So, you've decided that you want to put some color on your hair. That's great! Maybe it's time for a change, or maybe you just can't get the shade right at home.
Whatever the reason is, though, there's one thing that might be holding you back: Will this dye be safe for my baby? I hear ya! As a nursing mother myself, I've wondered about this very thing many times.
Fortunately, there are some options out there that will keep both you and your baby safe while giving both of you beautiful new locks.
It depends on what kind of hair color you want to use.
In order to get your hair to a safe color, it’s important that you use a semi-permanent color or demi-permanent color.
Permanent hair color is the lightest shade of all and will last up to 12 weeks (though some may last longer). It has ammonia in it, which can irritate your scalp and cause dandruff. Permanent shades are also darker than other shades and can cause damage if left on for too long.
Semi-permanent hair colors contain ammonium hydroxide instead of ammonia, so they are less likely to cause irritation or damage when used as directed by the manufacturer.
They don't stain as deeply into your strands as permanent colors do, so they're easier to remove from your scalp without stripping out all its natural oils which is important when you have sensitive skin that's susceptible to breakouts due to breastfeeding hormones!
You can use a demi-permanent or semi-permanent hair color.
Demi-permanent color is a mix of dye and developer, and it is not permanent. It washes out when you shampoo your hair.
Semi-permanent color lasts longer than demi-permanent, but it still comes out in the shower or with an ammonia-free clarifying shampoo. This type of coloring is usually applied to the roots or ends in order to cover grey hair or darken natural hair color.
You should not use permanent hair color while breastfeeding.
Permanent hair dye contains chemicals that are harmful to your baby. The permanent hair dye is not safe to use while breastfeeding because it can be absorbed through your skin and into your body, or through your baby’s skin and into their body.
You should avoid using any type of permanent hair color while breastfeeding, especially if you have recently given birth or are expecting a baby soon.
Talk to your doctor or pediatrician.
The answer to this question depends on your doctor and what you specifically need to know. If you haven't had any issues with breastfeeding, there are no strict guidelines about coloring your hair while nursing.
However, it's recommended that you avoid permanent hair color products while breastfeeding because they can be dangerous for both the baby and yourself if ingested.
It's best practice to ask your doctor or pediatrician if you have any questions about whether or not coloring your hair is safe for both of you (and make sure to check if he/she has any recommendations).
There are some kinds of hair dye that you can safely use while breastfeeding.
There are some kinds of hair dye that you can safely use while breastfeeding.
Some types of hair dye may be unsafe for you to use while breastfeeding, including:
Permanent and semi-permanent dyes (they contain a chemical called paraphenylenediamine, or PPD)
Hair color that contains chemicals known as sulfites (which have been linked with asthma attacks in children)
Conclusion
We hope this article has answered your question about whether or not you can color your hair while breastfeeding.
As we’ve seen, there are many different options for coloring your hair safely while breastfeeding. If you want even more information about coloring your hair while breastfeeding, check out our other articles on the subject!