Is it safe to dye or perm hair during early pregnancy?

Aug 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, hair dyeing and perming are not recommended during early pregnancy to avoid potential adverse effects on the pregnant woman and the fetus. Additionally, some pregnant women may naturally experience nausea, vomiting, and other early pregnancy symptoms during the first trimester, which may be exacerbated by hair dyeing or perming. During pregnancy, women should pay more attention to their own health protection and avoid environments and substances that may pose risks.

Generally, dyeing or perming hair is not recommended during early pregnancy to avoid potential adverse effects on both the pregnant woman and the fetus. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Products used for hair dyeing and perming often contain various chemical substances. For example, hair dyes may include paraphenylenediamine and heavy metals, while perm solutions may contain components such as monothioglycolic acid. These chemicals have certain irritant and toxic properties and may enter the systemic circulation through the scalp during the dyeing or perming process. Early pregnancy is a critical period for fetal organ development; at this stage, the embryo is highly sensitive to external harmful substances. Chemical exposure may interfere with normal fetal development and increase the risk of developmental abnormalities.

Additionally, some women may naturally experience nausea and vomiting as early pregnancy reactions during the first trimester. Hair dyeing or perming may exacerbate these symptoms. During pregnancy, women should pay more attention to health protection, avoid potentially harmful environments and substances, and create favorable conditions for fetal growth and development.

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