14 Best Pregnancy-Safe Shampoos Of 2024, Hairstylist-Approved

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. These mild pregnancy-safe shampoos for daily use 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.

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
• 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

4.4

Image: Vanicream

Now 9% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $10.86

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 deep-cleansing pregnancy-safe shampoo makes your hair more manageable and balances the pH level of your scalp. Check out the detailed review of this clean formula in this video of a tester’s experience.

Key Ingredients: Panthenol, Arginine, Ceramides, Cottonseed oil, Squalane, and Glycerin

Did You Know?

Vanicream was established in 1975 as Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. (PSI) by pharmacists Conrad Thompson and Ed Mansfield.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has received 1,611 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.

2. Best Frizz-Free: SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Shampoo

4.4

Image: Sheamoisture

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.99

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 moisturizes your hair. Mafura oil repairs damaged hair and baobab strengthens your hair. This moisturizing pregnancy-safe shampoo also contains antioxidant-rich African rock fig that protects your hair from pollution and harmful environmental aggressors. Watch this video review of the product along with a tester’s experience of using it for more information.

Key Ingredients: Organic shea butter, Manuka honey, Mafura oil, Baobab, and African rock fig extract

Did You Know?

Sofi Tucker originally founded SheaMoisture to formulate products with raw butter made by women in Africa. However, she sold the brand to African Black Soap in 1912.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 707 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.

3. Best Long-Lasting Shine: Burt’s Bees Very Volumizing Shampoo

4.4

Image: Burt's Bees

BUY ON AMAZON | $7.99

The Burt’s Bees Very Volumizing Shampoo adds long-lasting shine and volume to your hair. The gentle formula thoroughly cleanses your scalp, offers nourishment, and leaves the hair smooth. This shampoo is enriched with nourishing ingredients such as 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 this detangling shampoo for pregnant women.

Key Ingredients: Pomegranate seed oil and Jojoba protein

	Vanicream Free & Clear Shampoo Best For All Hair Types	SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Shampoo Best Frizz-Free	Burt's Bees Very Volumizing Shampoo Best Long-Lasting Shine
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Hair Type	All	Dry, Damaged	-
Weight	12.5 ounces	-	-
Dimensions	2 x 1.5 x 8.3 inches.	2.68 x 2.68 x 6.2 inches	-
Weight	-	13 Ounces	-
Rating
Reviews	1,611	707	3,248
Price	$10.86	$9.99	$7.99

4. Best For Damaged Hair:Attitude Super Leaves Moisture Rich Shampoo

4.3

Image: Attitude

Now 7% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $14.78

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, brittle, and dry hair. This dermatologically-tested 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

5. Best Organic:Christian Moss Naturals Original Shampoo

4.1

Image: Christina Moss Naturals

BUY ON AMAZON | $22.97

If you are looking for a natural product without any trace of harmful ingredients or chemicals, Christina Moss Naturals Hair Shampoo is your answer. The organic pregnancy-safe shampoo contains coconut oil, aloe vera, and shea butter, which soften, soothe, and hydrate your hair. This hypoallergenic and natural shampoo for pregnancy 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

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received over 962 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.

6. Best Gentle Formula:Tree To Tub Relaxing Lavender Soapberry For Hair

4.2

Image: Tree To Tub

Now 20% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $15.99

The Tree To Tub Soapberry For Hair has the perfect pH balance (5.5). This pH-balanced pregnancy shampoo is enriched with argan oil and aloe vera with hydrating properties that nourish the scalp. Chamomile soothes scalp and skin irritation, and olive leaves repair damage and strengthen the hair.

Key Ingredients: Argan oil, Aloe vera, Chamomile, and Olive leaves

7. Best For Color-Treated Hair:Fekkai Technician Color Shampoo

4.4

Image: Fekkai

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.65

The Fekkai Technician Color Shampoo with gentle formula is ideal for people with color-treated hair. Whether you are a blonde, brunette, red, platinum, or black, it helps maintain the color’s vibrancy. The Technician Color formula minimizes friction between strands and minimizes color fading.

This UV protection shampoo for pregnancy 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

8. Best Anti-Aging:Innersense Pure Harmony Hairbath

4.4

Image: Innersense Organic Beauty

BUY ON AMAZON | $70

The Inner sense Pure Harmony Hair bath contains nourishing ingredients such as coconut, rice bran, and avocado oils. The scalp-soothing pregnancy-safe shampoo has pumpkin seed oil that 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. It is suitable for dry, normal, and oily hair.

Key Ingredients: Coconut, Rice bran, Pumpkin seed oil, and Green tea

9. Best Fragrance-Free:Nine Naturals For Pregnancy & Beyond Nourishing Shampoo

BUY ON AMAZON

The Nine Naturals For & Beyond Nourishing Shampoo repairs and perks grumpy hair with soothing peppermint, lime, and lemon. The citrus-mint, natural fragrance acts as a great mood booster and helps fight nausea and fatigue. But that’s not all! This plant-based, natural shampoo contains vitamin B5, which strengthens your hair and helps prevent split ends. Organic jojoba seed oil and shea butter in this allergen-free pregnancy shampoo leave your hair shiny and hydrated.

Key Ingredients: Peppermint, Lime, Lemon, Vitamin B5, Jojoba seed oil, and Shea butter

10. Best For Chemically-Treated Hair:Big green 23 Natural Daily Scalp Shampoo

4

BUY ON AMAZON

If want to get rid of oil and product buildup, try out the Bigger 23 Natural Daily Scalp Shampoo. Whether you have dry, damaged, chemically-treated, or colored hair, and oily, dry, sensitive, or smelly 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 and promotes optimum scalp health. Panthenol helps in the absorption of other nutrients. This dermatologist-tested shampoo helps treat split ends and flakiness and reduces hair static.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil and Panthenol

11. Best For Scalp Dryness:Derma E Thickening Shampoo

4.3

Image: Derma-e

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.85

The Derma E Thickening Shampoo is formulated with naturally-derived proteins, vitamins, and oils that make your hair look thicker and fuller. The soothing scalp treatment for pregnant women contains eucalyptus oil, a calming and restorative agent that prevents scalp dryness, stimulates hair follicles, and promotes healthy hair growth. This dermatologist-recommended, sulfate-free shampoo has spearmint oil that 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

12. Best For Soft Hair:Whamisa Organic Seeds Shampoo

4.2

Image: Whamisa

BUY ON AMAZON | $37.99

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 healthy and soft. Aloe, soy, and barley extract deeply condition your hair and moisturize your scalp. This hair care product also contains oat ferments and natural cedarwood that have hair-strengthening properties and give soft and healthy hair.

Key Ingredients: Barley, Soy extract, Aloe, Cedarwood, and Oat ferments

13. Best Deep Nourishment:Klorane Nourishing & Repairing Shampoo

4.1

Image: Klorane

Now 20% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $17.6

The Klorane Nourishing & Repairing Shampoo gently cleanses your hair, offers deep nourishment, and repairs damaged hair. The repairing pregnancy-safe shampoo provides essential nutrients to your hair and hydrates the scalp. The gentle formula is enriched with safe ingredients like Cupuacu butter, coconut oil, and sunflower seed oil. This luxurious, creamy and biodegradable pregnancy shampoo does not weigh down your hair. It has proven efficacy, with 96% of users agreeing that the hair softens instantly.

Key Ingredients: Organic cupuacu butter, Coconut oil, and Sunflower seed oil

14. Best For Sensitive Scalp:BIG GREEN Pregnancy Shampoo

3.9

BUY ON AMAZON | $14.99

This shampoo contains aloe vera extract, which helps you to get soft and hydrated hair. It is formulated with fruit extracts and botanical oils that remove dirt and oils without damaging dry scalp and hair. The formula is also suitable for sensitive skin and scalp.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera extract

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 hair breakage and loss. Make sure to trim the split ends once every 2-3 months and use an anti-hair loss shampoo 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, here are some pointers that you need to keep in mind when buying shampoos for pregnancy.

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. Understanding whether you have a dry or oily scalp and straight, coarse, wavy, or curly hair can make a significant difference. 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.

Infographic: Ingredients To Look For In A Pregnancy-Safe Shampoo

Pregnancy-safe shampoos are consciously crafted with effective and mild ingredients that do not affect both the baby’s and would-be mommy’s health. These elements keep the scalp clean and nourish the tresses intensively while boosting their volume. The infographic below lists these pregnancy-safe ingredients and their benefits. Check it out to make an informed decision.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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 allergen-free pregnancy shampoos 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.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Kirtana Divakar is a hair care enthusiast who loves experimenting with hair products. She relies on the best nourishing shampoos for pregnant women 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 allergen-free pregnancy shampoos are not only baby safe but keep your hair lush and beautiful throughout your pregnancy.

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Jill TurnbullHairstylist

   

Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide.

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Kirtana DivakarCommerce Writer

 

Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.

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Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

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Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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