Can I perm my hair during breastfeeding?
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Maternal and infant health experts believe that perming or dyeing hair while breastfeeding can affect both the mother’s and baby’s health. Although hair perming and dyeing are permissible for nursing mothers, the styling agents and hair dyes used in these procedures contain various chemical ingredients that are activated by heat. These chemicals can be absorbed through the scalp into the mother’s bloodstream and subsequently pass into breast milk, where they may be ingested by the infant and potentially affect the baby’s health.
After confinement, many mothers want to cut their hair while breastfeeding, especially after seeing their long-neglected locks. Can you get a perm during breastfeeding?
Can you get a perm while breastfeeding?
I do not recommend that mothers get perms while breastfeeding. Nursing mothers should be aware that certain medications and cosmetic ingredients can pass through breast milk and potentially harm the baby.
Maternal and infant health experts believe that perming hair while breastfeeding can negatively affect both mother and baby. Although perms are applied only to the mother's hair, the chemical agents used—such as setting lotions and dyes—often involve heat treatment, which may facilitate absorption through the scalp into the mother’s bloodstream. These chemicals can then enter breast milk and be absorbed by the infant. Even if the concentration of these permanent-wave agents in breast milk is low, babies have immature liver and kidney functions and weak detoxification abilities. Moreover, the chemicals in these agents tend to accumulate in the body over time, posing potential risks to the infant’s health.
During lactation, a mother's hair is often fragile and prone to shedding. Perming can worsen hair loss, and the chemical agents used are harmful to both fetuses and infants. Therefore, it is best for breastfeeding women to avoid perming their hair. However, if absolutely necessary, it may be safer to wait until the baby is at least four months old, when the impact would likely be smaller. After getting a perm while breastfeeding, avoid letting your baby come into close contact with your hair in the short term, and wash your hair frequently to remove any residual chemicals. I hope this answer helps. Wishing you good health and happiness.
