CAN I COLOUR MY HAIR WHEN I’M PREGNANT?

Sonia Haria asks the experts whether hair dye is harmful during pregnancy

Pregnant women are often warned of the dangers of colouring their hair during pregnancy, but is there any real reason to apply with caution? We ask the experts to find out.

Wait until your second trimester

“You can colour your hair when you’re pregnant, but we recommend waiting until you’re in the second trimester,” says Bruno Elorrioroz, Aveda colour expert.

“You should still have a patch test done, even if you are having the same colour service that you’ve had for years, because the changes in hormone levels could affect how the body reacts. This is especially important if you are having colour that is applied directly on to the scalp. Lowmaintenance techniques such as balayage hair colour are perfect, as this can naturally grow out and doesn’t require such intense upkeep – which is ideal when you are about to be a mother.”

Make sure you do an allergy test

“A pregnant woman can continue to colour her hair,” says Kathy Rogerson, hair colour science expert at Nice’n Easy. “If a woman normally colours her hair and has safely used colourants before, there is no scientifically established reason for her to stop colouring her hair during pregnancy, provided she continues to follow the usage instructions.

“Keep in mind, however, that hormonal changes can change your hair type and texture, which might affect the results of colouring. So always carry out an allergy test at least 48 hours before every application, even if you have used the same brand of colour before.”

Look at different methods

“There is no real issue with colouring hair while pregnant,” believes Sally-Ann Tarver, consultant trichologist at the Cotswold Trichology Centre and Theradome GB.

“Hair grows stronger and healthier during pregnancy and it can actually tolerate colour more readily. However, there is a greater risk of allergy to the chemical PPD (paraphenylenediamine) and a patch test for PPD allergy should be performed before each hair dye. Some women find they are more sensitive to the application of bleach or high-lift tint to the scalp, so my advice would be to switch to foil method highlights, rather than full-scalp applications, for the duration of the pregnancy.”

‘Some women are sensitive to bleach on the scalp’

Colour Lustre in Cool Blonde, £32, by Shu Uemura Art of Hair (lookfantastic.com) Leave on for 10 minutes postshampoo to nourish your hair and enhance the colour.

Nice’n Easy No Ammonia Hair Dry, £4.49, by Clairol (superdrug.com) This is a good option if you don’t like commitment, as it lasts up to 24 washes only.

Colour Fanatic Instant DeepConditioning Hair Mask, £23, by Pureology (lookfantastic.com) With fennel seed extract, camellia and coconut oil, this deeply conditions coloured hair.

Shade Variation Care in Ash Brown, £38, by Christophe Robin (hqhair.com) This 15-minute hair mask helps to neutralise orange or brassy tones in brown hair.

Olaplex No 3, £31.99, by Olaplex (bornhaircare.com) This is an in-salon treatment designed for use at home. It claims to help repair hair bonds broken by colouring.

Color Conserve Strengthening Treatment, £23, by Aveda (aveda.co.uk) This strengthens the hair and helps to prevent the colour from fading too quickly.