If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and wondering whether you can still enjoy your favourite hair colour or smoothing treatment — you’re definitely not alone. At least half of the mums‑to‑be who visit our Surrey salon ask this exact question.

The good news? With the right approach, many hair treatments can still be done safely — but there are a few important things you should know first.

Below is a clear, practical guide to help you make the best decision for you, based on what we recommend in salon + what most maternity professionals generally advise.


1. Always speak to your GP, midwife, or health professional first


Before booking any chemical treatment — colour, perm, or relaxer — check with your doctor or midwife.

Everyone’s pregnancy and health situation is different, so getting personalised advice is the safest option.



2. Colouring your hair during pregnancy: What’s typically considered safe


Many women colour their hair during pregnancy, especially after the first trimester.

Here’s how to reduce exposure further:

How to make hair colour safer during pregnancy:

  1. Choose techniques that keep colour off the scalp
    Balayage, highlights, teasylights, and foiling are all great options because the product doesn’t touch your skin.

  2. Avoid global root retouching in early pregnancy
    If your GP says it’s fine later on, we still keep application precise and minimise scalp contact.

  3. Opt for ammonia‑free or low‑odour colour formulas

  4. Make sure the salon is well‑ventilated

  5. Do a patch test
    Pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive, so patch testing is more important than ever.



3. What about perms and relaxers during pregnancy?


Perms and chemical straighteners/smoothers are best avoided in the first trimester unless your doctor specifically says otherwise.

If your healthcare provider gives the go‑ahead later in pregnancy, we take extra precautions:


Safety steps we take at the salon:

  • Use low‑odour or gentler formulas where possible

  • Keep the room fully ventilated

  • Prevent product from touching your scalp

  • Shorten processing time where appropriate



4. Breastfeeding + chemical treatments — what you need to know


Most research suggests that hair colour and chemical treatments do not enter breast milk.

Still, here’s how we make it as safe and gentle as possible:

  • Stick to off‑scalp colour like balayage or highlights

  • Use low‑chemical, ammonia‑free, or gentle formulas

  • Book when your baby isn’t with you (strong scents may irritate infants)

  • Consider using masks or treatments that nourish stressed hair postpartum



5. Natural, low‑chemical, or zero‑chemical alternatives


If you prefer to avoid traditional treatments completely during pregnancy/breastfeeding, we can offer:

  • Glossing toners

  • Ammonia‑free colour

  • Conditioning colour masks

  • Shine treatments

  • Haircuts designed to bring out your natural texture

  • Smoothing blow‑dries instead of chemical straightening


You can still feel polished and pampered — without committing to anything chemical-heavy.



6. When in doubt, go for balayage


It’s the safest colour option for pregnancy and breastfeeding because:

  • No colour touches the scalp

  • Low maintenance

  • No strong fumes

  • Soft, natural grow‑out

  • Perfect for tired new‑mum schedules 🙌



7. Your comfort matters — always


If you ever feel uncomfortable during a treatment — whether from smell, sitting too long, or feeling warm — just tell us.

We’ll stop immediately, get you fresh air, adjust your chair, or break the service into smaller steps.



8. When to postpone a chemical service


We recommend waiting if you:

  • Are in your first trimester

  • Haven’t spoken to your GP yet

  • Have extreme sensitivity to smell

  • Are experiencing skin irritation or allergies

  • Feel faint or nauseous easily


Your well‑being always comes first.


Ready when you are ❤️


If you’d like personalised advice, you’re always welcome to pop into the salon for a chat — no pressure, no commitment.

When you’re ready to book your pregnancy‑ or breastfeeding‑friendly appointment, you can book online anytime:

👉 Book your appointment with Kerryann’s Hair & Beauty

 

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