Below we’ve listed some tips for all the pregnant ladies who would like to maintain their beauty routines while pregnant, or who simply want to enjoy some “me” time safely:

The first trimester and early second trimester is most crucial to foetal organ development. It is also when the baby is most sensitive to chemicals the mother is exposed to. Getting your hair and nails done in the third trimester may put your mind at ease that most of spud is finished developing!

The best way to deal with potentially hazardous chemicals is to minimize contact as much as possible. If you’re going DIY with hair dye, make sure to wear gloves when applying hair dye and remember to rinse your scalp thoroughly after application. Use the dye in a well-ventilated area, and don’t leave it on your hair longer than instructed. Nail polish should also be applied in a well-ventilated room, and generally only one coat should be used. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after applying the polish.

Natural hair dyes (like henna or are typically a better choice than artificial dyes, but make sure you read the labels as some natural ingredients can still be harmful for you and the baby. PPD is an important one to watch out for because while natural, it can still induce an allergic reaction. Pyarzolone, phthalates, DMDM hydantoin, formaldehyde, sodium laureth sulfate, phenyl methyl pyarzolone, parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate and aminophenol are other chemicals to be wary of. Same theory applies to creams, lotions, self-tanners and more: check the ingredient list to ensure you’re not potentially harming spud. The shorter the list and more pronounceable the ingredients, the better. Pick a chemical-free sunscreen which contains either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to prevent dark spots (and skin cancer!)

Did you know that you can use ingredients commonly found in your pantry to colour your hair? Yep, seriously. Beet and carrot juices, along with hibiscus infusions, are great choices for adding red hues to your hair. Chamomile tea or lemon juice work great for blonde tones, and coffee, tea, sage or walnut work well for darker hues or to cover greys. The effects will not last as long or be as dramatic as chemical dye, but repeating the treatments have a cumulative effect.

Most nail polishes contain a laundry list of unpronounceable chemical ingredients. Among the worst offenders are Toluene, Formaldehyde and Dibutyl Phtalate (DBP), the toxic trio found in a majority of nail polish brands. Other chemicals to avoid are Camphor, Formaldehyde Resin, Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP), Xylene, Ethyl Tosylamide, Lead and Parabens. Brands like Essie and OPI are 3-Free. Natural brands are at minimum 5-Free, with 7-Free being the gold standard. 9-Free (i.e. free of all of the above chemicals) is the best one can wish for, but we haven’t found any in HK.

Be weary of cuticle cutting, callous removal and waxing – your skin is more sensitive when you’re expecting, and infections are a bigger risk, so make sure instruments are sanitary. Facials are perfectly safe but skip the harsher peels and microdermabrasion treatments.

The good news is, massages are excellent at any time during your pregnancy – they can alleviate pain, increase circulation and lower your stress levels. Look for a therapist who is comfortable and knowledgeable with pregnant bodies. Look for spas with cut-out tables for your belly if you want to lie face down. Also if you get nauseous, it might be best to ask them to use unscented oils.

We’d personally avoid optional beauty treatments like botox injections or teeth whitening – there is no conclusive evidence that it will harm spud, but why take the risk? Skip hot tubs and jacuzzis – the increase in core body temperate can lead to birth defects, especially in the first trimester. Avoid steam rooms and saunas too as the heat will leave you wobbly. But enjoy a warm, relaxing bath!

Pregnancy can be a stressful time for many reasons. In the end, the decision to use nail polish or dye your hair when pregnant is personal. If you find yourself constantly worried about effects on the baby’s health, maybe just wait to try that treatment after baby has arrived.

Below is a partial list of salons, spas and shops where you can find pregnancy-friendly products and services: