Using an Airstyler During Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

Last updated: August 10, 2026 · 6 min read

Using an airstyler or hairdryer during pregnancy is generally not a problem: the device works with warm air, not chemicals that your body could absorb. The same general precautions that apply to everyone still apply, like being careful around burns. Chemical treatments such as a keratin treatment or perm are a different matter and deserve a separate conversation. If you're unsure, talk to your midwife or doctor.

Below you'll find why heat styling is viewed differently than chemical treatments, and which precautions actually make sense.

Is using an airstyler or hairdryer harmful during pregnancy?

There's no indication that the warm air from an airstyler or hairdryer is harmful during pregnancy. The difference with, say, hair dye or a chemical treatment is that an airstyler doesn't put any substances on or into your scalp that your body could absorb. The device dries and shapes your hair with air, nothing more.

This article provides general information and is not medical advice. If you have specific concerns, for example due to a condition or a medication you're taking, talk to your midwife or doctor about it.

Does your hair change during pregnancy, and does that affect styling?

Yes, many pregnant women notice their hair becomes thicker and fuller. That's because rising estrogen levels during pregnancy can extend the growth phase of the hair follicle, so hair sheds less and feels fuller. This is most noticeable in the second and third trimester.

Fuller hair might need a bit more time or a slightly higher temperature setting to get the same result as before. That's a practical adjustment, not a safety issue.

What should you watch out for when using hot styling tools during pregnancy?

The same precautions apply as when you're not pregnant, plus a few extra practical tips. Start on a low temperature setting and only go higher if needed, don't hold the tool in one spot too long, and be careful if pregnancy makes you feel dizzy more easily or makes bending and reaching harder, for example when styling the hair at the back of your head.

Make sure you're in a stable position and have enough time, so you're not styling in a rush or in an awkward position.

Is a keratin treatment or chemical color the same as using an airstyler?

No, that's a different topic. Professional keratin treatments often contain substances that release formaldehyde, which can be harmful to inhale. With hair dye, it's about chemicals that are absorbed (to a limited extent) through the scalp. An airstyler or hairdryer doesn't put any substance on your scalp or into the air you breathe.

If you're considering a keratin treatment, hair dye, or another chemical treatment during your pregnancy, discuss it with your midwife or doctor beforehand so you can make an informed choice.

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