Introduction
Many women who are used to the use of hair dyes or tints as part of their beauty routine regularly ask themselves the question to what extent the use during the breastfeeding period is associated with risks. The fact is that there are not enough studies and investigations concerning the effects of hair dyeing during the breastfeeding period to assume that it is generally safe. However, there are indications that with careful selection of the hair dye product and correct handling, possible side effects and effects on the child’s well-being can be reduced, so that dyeing hair while breastfeeding is quite possible and justifiable. Especially natural coloring products can be a gentle and harmless alternative to artificial, industrially manufactured hair colorants.
Do chemicals pass into breast milk?
During the breastfeeding period it is extremely important that the mother leads a healthy lifestyle. This includes a healthy and balanced diet and avoiding potentially harmful substances, as any influence on the mother’s body is potentially transferred into breast milk. Hair dyes and tints on the German market are subject to strict controls, which means that the amount of harmful substances must be kept to a minimum so that there is no danger to health in general.
Nevertheless, the mother absorbs small amounts of the substances contained in the hair dye product when dyeing hair via the scalp and during application via the hands. These can then pass into the mother’s milk via the mother’s bloodstream. Therefore it is recommended to pay attention to the quality of the product, to avoid unchecked foreign products if possible and to get advice from an experienced hairdresser.
Moreover, tints have the reputation of being more compatible and less aggressive than permanent colorations, because the color particles in tints are larger and more difficult to absorb through the scalp than the smaller color particles of permanent hair color products. In addition, some experts recommend not to bleach your hair while you are breastfeeding. Much more aggressive substances, such as hydrogen peroxide and ammonium hydroxide, are used to lighten the hair.
Dark colorations therefore have the reputation of being more tolerable. Even though there is much to suggest that hair coloration is harmless to health for the duration of breastfeeding, there is still too little data to confirm this assumption. If there is any doubt, it may be advisable to refrain from hair dyeing during the breastfeeding period.
Ammonia, usually in the form of ammonium hydroxide, is used, as is hydrogen peroxide, especially for lightening colorations. Also due to aromatic amines, bleaching is a much more aggressive dyeing process, as the hair is first chemically attacked and changed. This is to achieve a successful hair color change. In view of this more aggressive mode of action, due to the lack of research results on the possible effects of ammonia on breast milk during lactation, colorations containing ammonia should be avoided.
