The safety of permanent hair dyes has preoccupied researchers across time. In the late 1970s, hair dye manufacturers removed some of the permanent hair dye chemicals that caused cancer in animals. Hair dye usage before 1980 was linked to increased risk for non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Suspicion remains that permanent hair dyes, still filled with a multitude of chemicals, may cause cancer in humans. However, studies have shown conflicting evidence.
National Cancer Institute: Permanent Hair Dye Research
The National Cancer Institute has compiled the various studies exploring the link between permanent hair dyes and cancer. Here is an overview:
- Some of the 5,000 chemicals still used in hair dye products are cancer-causing in animals.
- The Working Group of the International Agency for Research on Cancer reported in 2008 that some of the chemicals that hairdressers and barbers are exposed to are "probably" cancer-causing in humans.
- Studies of hair dyes in relation to blood and bone marrow cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia have been mixed. Some have shown a link to cancer and other studies have not.
- Breast cancer and bladder cancer studies have also shown conflicting results.
- An increased risk of follicular lymphoma was seen in women using dark-colored dyes after 1980.
- A 2005 study in Italy also found that users of black permanent dyes (but not of other colors) had an increased risk for leukemia.
According to the National Cancer Institute, over one-third of women over the age of 18 use some form of hair dye. There are many psychological challenges associated with leaving gray hair uncolored in a society that values youth and dictates standards for beauty. Given the mixed findings, should an individual avoid permanent hair dyes altogether just to be safe?
Deciphering between Natural Hair Dyes, Organic Henna and Permanent Dyes
Not all hair dyes are created alike. Given the wide range of permanent hair dyes, semi-permanent varieties, temporary rinses, natural hair dyes and henna, it can be difficult to make a safe choice. Hennas in their purest form (i.e., not mixed with any chemicals or other substances) are deemed the safest. Natural hair dyes are not closely regulated, so individuals are better off doing their own research to make sure that these products are truly natural and do not contain unwanted chemicals.
A useful tool is Skin Deep, a cosmetic safety database maintained by the Environmental Working Group. This database contains an extensive list of cosmetic products that have been tested for carcinogenic substances. When in doubt, individuals may type in the brand name of the hair dye product (or any beauty product) to see a list of the product substances and whether any of the chemicals have been linked to cancer.
Suggestions for Minimizing Exposure to Hair Dye Chemicals
While the question of hair dye safety has not been completely resolved, here are some things people can do to lower their risk of exposure to cancer-causing chemicals:
- Color the hair less often.
- Use semi-permanent dye, temporary rinses, or natural hair dyes that contain fewer chemicals (or in the case of some henna products, no chemicals).
- Do not leave permanent hair dye on the scalp for longer than necessary.
- Do not mix different hair dye products.
- Wash out the dye thoroughly from the scalp.
- Avoid the use of chemical hair dyes in poorly ventilated areas.
- Investigate the safety claims of all dyes, including natural hair dyes, by plugging them into the cosmetic safety database.
Sources:
Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep. Cosmetic Safety Database (Accessed June 6, 2010).
National Cancer Institute. Hair Dyes and Cancer Risk (Accessed June 6, 2010).
WebMD. Are Hair Dyes Safe? (Accessed June 6, 2010).
Chitra Badii - Chitra Badii has a diverse background, having worked in the software, finance, education and performing arts industries. She is a ...
