Linda:  Please pass this on.  It comes directly from the BREASTFEEDING
ANSWER BOOK, revised edition (1997) page 382 (and yes I do practically
sleep with this book):
"No evidence exists that the nursing mother's use of hair care products,
such as hair dyes and permanents, has any effect on her breastfeeding baby.
When a mother uses hair-care products, some of the chemicals will be
absorbed through her skin.  If her scalp is healthy and intact, less will
be absorbed than if the skin on her scalp is scratched or abraded."

Now, I'll say that anectdotal evidence exists that says some women's hair
doesn't take to perms while bf or pregnant, but that is certainly not a
hard and fast (or proven rule).

: )Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC  email: [log in to unmask]   : )
: )HSR & Health Educational Consultant        voice/fax: 541 753 7340    : )
: )LLLLLLLLLLLLL**CHANGE THE WORLD, NURTURE A CHILD!**LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL : )