Pregnancy Beauty Treatments UK: What's Safe, What to Avoid (2026)

Can You Have Beauty Treatments During Pregnancy?

Yes — but with care. Many popular beauty treatments are perfectly safe throughout pregnancy, while others should be avoided or modified, particularly during the first trimester. Always inform your therapist that you are pregnant before any appointment, and if in doubt, check with your midwife or GP first.

Beauty Treatments Generally Considered Safe During Pregnancy

Manicures and Pedicures

Manicures and pedicures are generally safe throughout pregnancy. Choose a well-ventilated salon to minimise exposure to fumes from nail polish and acetone. Opt for brands that are "5-free" or "7-free" (free from the most harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene and DBP). Avoid having the feet massaged during the first trimester if you have any concerns — some therapists will decline reflexology or foot massage in the first 12 weeks.

Pregnancy Massage

A pregnancy massage, adapted specifically for expectant mothers, can be deeply beneficial — relieving back pain, leg swelling, tension and improving sleep. From the second trimester (after week 12), a trained therapist will position you on your side or at a specific angle using cushions.

• Ensure your therapist is qualified in pregnancy massage.
• Avoid deep abdominal massage, heavy pressure on the lower back, and massage near varicose veins.
• Always check with your midwife if you have a high-risk pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, blood clotting issues or placenta praevia.
• Price: £45–£80 for a one-hour pregnancy massage.

Haircuts and Blow-Dries

A trim or blow-dry is completely safe at any stage of pregnancy. Many women notice changes in hair thickness and growth during pregnancy — some hair becomes fuller and shinier, others experience changes in texture.

Hair Washing and Conditioning Treatments

Deep conditioning treatments, Olaplex, scalp treatments and glosses are generally safe. Check ingredient lists for ammonia or strong chemical content, and ensure the salon is ventilated.

Gentle Facials

Mild, hydrating facials with gentle ingredients are generally fine. Look for pregnancy-safe ranges. Inform your therapist so they can avoid strong actives, essential oils, retinoids and harsh exfoliants.

Eyebrow Shaping and Tinting

Threading and waxing are safe. Tinting is generally considered fine, though some women prefer to avoid it in the first trimester as a precaution. Always patch test if using a different tint product or therapist.

Treatments to Avoid or Be Cautious About During Pregnancy

Hair Colouring and Bleaching

The evidence on hair colouring in pregnancy is mixed. Most research suggests that the chemicals absorbed through the scalp in a typical salon colour are minimal. However, many women choose to:

• Avoid any colouring in the first trimester as a precaution.
• Choose highlights, balayage or foils (which don't touch the scalp) from the second trimester onwards.
• Use ammonia-free or organic colouring products.

Discuss your preferences with your hairdresser — they can adapt the approach.

Certain Waxing

Leg waxing and arm waxing are generally fine. However, skin becomes more sensitive and prone to bruising during pregnancy, and some therapists will decline intimate waxing in later stages. Always inform your therapist and proceed gently.

Strong Chemical Treatments

• Keratin treatments (if they contain formaldehyde) — avoid entirely.
• Perms — generally advised to avoid in the first trimester.
• Chemical peels (especially medium and deep peels) — avoid during pregnancy.
• Retinoid-containing facials — retinoids are contraindicated in pregnancy.

Spray Tanning and Self-Tanning

DHA (the active ingredient in spray tans) is not thought to be absorbed through the skin in significant amounts, but inhaling the spray is not recommended. If you want a tan during pregnancy, self-tan lotions applied carefully are a lower-risk option. Avoid spray tanning in the first trimester as a precaution.

Botox and Dermal Fillers

Both Botox and dermal fillers should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Reputable practitioners will decline to treat pregnant clients.

Microneedling and Skin Peels

Avoid during pregnancy — these treatments stimulate significant skin response and some ingredients used (numbing creams, certain serums) are contraindicated.

Acrylic Nails

The fumes from acrylic application are strong and not ideal to inhale. If you want acrylics, ensure the salon is extremely well-ventilated. Many pregnant women prefer gel polish as an alternative.

How to Find a Pregnancy-Safe Therapist

• Always disclose your pregnancy when booking, so the therapist can check their qualifications and product list.
• Look for therapists who list pregnancy massage or pregnancy treatments in their services.
• Ask about products — many therapists use dedicated pregnancy-safe product ranges such as Mama Mio or Comfort Zone.
• If you're unsure, check with your midwife or GP before booking.

Book a Pregnancy-Safe Beauty Treatment on Bookora

Bookora lists qualified therapists across the UK. You can search specifically for pregnancy massage and pregnancy-safe treatments.

1. Search for pregnancy massage or beauty treatments on Bookora.
2. Check that the therapist is qualified in pregnancy treatments.
3. Book your appointment and let them know your stage of pregnancy at the time of booking.

Find a pregnancy-safe therapist on Bookora.