Beauty treatments in pregnancy and while breastfeeding: what you can book and what to wait for

Quick answer: Most everyday beauty treatments are fine to book while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Hair colour, manicures, gel polish, waxing, spray tans and relaxing pregnancy massage are all generally considered safe, often with small changes such as a patch test, good ventilation or a different position on the couch. It is usually best to wait on microblading, fillers, laser hair removal, saunas and hot tubs, and to talk to your doctor or midwife before Botox, laser skin treatments or stronger peels. Always tell your therapist you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and check with your doctor or midwife if your pregnancy has any complications.

Pregnancy brings a flood of advice, and beauty treatments are one of the most common things people search for in those early weeks. Can I still have my roots done? Is my gel manicure fine? What about the spa day I booked before I knew?

The reassuring news is that there is very little you have to give up completely. Feeling like yourself matters, and a little time in the chair can do a lot for how you feel. The research on beauty treatments in pregnancy is limited, simply because pregnant people are rarely included in trials, so official bodies tend to be cautious. This guide brings together what organisations such as the NHS, NCT, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and MotherToBaby say, treatment by treatment, so you can book with confidence.

First, tell your therapist

Whatever you book, let your therapist know you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and how many weeks along you are. It changes how a good professional works with you: the products they choose, how they position you, how long the treatment takes and whether they suggest waiting. It is also worth mentioning any pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure, bleeding or a history of blood clots, so they can advise whether to check with your midwife first.

Hair colour, bleach and relaxers

The NHS says most research shows it is safe to colour your hair while pregnant, because the amount of chemical you are exposed to is very low. Some people choose to wait until after the first 12 weeks, when the chance of chemicals affecting the baby is lower. Highlights and balayage are a gentle option because the colour sits on the hair rather than the scalp.

The MotherToBaby hair treatments fact sheet (June 2026) adds that animal studies using dye at around 100 times typical human exposure did not show a higher miscarriage risk, and that the amount absorbed through healthy, unbroken scalp skin is small when products are used as directed.

For relaxers, NCT notes that studies have not shown a higher risk of premature birth or low birth weight, and that relaxing three or four times during pregnancy is not thought to cause harm. Some smoothing and straightening treatments contain formaldehyde, or release it when heated, which MotherToBaby flags as a concern, so many people choose to pause those until after the baby arrives. Ask your stylist what is in the product.

Two things help: ask for a patch test even with a colour you have used for years, as pregnancy can change how your skin reacts, and choose a salon that keeps the room well ventilated.

Nails: gel, acrylics and fumes

There is no official guidance telling you to avoid nail treatments. MotherToBaby says there are no known increased risks from routine nail treatments in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, because the amounts absorbed or breathed in are small. The smell of acrylic liquid and polish can trigger headaches or nausea, especially early on, so a salon with good extraction and fresh air makes a real difference. If the smell bothers you, gel polish or a classic manicure may feel more comfortable than acrylics. Read our gel polish guide to see what a professional appointment involves.

Lashes, lash lifts and brows

We could not find any official research on lash lifts, lash extensions or brow tints during pregnancy, and none of the major health bodies we checked name them as treatments to avoid. Because evidence is thin, a patch test before your appointment is especially sensible, and your therapist may suggest waiting until after the first 12 weeks. You will also be lying back for a while, so ask for extra pillows. Our lash lift guide explains what to expect.

Waxing and hair removal

NCT lists waxing, shaving, hair removal creams and bleaching as safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Your skin may feel more sensitive than usual, so let your therapist know and they can adjust. NCT does suggest waiting until after pregnancy for permanent hair removal such as laser, because it has not been well studied. See our waxing guide for more.

Massage

Relaxing massage can ease stress, aches and low mood, and NCT recommends it, with a few adjustments:

• Choose gentle massage rather than deep tissue, which NCT advises avoiding because of the small risk of an undetected blood clot.
• Lie on your side or sit upright, or lie face down only with a pregnancy pillow or specially designed couch. NHS advice is to avoid lying flat on your back for more than a few minutes after 16 weeks, because the weight of the bump can press on a major blood vessel and make you feel dizzy.
• The belly is usually left out.
• Essential oils should be well diluted; NCT suggests a 2% concentration.

If your pregnancy is complicated, speak to your doctor or midwife first. Our pregnancy massage guide covers what a trained therapist does differently.

Facials and peels

A classic facial is a lovely pregnancy treat. The main things to check are the active ingredients and your position. The American Academy of Dermatology advises avoiding retinoids, including over the counter retinol, and hydroquinone during pregnancy, and talking to a dermatologist before using salicylic acid above 2%. NCT says some chemical peels are generally thought safe but should be used with caution. If you are booking a peel, ask your therapist for the ingredient list so you can check it with your midwife, doctor or pharmacist.

Spray tan

The active ingredient in fake tan is DHA. In lab models, MotherToBaby reports that less than 1% of applied DHA enters the bloodstream. What is less clear is breathing in the mist, which is why MotherToBaby suggests protecting your eyes, nose and mouth during a spray tan. A professional who offers nose filters, a well ventilated booth or a tanning mousse instead of a spray is a good choice. Tanning pills are a different matter and should be avoided. Our spray tan guide has more detail.

Saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs

This is the one where advice differs a little by country. ACOG says it is best to avoid saunas and hot tubs during pregnancy, because they raise your core temperature and some studies link this, especially early in pregnancy and for long sessions, to birth defects. NCT notes there is no clear evidence either way, and suggests that anyone who does use them waits until after 12 weeks, keeps sessions short and the temperature lower. On a spa day, many people simply swap the heat experiences for a pregnancy massage, a facial and the relaxation room.

Laser, microblading, Botox and fillers

These are the treatments most worth pausing or discussing first.

• Laser for skin: NCT says it is generally thought safe but should be used with caution. A 2019 systematic review in Dermatologic Surgery found 22 studies covering 380 pregnant patients and no clear harm, though the authors described the evidence as low level. Most practitioners will suggest waiting unless there is a medical reason.
• Microblading and semi permanent make up: NCT says reputable practitioners will not offer these during pregnancy, as there is no research on the inks and there is a risk of infection or skin reaction. MotherToBaby adds that it is unclear how much pigment enters the bloodstream.
• Botox: A 2023 study in Neurology looked at 29 years of safety data covering 913 pregnancies. Among those with known outcomes, the rate of major birth defects was 0.7%, in line with the 3% to 6% seen in the general population. That is reassuring if you had Botox before you knew you were pregnant, but because research is limited, many providers still suggest pausing cosmetic injections until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Fillers: NCT says these are not advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

While you are breastfeeding

Most treatments are back on the menu. MotherToBaby says only very small amounts of hair care chemicals are likely to reach breast milk when products are used as directed, and routine nail treatments carry no known risk for a breastfed baby. After a spray tan, avoid tanning your breasts and let your skin dry fully before your baby touches it. MotherToBaby's Botox fact sheet says it is not expected to pass into milk, and limited research found none, but fillers are still best left for now. Laser and stronger peels are worth discussing with your doctor or practitioner first. And a therapist who is happy for you to pause to feed or express makes the whole appointment easier.

FAQs

Can I dye my hair in the first trimester?

The NHS says most research shows hair dye is safe in pregnancy, but some people prefer to wait until after 12 weeks. Highlights, where the colour does not touch the scalp, are a gentle option at any stage.

Is gel polish safe when pregnant?

Yes, there is no guidance to avoid it. Choose a well ventilated salon and step outside for fresh air if the smell makes you feel unwell.

Can I have a massage in the first 12 weeks?

Gentle massage from a therapist trained in pregnancy massage is widely offered. Tell them how many weeks you are and check with your midwife first if your pregnancy has complications.

Can I use a sauna or hot tub while pregnant?

ACOG advises avoiding them because they raise your core temperature. NCT says that if you do use them, wait until after 12 weeks, keep sessions short and the temperature lower. Check with your doctor or midwife.

Can I get Botox or fillers while breastfeeding?

Fillers are not advised while breastfeeding. Botox is not expected to pass into milk, but research is limited, so many providers suggest waiting. Talk to your doctor before booking.

Book with confidence

Pregnancy and the months after are a time to feel looked after, and the right professional will make adjustments without any fuss. Every profile on our directory shows verified qualifications and insurance, so you can find a verified professional near you who is trained in the treatment you want. Start with our pregnancy massage guide, and always check with your doctor or midwife if you are unsure.