Hair colouring and breastfeeding: how to manage both?

Having a newborn brings many upheavals to a woman's life, particularly when it comes to her beauty routine. Hair colouring can be a source of worry for those who are breastfeeding. Is it possible to carry on dyeing your hair while breastfeeding? What products should you choose to protect your baby's health? In this article, we give you all the answers so you can continue caring for your hair without putting your child's health at risk.

Hair colouring during breastfeeding

First of all, rest assured: it is not forbidden to dye your hair while breastfeeding. However, certain precautions should be taken to minimise potential risks to your infant.

Choosing a suitable and less harmful colour

During the breastfeeding period, opt for gentle and temporary colours, such as tone-on-tone shades or hair mascaras. These products allow you to conceal roots and grey hairs without penetrating deeply into the hair fibre. They therefore do not pass into the bloodstream and do not affect breast milk. Colour shampoos and repigmenting treatments are also recommended. You can apply a light balayage whilst avoiding the root area to limit the absorption of product by the scalp.

Avoiding harsh chemical colours

As much as possible, avoid using permanent colours or bleaches that contain ammonia or peroxide. These products are highly irritating and their fumes can be harmful to your child. If you do wish to opt for a permanent colour, ask your hairdresser for advice on choosing a less aggressive product that is ammonia-free, or consider plant-based colours.

When should you colour your hair during breastfeeding?

If you have chosen a suitable colour and are following the various precautions mentioned above, you can have your hair coloured at any point during the breastfeeding period. However, some mothers prefer to wait a few weeks after the birth before dyeing their hair.

The time elapsed allows the body to readjust hormonally, which can have an impact on the final result of the colour.

Preparing your colour properly

To minimise risks, follow these practical tips:

Wear gloves when preparing the colour to avoid any contact with the skin;

Apply petroleum jelly around the application area to prevent any potential staining;

Open a window or colour your hair in a well-ventilated area to limit the inhalation of fumes by both yourself and your baby;

Read the instructions carefully and never exceed the processing time indicated on the packaging.

Welcome to natural alternatives

If you wish to opt for an even gentler and more environmentally friendly solution, plant-based or herbal colours can be an excellent alternative. These products are free from ammonia and peroxide, and are often organic, making them an ideal option during the breastfeeding period.

Henna, a 100% natural option

Henna is a plant from which a colouring powder is extracted. It has one great advantage: it is entirely natural, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic. However, note that only neutral henna (without any added colour) or natural henna (red) is recommended during breastfeeding. Indeed, some hennas contain metallic salts that can react with other chemicals present in the hair and produce unwanted results. Be sure to seek advice from a henna professional to achieve a suitable colour.

Other dye plants

There are also other plants that can be used to colour hair safely:

Chamomile for lightening blonde or light brown hair;

Walnut hull or Indian walnut for darkening brown hair;

Indigo for obtaining blue-toned shades.

These natural options not only provide reassurance about your baby's health during breastfeeding, but also help to take care of your hair's health and the environment. Do not hesitate to explore these alternatives if you wish to continue enhancing your hair while breastfeeding.

Additional precautions to take

Even if the risks are minimal when using a gentle and suitable colour, it is essential to check that you are not allergic to the chosen product before applying it all over your hair. To do so, carry out a patch test 48 hours before colouring, by applying a small amount of product behind your ear or on a small area of the scalp. Then wait two days and observe whether any reactions occur (redness, itching, swelling, etc.). If in doubt, always seek advice from your doctor or dermatologist.

To conclude, although hair colouring can raise concerns during the breastfeeding period, there are many options and precautions available that allow you to enjoy a refreshed colour without compromising your infant's health. Do not hesitate to seek advice from professionals and to favour natural alternatives for a worry-free colour experience.