Is it safe to perm or dye hair during lactation?
My sister just gave birth and wants to perm and dye her hair during the Chinese New Year. Is this allowed during the breastfeeding period?
Doctor's answer (1)
It is generally not recommended to perm or dye hair during lactation. Women should be cautious about exposure to chemical substances during this period to protect their own and their baby's health. Hair perming and dyeing products contain chemical ingredients such as ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and various dyes, which may not only enter the mother's bloodstream through the scalp and affect her health, but could also potentially pass to the infant through breast milk, causing damage to the infant's liver, kidney function, nervous system, and blood system. Additionally, residual hair dye or perm chemicals may remain on the hair after treatment. These substances could come into contact with the baby's skin or be inhaled into the baby's respiratory tract during close contact, causing allergic reactions or irritation symptoms.
To protect the health of both the baby and themselves, women who are breastfeeding should avoid perming or dyeing their hair. If there is a need for cosmetic treatments, it is recommended to wait until after breastfeeding has ceased. At the same time, lactating women should maintain healthy lifestyle and dietary habits in daily life to ensure the quality of breast milk and the baby's health.
