Non-Toxic, Pregnancy Safe Shampoos That Don’t Suck (2020 List)

Pregnancy has completely changed my hair and my usual products are no longer effective- help! Experiencing mild to radical differences in your hair during pregnancy is completely common. Hair can undergo many changes during pregnancy, such as texture, thickness, volume, and more. Luckily, there’s a scientific explanation for these bizarre changes and pregnancy safe shampoos that can help.

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Why does my hair feel different during pregnancy?

Has your naturally curly hair suddenly fallen flat? Or are you finding your full head of hair thinning at an alarming rate? All hair changes are linked to a change in your body’s hormone levels, specifically your estrogen levels. Coming off birth control and launching into pregnancy drastically changes your hormones. In some women, this leads to an imbalance and results in hair loss from lack of estrogen. Other women commonly experience their hair feeling super-thick around week 15 of their pregnancy due to an increase in estrogen. 

The good news is, after pregnancy, your body’s estrogen levels will balance out again and things will pretty much go back to normal. In the meantime, we’ve rounded up the best non-toxic, pregnancy safe shampoos.

How To Select a Pregnancy Safe Shampoo

Safety is a top priority during pregnancy, and you’re probably extremely mindful of what you are consuming. You might be inspecting your food and household cleaning product carefully, but what about your hair care products? Here are a few common dangers lurking there:

• Parabens – endocrine disruptors that disrupt hormone balance and may endanger fetus development
• Phthalates – endocrine disruptors that disrupt hormone balance and may endanger fetus development
• Sodium lauryl sulfate – foaming agent linked to birth defects in animal studies
• MIT (methylisothiazolinone) – preservative known to cause cell damage and potential birth defects
• Vitamin A – retinyl palmitate – can cause birth defects

To protect your baby’s health, we recommend using only EWG approved shampoos. The EWG Skin Deep Database offers practical and transparent consumer guides that reveal the harmful chemicals in beauty products. Their easy to use resources can help you decode ingredient labels in a snap! No more guessing or worrying about what dangers might be lurking in your shampoo or cosmetic products. You can shop confidently for pregnancy-safe shampoos and conditioners, knowing that EWG approved products are a go. 

The Best Non-Toxic, Pregnancy Safe Shampoos for Your Hair Type

1. Best Shampoo For Thicker, Fuller Hair 

Avalon Organics All Natural Biotin B-Complex Therapy Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner For Hair Loss and Thinning Hair | BUY NOW ON AMAZON

Beloved for its soothing lavender scent and fast results, this vegan and cruelty-free shampoo & conditioner combo is fortified with biotin b-complex, saw palmetto, quinoa protein and vitamin E.   These ingredients work together to stimulate the scalp and encourage hair growth making this product perfect for women struggling with hair thinning or hair loss. Users report that they noticed an improvement in just one week!

2. Best Dandruff Shampoo Safe During Pregnancy

Aveda Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo & Conditioner Duo | BUY NOW ON AMAZON

Women can experience dandruff during pregnancy due to an increase in skin cell production or a change in scalp oiliness due to hormones. Fight dandruff safely and effectively, with this toxin-free shampoo & conditioner from Aveda. Although at $69 it’s a little pricey, the balancing formula can help get your dandruff under control and heal your scalp quickly. 

3. Best Pregnancy Safe Dry Shampoo

Acure Dry Shampoo, Rosemary & Peppermint | BUY NOW ON AMAZON

Dry shampoo has really become the haircare champion for women short on time and energy. If this is the product you can’t live without, we recommend Acure Dry Shampoo. This product received EWG’s highest rating and is completely pregnancy safe, certified organic, 100% vegan and smells amazing.

4. Best Non-Toxic Shampoo for Dry Hair

ATTITUDE Super Leaves, Hypoallergenic Nourishing & Strengthening Shampoo, Grapeseed Oil & Olive Leaves | BUY NOW ON AMAZON

Ideal for dry and damaged hair, this shampoo uses olive leaves and grapeseed oil to restore moisture to your dry locks.  Olive leaf extract is long known for it’s deeply moisturizing and antioxidant properties as well as its ability to promote thicker, shinier and smoother hair.  ATTITUDE Super Leaves, Hypoallergenic Nourishing & Strengthening Shampoo also contain moringa extract to keep pollutants out of your hair, but best of all, for every product you buy, the company plants a tree. It’s a win-win. 

5. Best Pregnancy Safe Shampoo for Sensitive or Itchy Scalp

Clevos Natura Foresta Natural Organic Hair Shampoo | BUY NOW ON AMAZON

This sub-acidic shampoo by Clevos keeps your hair and scalp pH balanced with ingredients like mastic oil and calendula, all sourced from sustainable regions.  The company prides itself on its rigorous manufacturing process which includes handpicking dirt off of leaves selected for their products and 960 hours of organic compound removal.   This shampoo is ideal for sensitive scalps, people with atopic dermatitis, itchy scalps and is even safe enough to use on an infant.  

Final Thoughts

Every pregnant woman deserves to look and feel her best. Invest in your self-care and boost your confidence by trying these non-toxic, all-natural shampoos. Want to continue shopping toxin-free, pregnancy-safe beauty products? Find more information at EWG Skin Deep.

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.