As a hair care specialist, I understand the unique challenges expecting mothers face when it comes to maintaining healthy, vibrant hair. Pregnancy brings about numerous changes in the body, and your hair is no exception.
It's crucial to find products that not only enhance hair growth but are also safe for both mom and baby. In this article, we'll delve into the five best pregnancy-safe shampoos for hair growth in 2023.
These are carefully selected, meticulously reviewed, and honed down to offer you options that are gentle yet effective, placing the health of you and your unborn child at the forefront. Let's explore these fantastic products together.
How We Choose the Best Shampoos for Pregnancy?
When it comes to selecting the best shampoos for pregnancy, our process is thorough and meticulous. As hair care and styling experts at Belle Beauties, we understand that an expecting mother's needs are unique and paramount. Our selection process starts with scouring through countless products available on reliable platforms like Amazon.
Product reviews and ratings play a significant role in our selection process. We value real-life experiences and feedback from users who've tried these products. It's essential for us to know how well a product fares in real-world conditions outside of controlled laboratory tests. We examine hundreds, sometimes thousands, of user reviews for each product to gauge its effectiveness, safety, and overall quality.
However, our analysis doesn't stop at user reviews and ratings. The ingredient list of each shampoo is another crucial factor we consider. We meticulously check each ingredient, verifying its safety and efficacy for pregnant women and their unborn children. Some ingredients can promote hair growth but may not be safe during pregnancy, and we ensure those are excluded from our recommendations.
After a rigorous selection process, we boil down our findings to the top five. This shortlist represents shampoos that are not only safe and effective for hair growth during pregnancy but also have high user satisfaction rates.
We aim to provide you with options that will make your pregnancy journey a little more comfortable and stress-free, ensuring you feel confident and beautiful every step of the way.
5 Best Shampoo for Pregnancy in 2023
A lot of expecting mothers reach out to me regarding pregnancy-safe shampoo; I know the importance of using safe products during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can wreak havoc on your hair, leading to thinning and excessive shedding. Finding a shampoo that promotes hair growth without harmful chemicals is essential.
After extensive research with my team, I've discovered the 5 best pregnancy-safe shampoos of 2023. These gently cleanse hair while infusing strands with nutrients to boost volume. Read on for reviews of shampoos that nourish your locks and baby bump.
The ATTITUDE Pregnancy Shampoo is a product that certainly stands out in the market of hair care products. It is designed specifically for expectant mothers, offering a unique blend of natural emollients that work to soothe and moisturize the hair while also preventing a dry scalp.
One of the key features of this shampoo is its plant- and mineral-based formula. It is enriched with antioxidant-rich argan extract, which is known for its protective and restorative properties.
Additionally, it contains hydrolyzed wheat protein, which helps nourish and soften the hair. This potent combination of ingredients ensures that your hair remains healthy and vibrant throughout pregnancy.
This shampoo is hypoallergenic and has been dermatologically tested, so it's suitable for those with sensitive scalps. Moreover, it bears the EWG VERIFIED mark, indicating that it contains only the safest ingredients. It is also PETA-approved, meaning it has not been tested on animals.
Pros
- Contains natural emollients to soothe and moisturize hair
- Plant- and mineral-based formula with antioxidant-rich argan extract and hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested
- Certified by EWG, PETA, and ECOLOGO
- Generally well-received scent
Cons
- Some users might find the scent too strong
I'm thoroughly impressed with ATTITUDE Pregnancy Shampoo. The blend of natural emollients, antioxidant-rich argan extract, and hydrolyzed wheat protein is a game-changer for expectant mothers. It's hypoallergenic dermatologist-tested, and the certifications from EWG, PETA, and ECOLOGO are reassuring. The Apple Blossom scent is divine, though a tad strong for some.
The Noelo Hills Minimal B Shampoo is a product that has been designed with the utmost care and attention to detail. With a team of medical professionals from various specialties, including dermatology, obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics, this shampoo has been crafted to cater to the unique needs of expectant mothers. However, it has proven to be equally beneficial for all adults, regardless of their pregnancy status. It is a 100% natural shampoo to improve hair health of all adults.
One of the key aspects of this shampoo is its adherence to clean beauty standards. It's free from over 2,400 toxic ingredients, as listed by the EU, ensuring a safe and healthy experience for every user. The product has also been certified by Dermatest of Germany for its skin-friendly nature, making it suitable even for those with the most sensitive skin.
The Noelo Hills Minimal B Shampoo stands out for its gentle yet deep cleansing properties. With a pH level of 5.5, it manages scalp oil without causing dryness. Furthermore, it effectively removes up to 98.99% of fine dust pollution particles, leaving your hair and scalp feeling fresh and invigorated.
Enriched with Panthenol, this shampoo offers deep moisturization for both the scalp and hair. It nourishes the hair from root to tip, enhancing its manageability and softness. Moreover, the inclusion of Vitamin E provides potent antioxidant protection, safeguarding your hair from environmental stressors and promoting a radiant shine.
Pros
- Developed by medical professionals, catering to the unique needs of expectant mothers
- Clean beauty formula, free from 2,400+ toxic ingredients
- Gentle yet deep cleansing with pH 5.5, removing 98.99% of fine dust pollution particles
- Hydrates and nourishes scalp and hair with Panthenol infusion
- Promotes healthy, radiant shine with Vitamin E
Cons
- No cons have been reported by users so far.
As someone who values clean beauty, I appreciate that it's free from over 2,400 toxic ingredients. The fact that it was developed by medical professionals gives me confidence in its safety. It cleanses deeply yet gently, managing scalp oil without causing dryness.
3. Herbal Essences Shampoo and Conditioner
Total 4.5 stars with 6,716 global ratings
Herbal Essences Shampoo and Conditioner is a product that prides itself on its natural origin, with 87% natural origin shampoo and 90% natural origin conditioner. The shampoo and conditioner duo is made with real botanicals and natural source ingredient materials with limited processing & purified water, making it a potentially great choice for those who prefer a more natural approach to hair care.
The volumizing shampoo is crafted without sulfates, allowing it to gently cleanse and moisturize hair while also being safe for color-treated hair. It's noteworthy that the real botanicals in these formulas have been verified by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, adding a layer of credibility to the brand's claims about the product's natural ingredients.
The hydrating shampoo and conditioner have received mixed reviews from users. Some users have found it to be their new favorite shampoo, leaving their hair feeling softer than any other drugstore product they've used in the past. They also appreciated that the product does not contain common toxic substances found in shampoos, such as parabens and forms of formaldehyde. The scent of the product is also well-received, described as a neutral smell that isn't bad at all.
Pros
- Majority natural origin ingredients.
- Good for dry and damaged hair.
- Free from sulfates and parabens.
- Endorsed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- Generally leaves hair feeling soft.
- Neutral, pleasant scent for healthy hair.
Cons
- May cause hair fall in some users.
- Not all essential oils are added for smooth hair.
- Can leave frizzy hair tangled and unmanageable for some.
As a dedicated user of Herbal Essences Shampoo and Conditioner, I'm impressed. The real botanicals and sulfate-free formula work wonders on color-treated hair. Every wash leaves hair healthy and easily manageable. The light, natural scent is a bonus, and knowing it's free from harsh chemicals gives peace of mind.
4. Aveeno Oat Milk Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Total 4.5 stars with 6,698 global ratings
Aveeno Oat Milk Sulfate-Free Shampoo is a well-crafted product designed to cater to the hair care needs of adults. Boasting a unique formula infused with natural oat and almond milk, this shampoo promises to gently nourish the scalp while adding balanced moisture to dry, damaged hair. The scent of oat milk, a touch of coconut, and ripe raisin adds a refreshing note to the overall sensory experience.
The shampoo is known for its balanced cleansing properties. Made with wholesome ingredients, it not only soothes your scalp but also hydrates your oily hair from root to tip. This results in softer strands and an enhancement of your hair’s natural beauty.
One of the standout features of Aveeno Oat Milk Blend Shampoo is its commitment to natural goodness. It is free from sulfates, parabens, and dyes, ensuring the gentle nourishment of your scalp without any harmful effects. Moreover, it is not tested on animals, reflecting the brand's ethical stance.
Aveeno, known for bringing the soothing and healing properties of nature to skincare, now also offers wholesome hair care products that soothe your scalp and nourish your strands. Their clinically proven formulas are a testament to their commitment to quality and effectiveness.
Pros
- Infused with natural oat and almond milk for gentle nourishment.
- Prevents thinning hair.
- Free from sulfates, parabens, and dyes.
- Soothes the scalp and hydrates hair from root to tip.
- Suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair.
- Not tested on animals.
Cons
- May not be suitable for fine, curly hair.
- Some users may find the scent too strong.
The blend of oat and almond milk gently soothes the scalp while deeply moisturizing strands. I admire its commitment to being free from sulfates, parabens, and dyes. Plus, not testing on animals is a big win in my book. However, it may not work as well for those with fine, curly hair.
5. The Honest Company Cleansing Shampoo
Total 4.6 stars with 2,782 global ratings
The Honest Company Silicone-Free Conditioner & 2-in-1 Cleansing Shampoo + Body Wash Duo is an excellent choice for expecting mothers seeking pregnancy-safe shampoo. This product is designed with naturally derived ingredients and is free of harmful substances like silicones, parabens, dyes, synthetic fragrances, formaldehyde donors, and phthalates.
This duo offers an array of benefits that cater to all hair types. It moisturizes, makes hair easier to manage, maintains hair color, and repairs damaged hair. It's also tear-free and hypoallergenic, ensuring a gentle and soothing experience for both the hair and skin.
The shampoo and body wash component cleanses effectively without stripping natural oils, which is crucial for maintaining healthy hair and skin. The conditioner, on the other hand, provides essential hydration and softness, leaving the hair feeling light and silky smooth. It is also the best baby shampoo you can use for your baby.
Pros
- Moisturizes all hair types
- Makes hair easier to manage
- Maintains hair color
- Tear-free and Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Naturally derived ingredients
- Repairs damaged hair types
Cons
- May dry out some hair types
- Potential for scalp itchiness
I've been impressed with The Honest Company's Cleansing Shampoo. The naturally derived ingredients and absence of harmful substances make it a standout product as a good pregnancy-safe shampoo. It gently cleanses and conditions without causing irritation, which is a huge plus for those with sensitive skin. Despite a few minor setbacks, it's a product I trust and would recommend to those seeking gentle, effective hair care.
Buying Guide for the Best Pregnancy-Safe Shampoo
As a hair care specialist, I know how important it is for expecting mothers to use safe products during pregnancy. The hormonal changes that come with pregnancy can really do a number on your hair, leading to thinning, breakage, and excess oil production.
While you want to nourish your growing hair, you also need to be mindful of what ingredients you're exposing yourself and your baby to.
When looking for the best pregnancy-safe shampoos for hair growth, there are a few key factors I recommend keeping in mind:
Ingredient Safety
This is the most critical consideration when choosing a shampoo during pregnancy. You'll want to avoid parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and other questionable chemicals that may disrupt hormones or cause other issues. Instead, look for shampoos made with natural, non-toxic ingredients. Organic plant oils, seed oil extracts, and vitamins are great options.
Hair Concerns
Consider what your main hair goals and concerns are. Are you looking to add moisture, volume, growth, and shine? Then, look for ingredients that target those needs, like biotin, keratin, coconut oil, etc. If you're experiencing dandruff or oiliness, search for gentle formulas with tea tree, jojoba, or salicylic acid that won't over-dry your scalp.
Fragrance
Pregnancy can make you more sensitive to scents. Steer clear of heavily perfumed shampoos. Fragrance-free is ideal, but if you want a light scent, make sure it comes from natural essential oils, not synthetic fragrances.
Gentleness
Pregnancy can also make your skin and scalp more sensitive. Look for formulas free of sulfates and other harsh cleansers. Instead, choose gentle botanical cleansers like decyl glucoside that will cleanse hair without stripping it. Always do a patch test when trying a new product.
Conditioning
Your hair needs extra moisture and nourishment during pregnancy. Seek out shampoos that double as conditioners or contain conditioning agents like fatty alcohols, panthenol, aloe vera, etc. Your hair will feel softer and retain more moisture.
Scalp Health
A healthy scalp is key for optimal hair growth. Make sure any shampoo you choose is pH-balanced and won't disrupt your scalp's protective barrier. Nourishing ingredients like tea tree, rosemary, and ginger root can soothe and invigorate the scalp.
Ease of Use
Opt for shampoos that lather easily, rinse cleanly, and make styling easier. Pregnancy fatigue is real, so you want a simple product that won't take a ton of work to use. Also, consider opting for a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner to streamline your routine.
Price Point
You may go through shampoo quicker during pregnancy as your hair changes. Find an affordable option that fits into your budget. Drugstore brands can be just as effective as salon brands. Or buy in bulk if available to save money.
Reviews
Look at reviews from other pregnant women who've used the shampoo. They'll provide insight into how it performs on hormonal hair. Make sure any concerns about ingredients or safety are addressed.
Brand Values
Research brands and companies to ensure their values align with yours. Many health-conscious brands opt for natural, sustainable practices you can feel good about supporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming as your body goes through so many changes. Your hair is no exception. Between surging hormones, increased oil production, and a drained nutrient supply, your locks may not look or feel their best.
You probably have a lot of questions about how to care for your hair while pregnant. What ingredients should you avoid? How often should you wash it? Will postpartum hair loss affect hair growth? I have compiled this FAQ list to address common hair concerns during and after pregnancy to help you maintain healthy, beautiful hair for you and your baby.
What is the best shampoo to use during pregnancy?
The best shampoos during pregnancy are gentle, toxin-free formulas with natural ingredients like organic oils and extracts. Avoid shampoos with chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
What shampoos should be avoided during pregnancy?
Avoid shampoos with strong scents, toxic ingredients like formaldehyde, and harsh cleansers like sulfates, which may irritate skin.
Is any shampoo safe while pregnant?
Yes, pregnancy-safe shampoos exist, like vegan, organic brands with plant oils and extracts. Always check labels and consult a doctor. Always avoid shampoos with harmful ingredients.
Are Pureology products pregnancy safe?
Pureology products are generally considered safe during pregnancy as they avoid harsh sulfates and fragrances. But check with your doctor.
Should I wash my hair everyday while pregnant?
Washing hair daily is typically fine in pregnancy if your scalp produces excess oil. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to prevent dryness.
What deodorant is safe during pregnancy?
Natural deodorants without aluminum and chemicals, like Schmidt's and Native, are safe for pregnancy. Avoid strong antiperspirants.
What is the safest pregnancy cleanser?
Cetaphil gentle facial cleanser is a top choice for pregnancy, with soothing ingredients for sensitive skin. Avoid retinoids.
Is Dove shampoo pregnancy safe?
Dove shampoos are free of harsh sulfates and safe for pregnancy. Opt for fragrance-free or lightly scented formulas.
Conclusion
I hope this guide helps you find the ideal shampoo to nourish your hair during pregnancy and set the stage for luscious locks postpartum. Remember to check labels, do patch tests, and consult your doctor about any concerns. While pregnancy can wreak havoc on your hair, the right products and care techniques can minimize issues and support healthy hair growth.
Focus on gentle, nutrient-rich shampoos with natural ingredients best suited to your hair needs and sensitivity. Be patient with changes like thinning and oiliness—they are temporary and can be managed. With the right shampoo and self-care, you will have that pregnancy glow from head to toe so you can focus on the joy of motherhood ahead.
