text: can getting a perm harm your unborn baby? i'm trying to solve an arguement with a friend, and snopes didn't have anything on this.  can getting a perm harm your unborn baby?  my friend thinks the chemicals can cause birth defects, or at least did with the chemicals used in the early 80's.  help us solve this arguement!! :) i really don't think you are supposed to get a perm or color your hair when you are pregnant but you can always ask your salon tec.