Beauty treatments during pregnancy: what to know

Quick answer: During pregnancy many beauty treatments can be considered with some adjustments, but none should be booked without first talking to your doctor or midwife. As a general rule, services that work away from the skin (such as highlights or balayage) or use no chemicals (such as a haircut or a gentle massage) raise fewer questions, while chemical straightening and micropigmentation are usually recommended to be postponed. Here is what to consider for each one.

First things first: how to use this guide

At Fusion Beauty we are beauty professionals, not healthcare staff. So this guide doesn't tell you what is "safe" or "dangerous": it explains how each treatment works and which points are usually discussed, so you can weigh them up with whoever is looking after your pregnancy. Your doctor's or midwife's advice always comes first.

Three ideas that apply to almost everything:

• Always tell the salon when you book and when you arrive. That way we can adapt positioning, timings, ventilation and products.
• Your skin and hair may react differently. Hormonal changes can affect how colour takes, how lashes respond, or bring on new sensitivity.
• Many people prefer to wait until the second trimester for chemical treatments. It is a decision best made with your doctor or midwife.

Hair colour and ammonia-free colour

Root colour is applied in contact with the scalp, which is why it is one of the most common questions. Some people prefer ammonia-free colour at this stage because it has less odour and tends to feel more comfortable in a salon, but "ammonia-free" doesn't mean "chemical-free" or "risk-free": it is still a hair dye.

Points to consider: ventilation, processing time, scalp sensitivity and a sensitivity test beforehand if your skin is more reactive. Check with your doctor or midwife before colouring, especially in the first trimester.

Highlights and balayage

Highlights and balayage are usually applied along the lengths, at some distance from the scalp, which reduces contact between the product and the skin.

Points to consider: the appointment can be long, so ask for breaks, change position and bring water or a snack. Lighteners also have a noticeable smell. Check with your doctor or midwife before booking.

Keratin and organic straightening

Straightening treatments raise the most questions. Some keratin formulas can release fumes when heat is applied with the flat iron, which is why many general recommendations advise postponing them during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Treatments presented as organic, such as Ybera Paris organic straightening, have a different composition, but they still involve product, heat and a long time in the chair.

Points to consider: ask for the ingredient list of the specific product and take it to your appointment. Check with your doctor or midwife and, if in doubt, waiting is usually the most prudent choice. If you mainly want to control frizz, a good haircut and a hydration routine can help in the meantime.

Lash lift

A lash lift uses lotions applied near the eye for a few minutes. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can make the result less predictable: sometimes the curl takes less well or fades sooner.

Points to consider: eye sensitivity, lying on your back for a while (which can become uncomfortable later in pregnancy) and a possible sensitivity test. Check with your doctor or midwife.

Lash extensions

Lash extensions don't use perming lotions, but they do use adhesive, which gives off fumes during application and may irritate if your eyes are more sensitive.

Points to consider: time lying down, ventilation and sensitivity to the adhesive. The lash growth cycle can also change during pregnancy and after birth. Check with your doctor or midwife.

Brow lamination

Brow lamination works on the brow hairs with a process similar to a lash lift. As above, the hair may respond differently from usual.

Points to consider: more reactive skin in the area, the smell of the products and a less predictable result. If you would rather avoid chemicals, threading is a lotion-free way to shape your brows. Check with your doctor or midwife.

Microblading and micropigmentation

Microblading and lip micropigmentation involve placing pigment in the upper layers of the skin, which creates a small wound and a healing process. For that reason, it is generally recommended to postpone them during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Points to consider: healing, risk of infection, use of topical anaesthetics and skin changes that can affect how the pigment settles. Check with your doctor or midwife; the usual approach is to plan it for later.

Korean head spa

The Korean head spa combines scalp cleansing, steam, rinsing and massage.

Points to consider: positioning at the basin, use of steam and warm water, massage pressure and product scents. Mention it when booking so we can adapt it. Check with your doctor or midwife.

Korean facial

A Korean facial is built on step-by-step cleansing, hydration and facial massage.

Points to consider: some cosmetic actives, such as retinoids or certain acids in high concentrations, are commonly avoided during pregnancy. Let us know you are pregnant so we can adjust the products, and check with your doctor or midwife.

Summary by treatment

This table is a guide only and does not replace medical advice. All prices are on our prices page.

Who looks after you

Adolfo handles colour, balayage and straightening, and Elizabeth Silva brows, lashes and micropigmentation (team). Questions? Message us on WhatsApp at +34 625 78 65 89.

Frequently asked questions