Is Hair Dyes compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Hair Dyes?

Hair Dyes

June 30, 2016 (Low Risk)

Widely used products by many cultures and civilizations. Some of their components can be absorbed and reach the mother's plasma and the breast milk.

Natural components (lower risk) are: Henna, Saffron, Chamomile and nut among others. Synthetic components are: aniline and other benzene derivatives, heavy metals like lead).

In last decade, a bulky amount of products in use have been withdrawn from the market since they were considered to be toxic for the organism. Controversy still exist on the safety of existing products, while some authorities consider them to be safe, a study dated on 2013 has linked them to the appearance of childhood leukemia when used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

It is recommended a limited use, to follow advice appearing with the product, a shower after dye to keep clean the breast area and wearing short hair to minimize absorption of potentially toxic products. Mothers working at hair dressing facilities should observed all preventive measures (wearing gloves, working-time restriction, etc)

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Hair Dyes.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Dyeing of hair
  • Hair coloring
  • Henna

References

  1. Gavazzoni Dias MF. Hair cosmetics: an overview. Int J Trichology. 2015Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. Couto AC, Ferreira JD, Rosa AC, Pombo-de-Oliveira MS, Koifman S; Brazilian Collaborative Study Group of Infant Acute Leukemia. Pregnancy, maternal exposure to hair dyes and hair straightening cosmetics, and early age leukemia. Chem Biol Interact. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Patel D, Narayana S, Krishnaswamy B. Trends in use of hair dye: a cross-sectional study. Int J Trichology. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. MurcisSalud-Preevid. ¿En el embarazo se pueden utilizar tintes para el pelo?. Banco de preguntas. 2013 Full text (in our servers)
  5. NHS Is it safe to use hair dye when I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?. Choices. 2013 Full text (in our servers)
  6. Yin J, Wang H, Zhang J, Zhou N, Gao F, Wu Y, Xiang J, Shao B. The occurrence of synthetic musks in human breast milk in Sichuan, China. Chemosphere. 2012Abstract
  7. OTIS. Hair Treatments and Pregnancy (and Breastfeeding). 2010 Full text (in our servers)
  8. Chua-Gocheco A, Bozzo P, Einarson A. Safety of hair products during pregnancy: personal use and occupational exposure. Can Fam Physician. 2008Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  9. Galiotte MP, Kohler P, Mussi G, Gattás GJ. Assessment of occupational genotoxic risk among Brazilian hairdressers. Ann Occup Hyg. 2008Abstract
  10. Benaiges A. Tintes de cabello. Evolución histórica y situación actual. Offarm. 2007 Full text (in our servers)
  11. [No authors listed] Hair care during pregnancy. Can Fam Physician. 1996Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)