Can I Get a Brazilian Hair Treatment While Breastfeeding?

Brian Lett
By Brian Lett
9 Min Read

Chemicals found in hair treatments can penetrate through the scalp and reach systemic circulation, raising concerns that these chemicals might reach breastfeeding infants as well.

Although Brazilian Blowout is popular among breastfeeding mothers, there have been few scientific studies about its effects. Consulting dermatologists or experts may help new moms evaluate risks and benefits.

1. Consultation with a Healthcare Professional

Although not much research has been conducted on hair treatments during breastfeeding, they are widely thought to be safe due to only trace amounts of chemicals being absorbed through the scalp into bloodstream and then passed onto breast milk in small quantities; as a result, its impact is extremely minimal on infant health.

Before opting to have any treatments, it is important to consult a healthcare professional and discuss potential side effects associated with them, and their advice could also provide important insight on what might work best for your baby should they happen to be present at the time.

Brazilian Blowouts should not be performed until after pregnancy as the harsh chemicals used can be harmful during and post breastfeeding. Formaldehyde exposure has been found to be detrimental for an unborn baby’s wellbeing when inhaled, and other chemicals like methylene glycol, methyl alcohol, paraform or thiazolidinecarboxylic acid (synonyms of formaldehyde) could also pose risks during a Brazilian Blowout procedure.

Finding salons that use only safest formulas and chemicals is essential, such as ammonia-free products. Semi-permanent dyes derived from vegetable sources like henna are another good way to minimize risk by placing only some highlights of dye on individual strands instead of applying dye directly on the scalp or through breast milk.

2. Patch Test Prior to Treatment

Before beginning any chemical hair treatment, nursing mothers should consult with a healthcare provider. A healthcare professional can evaluate individual health conditions, medications, allergies and breastfeeding concerns before offering personalized insights that prioritize both mother and child safety. A patch test is another vital safeguard, usually applied on skin behind or on forearm to determine any allergic reactions and minimize potential risks. It can especially helpful for nursing mothers as this allows them to gauge their own chemical sensitivity as well as mitigate potential risks.

Nursing mothers may be concerned about Brazilian Blowout treatments’ potential to transfer into breast milk due to high levels of formaldehyde and other chemicals used. While research addressing this topic leaves many unanswered, seeking guidance from healthcare professionals and taking a precautionary approach will empower nursing mothers to make responsible choices that align with their priorities and values.

Consider that everyone’s tolerance of chemicals varies greatly; what may seem mild for one may be severe for someone else; hormone changes can also influence how our bodies respond to various treatments, so prior to initiating any hair treatments it is wise to conduct a patch test in order to gauge how your body will respond; breastfeeding mothers should seek out well ventilated salons in order to minimize inhalation of harmful chemicals; in case a negative patch test result arises it would be wiser postponing until breastfeeding has ended before proceeding with Brazilian Blowout treatments.

3. Choose Formaldehyde-Free Formulas

Brazilian Blowout is a popular beauty treatment among many mothers, yet there has been limited research conducted on its effect during breastfeeding. Due to chemicals absorbed from this procedure and potentially transferred through breast milk to their nursing infants, new moms should take cautionary measures when having Brazilian Blowout done. Consulting dermatologists or experts in the field can provide invaluable perspectives and recommendations.

Selecting products free of formaldehyde is also key for making treatments safe for breastfeeding mothers, such as Acai Professional Smoothing Solution – Formaldehyde Free Formula from many salons. Furthermore, choosing to receive this procedure in an environment with sufficient ventilation will help dissipate any fumes produced during the procedure.

Consulting a professional stylist should always be considered essential when looking at breast-feeding related hair treatments, such as this treatment for their baby’s scalp. Professional stylists can assist their client in choosing an appropriate keratin product and guide them through the application process, reducing exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals. Salon professionals can recommend safe treatments suitable for at-home use by novice users. In the case of breastfeeding women who cannot avoid such treatments, postponing it until postpartum has ended may minimize risk and give new moms peace of mind as they enjoy their favorite salon services without fear of potential health complications.

4. Seek a Well-Ventilated Salon

Chemical hair treatments often release harmful fumes during their processes, which could potentially harm pregnant women and their unborn children when inhaled.

When seeking a Brazilian Blowout while breastfeeding, it’s crucial that a well-ventilated salon be chosen in order to reduce exposure to chemical fumes and make breathing easier during treatment. Preferably, windows should remain open in an area which does not belong to another business or be attached directly.

Brazilian hair straightening treatments employ formaldehyde-based formulas to smooth hair. Unfortunately, formaldehyde is a highly toxic chemical linked to cancer. Many salons now provide formaldehyde-free formulas; it is still important to check product labels carefully and select brands using natural ingredients such as acai berry, camu camu and annatto seed as part of their formulas.

Even when choosing a low-formaldehyde formula, breastfeeding mothers must still take extra precautions when getting Brazilian blowouts. Wear a mask during treatment and limit heat exposure (such as blow drying or using a flat iron later at home) in order to protect themselves from further chemical exposure.

Keratin treatments may be safe to perform while breastfeeding; however, for optimal results it’s often best to wait until after birth. Like hair dye, keratin treatments can pose potential dangers when coming into contact with infant skin or eyes, potentially triggering allergic reactions in newborns and causing irritation on scalp and skin that could pose risks during treatment.

5. Consider Postponing the Treatment

Since Brazilian Blowout involves chemicals, many breastfeeding mothers are understandably concerned about its effects on their infants. Luckily, experts have provided invaluable insight and recommendations that will assist breastfeeding mothers in making sound decisions that prioritize both mother and child’s safety. Utilizing these recommendations or seeking professional guidance will enable nursing mothers to make wise choices that benefit both mother and baby alike.

Consideration should always be given to an individual’s unique health status when using chemical-based treatments on her hair, including medications and allergies. A comprehensive analysis will also show whether any potential treatments are safe. Preexisting skin and scalp sensitivities will play an important role in ascertaining whether she can tolerate any particular treatments successfully.

Researchers remain uncertain as to the effects of Brazilian Blowout on breastfeeding mothers; however, available data regarding chemical absorption and systemic circulation could provide invaluable insights for making informed decisions. A Journal of Dermatology study investigated transdermal absorption of common hair treatments; their compounds could potentially make their way into systemic circulation and negatively affect breastfeeding infants.

Due to these concerns, breastfeeding mothers should consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional prior to seeking any hair treatments. Consultations provides invaluable insight and tailored recommendations, helping breastfeeding mothers evaluate the benefits and risks of any potential treatments they are considering. Furthermore, using formaldehyde-free formulas or attending a well-ventilated salon when seeking Brazilian Blowout treatments will reduce exposure to potentially harmful substances; should any delays arise, professional may advise postponing them until breastfeeding has stopped altogether.

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