Q: Can I continue getting my hair dyed or highlighted during my pregnancy?

Answered by: Dr Tan Niap Hong, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, and Clinical Head of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Service at Prince Court Medical Centre

The chemicals in the hair dye are not highly toxic and it is generally safe to dye your hair during pregnancy. However, most pregnant mothers may choose to dye their hair after the first trimester when the risks of the chemicals harming the baby are even lower. 

The risks can be further reduced by wearing gloves, leaving the dye on for the minimum time, working in a well-ventilated room, and rinsing the scalp once the dye is applied. Minimising application of the dye onto the scalp will also help reduce absorption of the chemical into the blood stream.