Top 5 Pregnancy-Safe Hair Products, Vetted by Hair Experts

Your hair grows through a few phase changes during pregnancy. Good news, new moms! You finally might get the type of hair you longed for – long, thick, gorgeous hair. You will also notice significant changes in hair texture and growth thanks to pregnancy hormones.

If you’re like most new moms, then you start thinking twice about whether to use any hair styling products or take a break. Most dermatologists recommend avoiding hair treatments at least until the first trimester because ingredients involved in these hair treatments, such as curling, bleaching, relaxing, straightening, etc., might include potentially toxic chemicals. However, you can dye or highlight your hair during pregnancy without worry.

What about pregnancy hair care? Should you change your shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, gel, and other hair care products during pregnancy? Not exactly. Regular hair care products are mostly safe, yet some might contain ingredients that are best to avoid during pregnancy. After some careful searching, we have picked a few hair care products that are safe to use during pregnancy.

Best Pregnancy-Safe Hair Products

Pregnancy-Safe Shampoo: Pureology Hydrate Shampoo

Choosing the right pregnancy-safe shampoo for dry, frizzy, color-treated hair can be tricky. Some shampoos and conditioners come with good fragrances but might contain unhealthy ingredients, whereas some pregnancy-friendly shampoos might come with fragrances you can’t stand. This shampoo from Pureology is well-known for both its scent and clean ingredients. 

Its thick and rich formula contains natural ingredients such as jojoba, sage, and green tea extracts. Even its aromatherapy blend of Lavender, Bergamot, and patchouli feels very relaxing. Moreover, it is free from sulfates, parabens, and mineral oil, which are some ingredients you should steer clear of during pregnancy.

We know how frustrating it can be to reduce frizz and detangle your dry hair. This hydrating shampoo adds moisture to hair follicles so that your hair becomes soft and moisturized yet weightless. Along with this shampoo, Pureology Smooth Perfection Conditioner makes a complete regimen for pregnancy-safe curly hair routine. 

However, you should know that it has a high price point. As it offers good value, it’s worth giving a try.

Hair Type: Normal, Dry Color-Treated | Key Benefits: Moisturizing and Softening | Key Ingredients: Jojoba, Green Tea, Sage | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes

Pregnancy-Safe Hair Spray: The Honest Company Sweet Orange Vanilla Conditioning Detangler

If you have dry or damp hair, things can get messy without proper care because they are prone to frizz and serious knotting. Along with the right dry shampoo for pregnancy, you need a hair refresher spray that can quickly make your soft and light with beachy volume. But like most expecting moms, you become increasingly worried about toxic chemicals in personal and home cleaning products during pregnancy. It is good to be a little cautious, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop pampering yourself for nine months either. There are ways to play it safe when it comes to using hair care products during pregnancy.

And if you are worried about hair sprays, know that it is safe to use hair sprays during pregnancy. Whether you are dying your hair or using a hair detangler spray, make sure you’re doing it in a well-ventilated space. If you want to play it extra safe, just limit your use of anything chemically during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.

After thorough searching, we found that The Honest Company Leave-in Conditioner Spay is an excellent hair spray for pregnant women. Made with plant-derived ingredients, the conditioning detangler spray is free from any toxic chemicals and fillers. Furthermore, the spray comes with an easy-to-dispense pump. Even though the pump sprays perfectly to give your hair a luxurious feel, you might think the bottle is on the smaller side.

What’s great, this detangler spray is fragrance-free. All in all, we think it is a must-have hair care product for pregnant women with curly hair.

Hair Type: All | Key Benefits: Detangling & Softening | Key Ingredients: Orange, Vanilla and Coconut Extract | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes

Pregnancy-Safe Hair Oil: Pura D’or Organic Argan Oil

Pregnancy hormones cause a lot of bodily and emotional changes. The charges differ from one woman to another. Many pregnant women get voluminous, luscious, and healthy hair, while some experience negative changes to their hair texture and growth during pregnancy. Whether you are the lucky ones or not, indulging in a good hair massage can offer many benefits. Not just add some nourishment to your hair, but regular oil massage can also help combat pregnancy stress, morning sickness, and nausea, which are pretty common among pregnant women.

There are many pregnancy-safe hair oils out there that are super beneficial. Almond, Argan, Tea tree, Coconut, and Sesame oils are some of these oils. Each oil serves different purposes. Therefore, you need to choose the right one for you to ensure your hair gets all the benefits. 

We recommend Pura D’or Organic Argan Oil, considering its clean, organic ingredients. Infused with 100% pure argan oil, this natural hair oil is free from any harsh additives. Why Argan Oil? Packed with fatty acids and powerful antioxidants, such as vitamin E, Argan oil helps improve scalp health and hair, resulting in reduced hair loss. Argan oil is also a natural moisturizer that helps reduce fizziness and boost shine. Furthermore, you can use it as a pregnancy-safe hair styling aid.

However, eating a balanced diet and taking prenatal vitamin supplements are still the keys to maintaining healthy hair during pregnancy. Taking proper care of the hair has proved effective in keeping your voluminous and luscious pregnancy hair even during the postpartum period.

Hair Type: All | Key Benefits: Hydrating and Hair Nourishing | Key Ingredients: Argan Oil | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes

Pregnancy-Safe Hair Serum: CHI Silk Infusion

Hair serum isn’t necessarily a must-have hair care product but a good one for occasional use on dry, frizzy, and damaged hair. That’s because it works as a superfood for the scalp and hair. The right hair serum can help strengthen your hair while enhancing the softness, manageability, shine, and natural texture of your hair. Hair serum can also protect your hair from harmful chemicals, keeping your hair healthy.

There are many types of hair serums on the market. You need to find one that suits your hair type plus formulated with clean ingredients. You can add the CHI Silk Infusion Hair Serum to your pregnancy haircare routine without any concern.

Sulfate, paraben, alcohol, and gluten-free, the CHI Silk Infusion Hair Serum works wonders for most hair types. It is formulated with rich ingredients like pure natural silk, wheat, and soy proteins. These ingredients help protect your hair against heat styling and environmental aggressors. Also, the formula has a sweet fragrance that isn’t overpowering.

However, the formula contains synthetic silicone. If you are allergic to silicone, you should avoid it completely.

Hair Type: All | Key Benefits: Strengthening | Key Ingredients: Silk, Wheat and Soy Proteins | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes

Pregnancy-Safe Hair Styling Product: Earth’s Daughter Organic Aloe Vera Gel

If you are planning to use hair styling products during pregnancy, know that not all hair styling products are safe during pregnancy. Yes, you can apply highlights, colors, mousse, and gels to your hair while pregnant. Even so, you need to take certain precautions and recommendations from your doctor. 

The good news is there are many plant-based, natural gels, and hair dyes that are safe for pregnancy. If you are looking for a natural gel to tame your wild hair, go for the Earth’s Daughter Organic Aloe Vera Gel. Made from 99.75% organic Aloe Vera, it works great as a hair gel. You can also use it with your pregnancy shampoo to eliminate dandruff and dry, itchy scalp.

With this natural hair gel, you don’t have to worry about toxic chemicals since it is free from color, fragrance, water, alcohol, parabens, or petrochemicals. You’ll enjoy silky smooth hair without any oily or sticky residue. Lastly, the gel gets absorbed quickly into your skin and hair.

However, it is best to practice caution with a few hair treatments that involve chemicals such as relaxing, straightening, and perms. You should consult with your doctor before applying any of these treatments to your hair and if allowed, let a haircare professional do that.

Hair Type: All | Key Benefits: Soothing and Hydrating | Key Ingredients: Organic Aloe Vera | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes

Safe Hair Care Tools We Recommend for Pregnant Women