little one and you. The best part? It’s also free of GMOs, gluten, parabens, artificial fragrances, and resorcinol.
So this natural hair dye for pregnancy can be used by expectant mothers without a second thought. Here
If you’re a nature-lover, I've got good news for you. This hair dye is vegan, doesn’t test on animals, and comes in a completely biodegradable packaging too!
This is a permanent hair tint that stays on for a long time. You can use it to cover greys or get a pregnancy-safe root touch up. I especially love the darker shades by Herbatint.
Pros:
- Contains mostly natural ingredients for nourishing and covering greys - Rosemary and Walnut extracts.
- Ammonia-free for safe for you and your little one - free of GMOs, gluten, parabens, artificial fragrances, and resorcinol.
- Suitable for all hair types - can be used on all hair colors!
Cons:
- None that I could see this
My Ratings:
- Chemical Composition - 4.5/5
- Gentleness - 4.5/5
- Nourishing - 4.5/5
Aveda Full Spectrum Protective Permanent Pure Tone Hair Color
Best Safe Hair Dye For Pregnancy For Dry Hair
Feeling your hair going limp and dry after coloring, try using the Aveda Hair Dye for pregnancy!
I absolutely loved how the creamy formulation of this hair color nourishes your hair. It contains jojoba, sunflower, and castor oil that leave your tresses shiny after use.
What it doesn’t contain is ammonia or any other harsh chemicals that can be absorbed into your skin. This full-spectrum hair dye is also one of the best dyes to use if you want a lighter hair tone.
Pregnant women can breathe easy as this product is approved by the FDA. So there’s no worry about putting harmful ingredients on your body.
The only teensy issue with the Aveda hair color is the price. It’s quite expensive.
And you have to use the developer and cream in a 1:1 ratio, so you’d need more product. But if you want that soft, silky shine on your tresses, I say go for it.
Pros:
- Aveda Hair Dye for pregnancy is a gentle, full-spectrum hair dye that leaves your tresses shiny and nourished.
- Contains jojoba, sunflower, and castor oil that leave your tresses shiny and nourished.
- One of the best dyes for lighter hair tones.
- Ammonia-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free formula - perfect for pregnant women's delicate scalp.
Cons:
- Pricey
- The product comes with a developer and might be inflammatory to sensitive scalps
My Ratings:
- Chemical Composition - 4.5/5
- Gentleness - 5/5
- Nourishing - 5/5
Clairol Natural Instincts Brass Free Hair Color Dye
Best Permanent Safe Hair Dye For Brown Hair
It’s always recommended you use an ammonia-free hair color during pregnancy. And the Clairol Natural Instincts dye is just the thing! I would say it’s the best safe hair dye for pregnancy if you’re looking for a budget product.
The best part is that this hair dye is pretty easy to apply. This semi-permanent color takes only ten minutes too.
I also liked that the Clairol dye comes with a ColorFresh Revitalizer. This cream conditioner deposits color into your tresses, increasing its radiance.
As the ingredients include nourishing aloe vera and coconut oil, this hair dye keeps your tresses free of frizz and damage too.
Pros:
- Provides safe, affordable hair dye for pregnant women - best of all, it's a budget-friendly option!
- Easy to apply and has a long shelf life - this hair dye is perfect for those who want an ammonia-free product.
- Comes with a ColorFresh Revitalizer that helps increase the color vibrancy in your locks.
Cons:
- None that I could see
My Ratings:
- Chemical Composition - 4/5
- Gentleness - 5/5
- Nourishing - 4.5/5
Garnier Olia Permanent Hair Color
Best Drugstore Safe Hair Dye For Pregnancy
This Garnier Olia product isn’t just the best safe hair dye for pregnancy, but it’s also the most affordable. And the Garnier brand is pretty popular too. But despite the budget-friendly price, this hair dye doesn’t compromise on quality.
It is an ammonia-free hair color and has a nourishing formulation consisting of a 60 percent oil blend.
These oils, including flower, avocado, and olive oils, keep your hair protected from damage and give it an amazing shine.
If you’re wondering how to cover grey hair during pregnancy, then try this Garnier Olia color. The permanent hair dye lasts longer and provides 100 percent coverage.
And if you want to experiment, then the brand has 34 different shades ranging from blonde to black to help you switch it up!
Pros:
- Oil-based formula for nourishment.
- Ammonia-free.
- Pleasant scent.
Cons:
- Contains some synthetic chemicals.
- May fade quicker than some other permanent dyes.
Naturtint Organic Hair Color
Best Blonde Safe Hair Dye For Pregnancy
Want an organic hair color that doesn’t affect your health or your babies? Try this one by Nutratint!
It’s one of the best safe hair dye for pregnancy on our list. The best thing about this hair dye is the vegan formulation.
Also, this dye contains no animal-derived ingredients and doesn’t test on them either.
Like any other good pregnancy-safe hair dye is ammonia-free and doesn’t contain parabens, sulfates, heavy metals, or resorcinol.
It is packed with plant-based ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil and olive oil that nourish your mane.
This permanent hair color gives an amazing grey coverage and comes in multiple colors to suit your hair tones.
Pros:
- Organic and natural ingredients.
- Low in ammonia and resorcinol.
- Long-lasting color.
Cons:
- May cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
- Limited color range.
ONC Natural Colors Permanent Hair Color
Best Ammonia-Free Safe Hair Dye For Pregnancy
Another name on our list of the best safe hair dye for pregnancy is the ONC natural colors permanent color.
Why do we like this dye? Well, it’s free of all the bad stuff that can enter your bloodstream and cause adverse effects, like ammonia, parabens, metals, and sulfates.
It instead contains argan oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E, which are super-nourishing, especially during the time of pregnancy.
We also loved the banana scent of this hair color. So you can use it during your pregnancy and later when you dye your hair with a baby in the house. No chemical smells to cause trouble!
When you get a hair color for pregnant women, the pH should preferably be acidic. And the ONC hair color has a low pH, which is great for sensitive scalps.
Pros:
- PPD-free formula.
- Natural and organic ingredients.
- Long-lasting color.
Cons:
- Limited availability in stores.
- May require longer application time.
L’Oreal Inoa Ammonia Free Permanent Hair Color
Best Safe Hair Dye For Full Grey Coverage
L’Oreal hair colors are one of the more popular brands in the market.
But if you’re wondering if L'oreal hair dye is safe for pregnancy, then let us assure you that the Inoa hair color definitely is! The ammonia-free dye doesn’t harm you or your baby at all.
The hair color doesn’t contain any strong fragrances that trigger your morning sickness either. Its formula offers 100 percent grey coverage and intense color for up to six weeks.
Want a pregnancy safe root touch up? This mini pack is a perfect choice.
Pros:
- Ammonia-free.
- Provides vibrant and long-lasting color.
- Pleasant fragrance.
Cons:
- Contains some synthetic ingredients like fragrances.
- May be more expensive than other options.
Hannah Natural 100% Pure Henna Powder
Best Natural Safe Hair Dye For Pregnancy
Using henna during pregnancy is perfectly safe. So the Hannah Natural Henna Powder is one of the best natural hair dye for pregnancy.
This organic hair color contains herbal ingredients including henna that not just color hair but also condition your tresses.
You can even use this hair color as a mask by mixing it with yogurt.
If you’re worried about dyeing hair when pregnant in the first trimester, you can use this 100 percent chemical-free hair color without a second thought.
Pros:
- 100% natural and pure.
- Conditions and adds shine to the hair.
- No ammonia or chemicals.
Cons:
- Limited color options (mostly red shades).
- Requires a longer application process.
Wine Red Henna Hair Dye - The Henna Guys
Best Vegan Safe Hair Dye For Pregnancy
This henna hair dye is one of the safest hair dyes to use during pregnancy. Hey, even doctors agree that natural henna is completely safe for your fetus.
The organic ingredients in this semi-permanent hair dye make it one of the safer hair color for pregnant women.
You can even use this hair treatment on sensitive skin as it's free of metallic salts, phthalates, peroxides, and ammonia.
In fact, this organic plant powder leaves your tresses in brilliant shades of burgundy, red, and wine, depending on your original hair pigments.
It also leaves hair silkier, softer, and shiner after use.
Pros:
- Natural henna without synthetic additives.
- Conditions and strengthens hair.
- No ammonia or peroxide.
Cons:
- Limited color range.
- Application can be time-consuming.
Herb Speedy PPD-Free Hair Dye
Best Asian Hair Dye For Pregnancy
PPD is one of the worse offenders when it comes to hair dyes. It is linked to cancer and in worst cases, even miscarriage in women.
So we're glad to see that this Herb Speedy Color Cream hair dye is completely PPD and ammonia free.
A Korean brand, Herb Speedy Color Cream is a safe option for pregnant women as it contains natural ingredients. These protect the scalp from irritation and also help with hair loss.
And obviously, the dye does brilliantly cover gray hairs and leaves hair darker. We liked how the hair color also protects hair from UV exposure and prevents color from fading.
Pros:
- PPD-free formula.
- Quick application process.
- Affordable option.
Cons:
- Limited color options.
- May not last as long as some other dyes.
FAQs
Does hair color affect pregnancy hormones?
But we do suggest using a hair color without strong smells. Pregnancy hormones can cause morning sickness, and chemical smells can make nausea worse.
Also, make sure any product you use during pregnancy is free of parabens. These chemicals are known to disrupt the natural hormones in your body.
Can I dye my hair while pregnant in the first trimester?
So it’s best not to take the chance of putting any chemicals on your body as there is an increased risk for miscarriage.
But if you have to get your roots touched up or greys covered, we suggest trying organic hair colors that are ammonia-free.
Natural hair dye like henna or indica is also a great choice.
Dyed your hair before you knew you were pregnant? Don’t worry. Not using hair color in the first trimester is more of a suggestion than a hard and fast rule.
Is it safe to use henna during pregnancy?
It’s also best to do a strand test and use a bit of the black henna on one section of hair to make sure you’re not sensitive to it.
Conclusion
Pregnancy can be tough on women’s bodies. So a little bit of pampering yourself through getting a new hair color in pregnancy can make you feel good about yourself.
If you’re worried about the safety of your child, then pick any of the products from our list of the best safe hair dye for pregnancy.
Give yourself a fun makeover before you enter into this new phase of life!