Hair Toner Safety During Pregnancy: What You Need To Know

Many women wonder if it is safe to use hair treatments during pregnancy. Most research shows that it is safe to dye or colour hair while pregnant, as only minimal traces of the chemicals in hair dyes are absorbed into the body. However, some studies have found that very high doses of these chemicals may be harmful, so some women choose to wait until after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when the risk of chemical substances harming the baby is much lower.

Toner is safe to use during pregnancy

Hair toners are generally safe to use during pregnancy. Toners are semi-permanent, so they don't contain as many chemicals as other hair treatments. However, it's always a good idea to take some extra precautions to ensure your safety and that of your baby.

Firstly, it is recommended that you wait until after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy to use hair toner. This is because the risk of chemical substances harming the baby is much lower after this period. Waiting until the second trimester provides an extra layer of safety.

If you decide to use hair toner during pregnancy, there are several precautions you can take to minimise any potential risks. These include:

• Keeping the toner off your scalp. This is a general rule of thumb for hair toners, but it's especially important during pregnancy.
• Working in a well-ventilated area to minimise exposure to any fumes.
• Wearing gloves to protect your skin and avoid staining your hands.
• Following the directions on the package and not leaving the toner on for longer than indicated.
• Rinsing your scalp thoroughly with water after applying the toner to remove any excess product.

Additionally, it is worth noting that pregnancy can affect your hair's normal condition. Your hair may react differently to toning than it usually does, so it's a good idea to do a strand test first using the toner you intend to use. This will help you understand how your hair will respond during pregnancy.

Overall, while hair toners are considered safe during pregnancy, it is always a good idea to consult with your doctor or midwife if you have any concerns. They can provide personalised advice and recommendations based on your specific circumstances.

Toner is semi-permanent, so it's not as chemical-heavy

Hair toners are generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. As toners are semi-permanent, they are not as chemical-heavy as other dyes. They are usually applied to the hair for only 15 to 25 minutes, resulting in minimal scalp contact and a low risk of any harmful substance entering the bloodstream and reaching the fetus.

While the chemicals in permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes are not highly toxic, some studies have found that very high doses may cause harm. However, the amount of chemicals you are exposed to when colouring your hair is very low, and the risk of harm is much lower after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

If you are concerned about using hair toners during pregnancy, you can take some precautions. It is recommended to wait until the second trimester, when the risk of harming the baby is lower. You can also reduce the time the toner is left in the hair and rinse your hair thoroughly after application. Wearing gloves, following package directions, and ensuring proper ventilation during application are also good safety measures.

Overall, hair toners are considered a safe beauty treatment during pregnancy, providing mental health benefits and a confidence boost for expecting mothers.

Toner doesn't touch the scalp, reducing risk

While there is limited research on the safety of hair treatments during pregnancy, most studies indicate that the chemicals found in semi-permanent and permanent dyes are not highly toxic and are safe to use. Hair toners are semi-permanent and contain fewer chemicals, further reducing the risk of any adverse effects.

Hair toners are typically applied to hair that has already been subject to strong chemical bleaching and lightening processes. They are used to neutralise unwanted warm undertones and brassy colours that can occur after bleaching. As toner is usually applied to hair that has already been treated with chemicals, it does not come into contact with the scalp. This means that the skin does not absorb the chemicals, reducing the risk of harm to the foetus.

The small amount of chemicals in hair dye that may be absorbed by the skin is not considered harmful to the foetus. Similarly, the limited data available on hair treatments while breastfeeding suggests that very little of the chemicals used in hair dye enter the bloodstream, so it is very unlikely that a significant amount will be passed on through breast milk.

Although the chemicals in hair toners are not considered highly toxic, they can irritate the scalp. Therefore, it is recommended to do a patch test with a small hidden chunk of hair before use.

Toner shampoos are a safer alternative

While most research indicates that hair toners are safe to use during pregnancy, toner shampoos are a safer alternative. Toner shampoos are an at-home option and are considered part of the regular upkeep for coloured strands. They are also less likely to come with the same risks as hair toners, such as skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Toner shampoos are designed to neutralise unwanted brassy tones in the hair. For example, purple toning shampoos are designed to neutralise yellow and orange tones in blonde hair, blue toning shampoos are designed to neutralise orange tones in brown hair, and green toning shampoos are designed to neutralise red tones in dark brown or black hair.

There are a variety of toning shampoos available on the market, including:

• L'Oréal Paris EverPure Brass Toning Purple Sulfate-Free Shampoo
• Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo
• Fanola Color Depositing Purple Shampoo Toner
• Redken Blondage Color Depositing Purple Shampoo
• Kristin Ess The One Purple Shampoo

When using a toning shampoo, it is important to follow the directions on the bottle. Toning shampoos should not be used daily, as they can dry out the hair. Instead, they should be used once a week or once every other week, depending on how often you wash your hair. It is also important to follow up with a hydrating conditioner after using a toning shampoo.

Consult a doctor if concerned about hair treatments

While most research indicates that hair toners and dyes are safe to use during pregnancy, it is always a good idea to consult a doctor if you are concerned about any hair treatments during pregnancy. Overall, hair treatments are generally considered safe, but there are some precautions that pregnant people may want to take.

Firstly, it is recommended to wait until the second trimester to treat your hair, as the first three months of pregnancy are the most sensitive. This is because there is a chance that harsh chemicals may be absorbed through the scalp during treatments and passed on to the growing baby. To reduce this risk, it is important to ensure that the treatment is done in a well-ventilated area, and to rinse the scalp thoroughly with water after treatment. It is also advised to wear gloves when applying the treatment and to follow the directions on the package carefully.

Additionally, it is worth noting that pregnancy can naturally change the texture of your hair, and it may react differently to perming or coloring. If this is the case, you may want to consider alternative treatments or wait until after pregnancy to treat your hair.

If you are still concerned about using hair toners or other hair treatments during pregnancy, speak to your doctor or healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your individual health and pregnancy history.

Frequently asked questions