14 Best Pregnancy-Safe Shampoos Of 2023, According To Reviews
Wash away the dirt from your hair with these gentle formulas devoid of toxins.
Expertise: Skin & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and has 3 years of experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the... more
Everything you do during pregnancy must be very calculative, and that includes your hair care. You must use the best pregnancy-safe shampoo and nothing else! A pregnancy-safe shampoo is made of the safest ingredients without any component that can alter your hormonal balance. They are also devoid of even the mildest toxins ensuring ultimate safety for the fetus.
If you are pregnant and looking for some of the safest shampoos, check out our list of the 12 best pregnancy-safe shampoos that will keep your hair lustrous while also being safe for your child.
In This Article
What Happens To Your Hair During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy can impact your hair and bring changes in its growth and texture. Thanks to the hormonal surges that you have been reading about all along! Some pregnant women notice that their hair grows faster than usual. While others may experience a change in their hair texture – the scalp and hair might suddenly become dry, oily, brittle, or frizzy. Typically, we shed up to 100 hairs a day. But during pregnancy, the excessive production of estrogen prolongs the growth stage and reduces hair shedding. You may also observe hair growth in the face, chest, and belly. However, these changes are temporary, and your hair gets back to normal after a few months of delivery.
You need to avoid certain ingredients while buying a pregnancy-safe shampoo.
Shampoo Ingredients To Avoid During Pregnancy
- Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride(ADBAC) and Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride (DDAC) – Might cause developmental defects in unborn babies
- Sulfates– Strip the natural oils from your hair and disrupt average hair growth.
- Parabens– Might cause hormonal imbalances and hair loss.
- Phthalates – Affect the reproductive organs of the mother and child.
- Alcohol – Makes your hair dry and brittle.
To help you deal with your hair issues during pregnancy, here are the 14 best pregnancy-safe shampoos.
14 Best Pregnancy-Safe Shampoos
Note: Consult your dermatologist before using these products to avoid allergic reactions or side effects.
1. Best For All Hair Types:Vanicream Free & Clear Shampoo
The Vanicream Free & Clear Shampoo cleanses the scalp without stripping its natural oils and nutrients. It removes flaky dead skin cells and product buildup caused by conditioners, heat protectants, styling agents, hair gels, hair mousse, hair sprays, and serums. This shampoo makes your hair more manageable and balances the pH level of your scalp. Check out the detailed review of the product in this video.
Key Ingredients: Panthenol, Arginine, Ceramides, Cottonseed oil, Squalane, and Glycerin
Pros
- pH-balanced formula
- Suitable for all hair types
- Dermatologist-tested
- Sulfate-free
- Phosphate-free
- Gluten-free
- Dye-free
- Lanolin-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Betaine-free
- Protein-free
- No artificial preservatives
- Can be used daily
Cons
- Might dry out the hair
2. Best Frizz-Free:SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Shampoo
Image: Sheamoisture The SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Shampoo gently cleanses your hair while infusing moisture and shine. It imparts essential nutrients to your scalp and promotes healthy hair growth. This shampoo is enriched with organic shea butter, honey, mafura oil, and baobab. These ingredients help soften and rejuvenate your hair.
Shea butter nourishes and smoothens the hair, keeping it frizz-free. Manuka honey acts as a humectant and moisturize your hair. Mafura oil repairs damaged hair and baobab strengthens your hair. This product also contains antioxidant-rich African rock fig that protects your hair from pollution and harmful environmental aggressors. Watch this video of the product for more information.
Key Ingredients: Organic shea butter, Manuka honey, Mafura oil, Baobab, and Africanrock fig extract
Pros
- Suitable for dry and damaged tresses
- Color-safe
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Propylene glycol-free
- Cruelty-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
None
3. Best Long-Lasting Shine:Burt’s Bees Very Volumizing Shampoo
The Burt’s Bees Very Volumizing Shampoo adds long-lasting shine and volume to your hair. The gentle formula thoroughly cleanses your scalp and offers nourishment. This shampoo is enriched with antioxidant-rich pomegranate seed oil and jojoba protein, which act as a natural moisturizer and reduce frizz. It also helps detangle your hair and make it fuller and healthy-looking. Go through this video review for a detailed understanding of the product.
Key Ingredients: Pomegranate seed oil and Jojoba protein
Pros
- SLS-free
- Gentle formula
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Petrolatum-free
Cons
- Might cause scalp buildup
4. Best For Damaged Hair:Attitude Super Leaves Moisture Rich Shampoo
The Attitude Super Leaves Moisture Rich Shampoo contains quinoa which promotes hair growth and repairs damaged hair. It is enriched with jojoba proteins that offer nourishment and moisturization, and revive dull, dry, and brittle hair. This shampoo also contains moringa seed extract, which protects your hair from pollution. It detoxifies the scalp and strengthens your hair from roots to tips.
Key Ingredients: Quinoa, Jojoba protein, and Moringa seed extract
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- EWG verified
- Eco-friendly
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
5. Best Organic:Christian Moss Naturals Original Shampoo
If you are looking for a natural product without any trace of harmful chemicals, Christina Moss Naturals Hair Shampoo is your answer. It contains coconut oil, aloe vera, and shea butter, which soften, soothe, and hydrate your hair. This shampoo gently removes oil and dirt without drying out your scalp, or leaving buildup on your hair. Olive oil, an antioxidant, helps reverse hair damage from ultraviolet radiation.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Aloe vera, Shea butter, and Olive oil
Pros
- Contains organic ingredients
- Suitable for all hair types
- Hypoallergenic
- Suitable for babies
- Environment-friendly
- Non-GMO
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Might cause scalp itchiness
6. Best Gentle Formula:Tree To Tub Relaxing Lavender Soapberry For Hair
The Tree To Tub Soapberry For Hair has the perfect pH balance (5.5). It is enriched with argan oil and aloe vera with hydrating properties that nourish the scalp. Chamomile soothes scalp irritation, and olive leaves repair damage and strengthens the hair.
Key Ingredients: Argan oil, Aloe vera, Chamomile, and Olive leaves
Pros
- pH-balanced
- Gentle formula
- Eco-friendly
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- SLS-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Gluten-free
- No artificial fragrances
- DEA- and MEA-free
Cons
None
7. Best For Color-Treated Hair:Fekkai Technician Color Shampoo
The Fekkai Technician Color Shampoo with gentle formula is ideal for people with color-treated hair. Whether you are a blonde, brunette, red, or platinum, black, it helps maintain the color’s vibrancy. The Technician Color formula minimizes friction between strands and reduces color fading.
This shampoo contains mirabelle plum seed oil that enhances your hair color. The plant-derived extracts and solar protection polymers prevent brassiness due to sun rays. Pro-vitamin B5 provides heat protection, and Edelweiss flower extract shields your hair from environmental stressors.
Key Ingredients: Mirabelle plum seed oil, Provitamin B5, and Edelweiss flower extract
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Vegan
- Eco-friendly
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
None
8. Best Anti-Aging:Innersense Pure Harmony Hairbath
The Inner sense Pure Harmony Hair bath contains coconut, rice bran, and avocado oils. Pumpkin seed oil offers a therapeutic experience and enhances scalp circulation. Green tea with anti-aging properties soothes the scalp. The lightweight formula gets absorbed onto the scalp, leaving your hair voluminous and healthy.
Key Ingredients: Coconut, Rice bran, Pumpkin seed oil, and Green tea
Pros
- Ideal for fine and brittle hair
- Lightweight
- No synthetic fragrances
- PEG-free
- MEA-free
- TEA-free
- MIA-free
- EDTA-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Dye-free
- Cruelty-free
- Silicone-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
None
9. Best Fragrance-Free:Nine Naturals For Pregnancy & Beyond Nourishing Shampoo
The Nine Naturals For & Beyond Nourishing Shampoo repairs and perks grumpy hair with soothing peppermint, lime, and lemon. The citrus-mint fragrance acts as a great mood booster and helps fight nausea and fatigue. But that’s not all! The plant-based formula contains vitamin B5, which strengthens your hair and helps prevent split ends. Organic jojoba seed oil and shea butter boost shine and seal moisture.
Key Ingredients: Peppermint, Lime, Lemon, Vitamin B5, Jojoba seed oil, and Shea butter
Pros
- Plant-based ingredients
- Gentle formula
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Suitablel for all hair types
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Chemical-free
- Fragrance-free
- No added preservatives
Cons
- Doesnot rinse out easily
- Expensive
10. Best For Chemically-Treated Hair:Big green 23 Natural Daily Scalp Shampoo
If want to get rid of oil and product buildup, try out the Bigger 23 Natural Daily Scalp Shampoo. Whether you have dry, damaged, colored or chemically-treated hair,and oily, smelly, sensitive, or dry scalp type, this shampoo is going to be your one-stop solution. The pH-balanced formula contains coconut oil that moisturizes and minimizes scalp damage. Panthenol helps in the absorption of other nutrients. This shampoo helps treat split ends and flakiness, and reduces hair static.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil and Panthenol
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Gentle formula
- pH-balanced
- Dermatologist-tested
- EWG verified
Cons
None
11. Best For Scalp Dryness:Derma E Thickening Shampoo
The Derma E Thickening Shampoo is formulated with naturally-derived proteins, vitamins, and oils that make your hair look thicker and fuller. It contains eucalyptus oil, a calming and restorative agent that prevents scalp dryness, stimulates hair follicles, and promotes healthy hair growth. Spearmint oil acts as a cooling agent for the scalp. Pro-vitamin B5 hydrates, strengthens, and nourishes your hair.
Key Ingredients: Eucalyptus oil, Provitamin B5, and Spearmint oil
Pros
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
- Cruelty-free
- Soy-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- No artificial color or fragrances
- Petrolatum-free
Cons
None
12. Best For Soft Hair:Whamisa Organic Seeds Shampoo
This organic seeds shampoo by Whamisa is enriched with 28 carefully selected natural ingredients.It keeps your scalp and hair hydrated and nourished. The pH level of 4.5 leaves your hair soft and healthy. Barley, soy, and aloe extract deeply condition your hair and moisturize your scalp.Oat ferments and natural cedarwood have hair strengthening properties.
Key Ingredients: Barley, Soy, Aloe, Cedarwood, and Oat ferments
Pros
- Mild formula
- Vegan
- No artificial fragrances
- Dye-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Silicone-free
- BDIH certified
- EWG verified
Cons
- Expensive
13. Best Deep Nourishment:Klorane Nourishing & Repairing Shampoo
The Klorane Nourishing & Repairing Shampoo gently cleanses your hair, offers deep nourishment, and repairs damaged hair.It provides essential nutrients to your hair and hydrates the scalp. The gentle formula is enriched with cupuacu butter, coconut oil, and sunflower seed oil. This luxurious, creamy product does not weigh down your hair.
Key Ingredients: Organic cupuacu butter, Coconut oil, and Sunflower seed oil
Pros
- Biodegradable
- Lightweight formula
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- SLS-free
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
None
14. Best For Sensitive Scalp:BIG GREEN Pregnancy Shampoo
This shampoo contains aloe vera extract, which leaves your hair soft and hydrated.It is formulated with fruit extracts and botanical oils that remove dirt and oils without damaging dry, sensitive scalp and hair.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera extract
Pros
- Refreshing scent
- Plant-based ingredients
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- No artificial fragrances and dyes
Cons
None
These are the 14 best shampoos safe for all moms-to-be. Apart from using a gentle shampoo, you must take extra care of your hair during pregnancy. Here are some hair care tips.
Tips To Care For Your Hair During Pregnancy
- Indulge In Oil Massage
A hot oil massage once or twice a week is a great way to soothe your scalp and nourish your hair. Use coconut, sesame, almond, castor, or jojoba oils for gently massaging your scalp. You can also add 2-3 drops of essential oils like lavender, chamomile, rosemary, or cedarwood. However, consult your doctor before using any organic or homemade hair oil to avoid an allergic reaction.
- Use Fenugreek Seeds
Soak some fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Grind them into a creamy paste and apply it to your scalp. Let this paste sit for an hour before washing it off with shampoo. Anecdotal evidence suggests that fenugreek seeds contribute to hair growth and help strengthen your hair, making it shine.
- Trim Those Split-Ends
If your hair has rough edges and split-ends, you are more likely to have breakage and hair loss. Make sure to trim the split-ends once every 2-3 months to maintain your hair health.
- Avoid Hair Coloring And Other Chemical Treatments
Hair coloring and other chemical treatments should be avoided during pregnancy. Such treatments involve the use of harsh chemicals that can get absorbed into the scalp and harm the baby.
To make sure that you are using the right shampoo during pregnancy, here are some pointers that you need to keep in mind.
How To Choose The Best Shampoo During Pregnancy – Buying Guide
- Read The Product Label
Check the list of ingredients before purchasing a shampoo. Natural, plant-based products and organic shampoos are safer options during this time. Also, choose a shampoo free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, alcohol, and other harsh chemicals.
- Determine Your Scalp Type
Determining your scalp and hair type is crucial. This will help you pick the right shampoo, depending on your specific hair needs. You can visit a dermatologist who can help you understand your scalp type and choose the right shampoo.
- Say No To Synthetic Fragrances
Fragrances might make your hair smell nice, but they are a common irritant. Choose a shampoo that does not contain any artificial fragrances and dyes. These agents can exacerbate your scalp and cause hair loss.
Pregnancy-safe shampoos don’t comprise ingredients that can mistakenly alter your hormonal balance. These shampoos are safe for to-be mothers because they are not formulated with harsh chemicals or harmful toxins. Some pregnancy-safe shampoos remove dead skin cells and impurities from your scalp while offering stronger, thicker, and well-nourished tresses. These shampoos tend to make your hair more manageable and balance the pH level of your scalp. However, pregnant women should steer clear of shampoos that tend to make the locks drier after each wash.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar is a hair care enthusiast who loves experimenting with hair products. She relies on the best pregnancy-safe shampoos to ensure the ingredients are free of toxins. These products are ideal for moms-to-be and do not affect any hormonal changes. The author has carefully researched the products and online reviews to help pregnant moms pick the best hair products. These shampoos are not only baby safe but keep your hair lush and beautiful throughout your pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to switch to a pregnancy-safe shampoo?
Yes, switch to a pregnancy-safe shampoo if you are a mom-to-be.
Why do most pregnant women change shampoos when expecting?
Pregnancy can increase hair and scalp sensitivity. Therefore, only use a pregnancy-safe shampoo when you are expecting. These shampoos are devoid of harsh chemicals, prevent hair damage,and do not pose any health risks.
What’s the deal with sulfates? Are they dangerous?
Yes, sulfates are not safe for your scalp. They strip the essential oils and moisture of your scalp and hair.
How often should one shampoo during their pregnancy?
There is no strict restriction on how frequently you should shampoo during pregnancy. You can wash your hair twice or thrice a week, depending on your scalp type.
Is shampoo safe during pregnancy?
Yes, using shampoo during pregnancy is completely safe. However, make sure the product is free of harmful chemicals.
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