Which beauty and wellbeing treatments are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is a cautious approach to what treatments are considered safe, and not many clinical trials of beauty products. This means that often only the mildest beauty treatments are recommended (Bisanaki et al, 2024).

It is important to be careful with beauty products and treatments bought from outside the UK. Protective regulations in other countries may be different (Maluf et al, 2017).

Making choices that prioritise the well-being of parent and baby can mean enjoying a self-care routine with caution and awareness. 

Effects of pregnancy on hair, skin and nails

During pregnancy, skin and hair can react differently to beauty products normally used.

Hair loss is common in pregnancy, and usually grows back after the baby is born. However, it may not be as thick as before. Sometimes, the hair may recede at the front of the head and not grow back (Putra et al, 2022).

Spots on skin can increase, improve or not change during pregnancy (Bisanaki et al, 2024). Topical retinoid acne treatments aren’t advised at this time. We do not know enough about their effects (Putra et al, 2022).

Nails can become weak during pregnancy. Some products, like nail polish removers, can irritate the skin more than usual (Health and Safety Executive, No date). 

Hair dye

Hair bleaching or colouring is thought to be safe during pregnancy as the scalp doesn’t absorb much of the bleach or dye (NHS Start for Life, No date; Putra et al, 2022).  

The dosage of chemicals used is very low. Waiting until after twelve weeks of pregnancy to dye hair may reduce the small risk of harming the baby (NHS Start for Life, No date; Putra et al, 2022).  

Tell the hairdresser about your pregnancy. Ask them to do a patch test first as hair can react differently at this time.

When dying hair at home (NHS Start for Life, No date):  

• Consider using a semi-permanent vegetable dye  
• Do a patch test first  
• Wear gloves as skin can become more easily irritated during pregnancy 
• Apply dye in a well-ventilated room to reduce fumes 
• Leave dye on for the minimum time 
• Rinse dye off well afterwards 
• Highlight hair by just putting dye onto strands of hair, not the scalp

Professional hair colourists and those providing relaxer treatments can consider if they are working in well-ventilated conditions, taking breaks and using gloves to protect their hands (Health and Safety Executive, no date).

Hair relaxing

Studies indicate no increased chance of prematurity or low birth weight in babies of Black pregnant women who used hair relaxers (Putra et al, 2022).  

Treating hair three to four times during pregnancy is not thought to have any negative effects on the baby (Putra et al, 2022).

Ask the hairdresser to do a patch test before having a relaxer treatment. 

Body hair lightening or removal

Facial and body hair can increase during pregnancy. The following are considered safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding (Putra et al, 2022; Trivedi et al, 2017):

• Waxing 
• Shaving  
• Depilatory creams  
• Hair bleaching 

The effects of permanent hair removal treatment are not known. Therefore, it should be delayed until after pregnancy (Trivedi et al, 2017).

Massage

Relaxing massage is recommended. It has a very positive effect during pregnancy to reduce stress, depression and pregnancy discomforts. It can also have a positive effect on the baby’s development in the womb (Mueller et al, 2021).  

In the case of a more complicated pregnancy, talk to a doctor or midwife first (Mueller et al, 2021).  

There are some things to bear in mind (Mueller et al, 2021):  

• Don’t have deep tissue massage as it is a risk for unrecognised  deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be life threatening 
• Get into a comfortable position before the massage 
• Don’t lie on the back for a long time. Sitting upright or lying on the side is fine 
• Lying on the front is fine as long as a pregnancy pillow or massage table for pregnancy is used 
• The belly shouldn’t be massaged 
• Essential oils should be diluted to a low concentration of 2% 

Pregnant massage therapists might find it helps to take regular and longer breaks. If possible, you could do more work where you’re seated.

Nail treatments

There is no guidance to avoid nail treatments during pregnancy. As they are applied externally, they aren’t absorbed into the body and shouldn’t affect the baby.

Nail technicians might find that acrylic fumes can cause headaches and nausea. Dust filings from artificial nails can also cause wheezing and asthma (Health and Safety Executive, No date).

To avoid this, employers should (Health and Safety Executive, No date):

• Make sure the workplace is well ventilated 
• Provide an extractor hood for nail work 
• Minimise contact with harmful substances 
• Promote washing and moisturising hands frequently 
• Provide gloves or eye protection 

Cosmetic medical procedures

Treatments like fillers, liposuction and sclerotherapy for varicose veins aren’t advised during pregnancy or while breastfeeding  (Garg et al, 2022; Trivedi et al, 2017).  

While there is no research on the risks of tatooing or microblading ink, reputable practitioners won't offer them if you're pregnant. There might be a risk of infection or other skin reaction (Kluger, 2010).

The following are generally thought to be safe during pregnancy. However, they should be used with caution. Speak to a qualified practitioner before undergoing any treatment (Garg et al, 2022; Trivedi et al, 2017).

• Botox
• Some chemical peels
• Laser or light therapy
• Microdermabrasion 

Sunbeds and tanning booths

There haven’t been any studies done on the impact on the baby of using sunbeds or tanning booths during pregnancy (Bumps, 2016).

Tanning booths or sunbeds will lead to the pregnant body getting hotter. However, the only studies in humans of exposure to external heat in pregnancy have been reassuring (Bumps, 2016a).

There isn’t any evidence that (Bumps, 2016a):

• Using a tanning booth has any negative impact on sperm 
• There is any effect on miscarriage 
• There is any effect on birth defects 
• There is any effect on prematurity or low birth weight 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) does not recommend the use of sunbeds or tanning booths because of the risk of skin cancer (Bumps, 2016a).

Self-tanning products

When using tanning products at home, be aware that (NHS, 2022):

• Tanning creams can be used during pregnancy, although test them on a small patch of skin first.  
• Tanning pills should not be used as they may be toxic to the baby.  
• It is not known if breathing in tanning spray is harmful to the baby. 

Saunas and hot tubs

There is no clear evidence about the safety or risk of using saunas and hot tubs while pregnant (Bumps, 2016b).  

In some countries, such as Finland, using hot tubs during pregnancy is common. There is no higher rate of adverse birth outcomes in Finland (Bumps, 2016b). To minimise any risk of overheating, dehydration or fainting, you could use them (Bumps, 2016b; NHS, 2022):

• after 12 weeks of pregnancy 
• for a shorter length of time 
• at a lower temperature 

Other skin changes in pregnancy

Melasma 

Melasma, also known as the mask of pregnancy, is a common skin condition that occurs during pregnancy. It makes the skin darken in a mask-like pattern on the face. This usually goes away in 7 in 10 women within a year of pregnancy (Biskanaki, 2024).  

To minimise it (Putra et al, 2022; Maluf et al, 2017):

• Avoid sun exposure. 
• Use sun blocks such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide. 
• Be careful when using chemical sunscreens as they are absorbed by the body. Many of the sunscreens you buy in pharmacies and supermarkets are chemical sunscreens. 

Skin growths or tags

These can increase. While doctors can remove skin tags during pregnancy, they should only do so if it’s considered necessary. Speak to a qualified practitioner (Garg et al, 2022).  

Scars

Scars can appear darker during pregnancy and hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) is common (Biskanaki, 2024).  

Linea nigra

This is a dark line on the abdomen. It affects 9 in 10 pregnant women and people. This line usually disappears completely after the baby is born (Biskanaki, 2024).

Stretch marks

Stretch marks are seen after 6 months of pregnancy in around 7 in 10 people. They usually appear on the hips, tummy, breasts and buttocks. They’re caused by hormonal changes, hereditary factors, and significant weight gain or loss (Bisanaki et al, 2024; Putra et al, 2022).  

After the baby is born, the marks usually fade over time but do not disappear completely. They may leave lines on the skin (Putra et al, 2022).

There is no evidence that applying cream or oil to the skin will prevent stretch marks. A normal moisturiser may make them feel more comfortable (Wollina & Goldman, 2017).