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Can I Get My Hair Coloured or Cut During Pregnancy?

FAQs Answered by Heather at Sobo

Pregnancy is a time of exciting changes, but it can also bring a lot of questions — especially when it comes to beauty treatments. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s safe to visit your hairdresser while expecting, you’re not alone. At Sobo Hair Boutique, our Artistic Director Heather is not only a highly experienced stylist, she’s also currently pregnant herself! So who better to answer the most common questions we get from mums-to-be?

Here’s everything you need to know about getting your hair cut or coloured during pregnancy at Sobo, your trusted hair salon in Edinburgh.

Is it safe to get my hair cut during pregnancy?

Absolutely. Getting your hair cut while pregnant is completely safe. There are no chemicals involved in cutting, and a good trim can actually make you feel more refreshed and confident as your body changes.

Heather says: “Many of my clients book in for regular trims during pregnancy because it keeps their hair feeling neat and healthy. Pregnancy hormones can sometimes cause hair to feel dry or grow unevenly, so even a small tidy-up can make a big difference.”

Can I colour my hair while pregnant?

This is the question we get asked the most. The good news is that most research shows that hair colouring, especially after the first trimester, is considered safe for both mum and baby. However, it’s always important to have an open conversation with your stylist and to follow best practice.

At Sobo Hair Boutique, our hairdressers in Edinburgh always recommend:

  • Waiting until after the first 12 weeks (first trimester) before applying colour.
  • Choosing gentle techniques like highlights, balayage, or foilyage, where colour doesn’t touch the scalp.
  • Using high-quality professional products like Aveda or L’Oréal, which we stock for their safety and performance.

Heather adds: “As a stylist and a pregnant woman, I completely understand the need to feel reassured. My advice is to avoid full head permanent colours in the early weeks, and instead opt for low-maintenance colour services like balayage that grow out beautifully without regular top-ups.”

What are the safest colouring techniques for pregnancy?

If you want to colour your hair during pregnancy, there are safer options to consider:

  • Highlights or balayage: Colour is applied to the mid-lengths and ends, avoiding direct contact with your scalp.
  • Semi-permanent glosses: These are ammonia-free and deposit colour without long-lasting chemical changes.
  • Foilyage: A modern take on balayage using foils for extra lift without scalp exposure.

At Sobo, our team specialises in creative colour work and can customise a technique that works for you. Our Trinity hair salon  is known for safe, beautiful colour transformations.

Will pregnancy affect how colour takes on my hair?

Yes, it can. Pregnancy hormones can cause unexpected changes to hair texture and porosity, which may slightly alter how your hair absorbs colour. This doesn’t happen to everyone, but it’s something our team always considers.

Heather explains: “The most common change I see is that colour might process a little faster or slower than usual. That’s why we carry out a strand test or patch test beforehand to ensure the best results.”

What about Kérastase treatments during pregnancy?

Pregnancy can make hair feel drier, more brittle, or frizzier. That’s where our professional Kérastase treatments in Edinburgh come in. They are safe, deeply nourishing, and an excellent way to give your hair a boost during pregnancy.

We recommend:

Heather says: “A luxurious Kérastase treatment is honestly my go-to self-care treat during pregnancy. It’s safe, relaxing and makes your hair feel incredible.”

Should I avoid certain products when pregnant?

While most salon products are safe, we always advise mums-to-be to avoid high-ammonia formulas, strong bleaching close to the scalp, or harsh chemical straighteners. At Sobo, we use Aveda and Kérastase products which are known for their quality, ethical ingredients, and gentle formulas.

If you have any sensitivities or allergies, just let us know at your consultation. We’ll adapt your service to ensure complete peace of mind.

Can I book in for a blow dry or styling?

Yes, absolutely! Many pregnant clients visit us just for the feel-good boost of a professional blow dry. Our blow dry bar in Edinburgh offers everything from big bouncy waves to sleek, polished finishes.

Heather says: “As my bump has grown, I’ve loved treating myself to a professional blow dry. It’s such a simple but effective way to feel pampered and polished when your body feels anything but!”

What can I do at home to care for my hair during pregnancy?

Heather’s top pregnancy hair care tips:

  • Use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo to avoid dryness.
  • Don’t skip conditioner — focus on mid-lengths and ends.
  • Avoid excessive heat styling where possible.
  • Treat yourself to an in-salon deep conditioning treatment every few weeks.

“Your hair can go through phases during pregnancy — mine did! I’ve found that regular trims and hydration treatments have helped hugely,” says Heather.

Can I bring my partner or a friend to my appointment?

Of course. Our Trinity salon is a welcoming space and we understand that pregnancy can feel overwhelming at times. You’re welcome to bring someone along for company and support.

Is Sobo hair salon pregnancy-friendly?

Yes, 100%. We go out of our way to make sure expectant mums feel comfortable and cared for. Our newly upgraded backwash chairs offer better support, we offer complimentary head massages, and our stylists are experienced in working with pregnancy-specific hair changes.

Many clients also love earning points on our Sobo Treat Card, which can be redeemed for blow dries, products or Kérastase treatments — a lovely way to treat yourself before baby arrives!

Final Thoughts from Heather

“As someone going through pregnancy and working as a hairdresser every day, I really understand the balance between wanting to feel pampered and wanting to be safe. My advice? You can absolutely visit your hairdresser while pregnant, you just need the right team who understand how to tailor treatments to your changing needs. That’s exactly what we do at Sobo.”

Ready to Book Your Appointment?

Whether you want a quick trim, a soft balayage, or a relaxing Kérastase treatment, our team at Sobo Hair Boutique in Edinburgh is here to help you feel your best. To book your pregnancy-friendly appointment, contact us, or drop us a message on Instagram or Facebook.

We can’t wait to welcome you and your bump!