If you have any questions about this information, you can contact the Drugs in Breastmilk team through their Facebook page or on druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk.

You may wonder if you can continue to have your favourite beauty treatments whilst breastfeeding without harming your baby. Because these products are not readily absorbed, levels reaching breastmilk would be insignificant, if detectable at all. 

Whilst you are breastfeeding you can:

• Have your hair coloured, permed, straightened or bleached
• Have false nails applied and use nail varnish
• Have a spray tan
• Have dental work (see our factsheet on dental treatment) There is little research on having teeth whitened but it is unlikely to affect breastfeeding as it should not be swallowed.
• Have a pedicure or manicure
• Have osteopathic or chiropractic treatment
• Have a massage with simple massage oils
• Have a leg or bikini line wax

If you have any concerns please contact the Drugs in Breastmilk service.

Bibliography

• British National Formulary
• Hale T. W Medications in Mothers Milk
• Jones W Breastfeeding and Medication 2018 Routledge
• Lactmed website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/

©The Breastfeeding Network. Published Sept 2019. Last amended February 2026