Around 33 percent of women over the age of 18 and 10 percent of men over 40 use hair dye. As concerns over the safety of beauty products grow, many are reevaluating the toxic chemical ingredients commonly found in traditional hair coloring. What exactly are we applying to conceal those pesky grey strands?
Occupational risks
While modern hair dyes are generally less harmful than those produced before 1980, research suggests that health dangers still exist. For instance, a study conducted in 2010 indicated a substantial increase in bladder cancer risk among hairdressers, especially those who had been in the profession for a decade or more.
So, how can we ensure the hair coloring products we use are safe? According to Health Canada, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to guarantee the safety of a cosmetic product when used correctly. As consumers, we should educate ourselves about the potential hazards posed by the chemicals in our chosen hair dyes.
Alarming chemicals
The following substances, commonly found in traditional hair dye, are linked to various health issues:
Hydrogen Peroxide
In our quest to eliminate grey hair, we might inadvertently accelerate hair loss! A study from 2012 identified a connection between hydrogen peroxide and another chemical, monoethanolamine, with skin irritation and hair loss.
Ammonia
This household cleaner carries a corrosive warning on its label, prompting those who handle it to don protective gloves. Yet, when coloring our hair, the same caution may not apply. A 2011 study revealed that hairdressers exposed to ammonia exhibited symptoms related to the upper respiratory tract and developed dermatitis in their hands, wrists, and arms.
Coal Tar Derivatives
The National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have classified coal tar derivatives as known human carcinogens. Ingredients like aminophenol, diaminobenzene, and p-phenylenediamine (PPD) fall into this category.
While the European Union recognizes PPD as toxic, it remains common in Canadian hair dyes. Labels for permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes must warn consumers of potential skin irritations and advise performing a patch test prior to use. These components can lead to blisters and cause sensations of burning and itching.
Parabens
Preservatives like propylparaben, butylparaben, isopropylparaben, and isobutylparaben are commonly found in cosmetics. They can mimic estrogen and disrupt hormonal function, potentially leading to reproductive issues. Researchers in the US have found traces of parabens in nearly everyone’s body due to their widespread use in beauty products.
Phthalates
These chemicals are recognized endocrine disruptors and may be linked to cancer, infertility, and diabetes. They are also present in everyday items like air fresheners and sunscreen.
Resorcinol
Health Canada has classified resorcinol as “not permitted in skin-use cosmetics” due to its irritating properties and potential toxicity to the immune system, often resulting in allergic reactions to hair dye. But considering hair dye’s close contact with the scalp, this is a concern.
If you’ve ever experienced an itchy scalp while getting your hair colored, this information may be concerning. So, how much are we willing to compromise for beautiful hair?
While great hair can be jaw-dropping, seasoned hairstylist James Abu-Ulba, education director at Spa Utopia Health and Wellness Center, emphasizes that we don’t have to sacrifice our health for stunning hair color.
With over 15 years of experience, he knows the importance of being aware of the products used on clients’ hair. He advises consumers to look for dye manufacturers (and stylists) whose values align with their own when seeking safer options.
Safety checklist
When choosing a hair dye, consider brands that:
- Develop products with low toxicity
- Do not conduct animal testing
- Actively work towards reducing their environmental impact
- Educate retailers about product features
After weighing the actual costs of coloring hair, we can confidently state that it’s acceptable to enjoy color as long as it doesn’t lead us into the realm of toxicity. We’re not forced to return to our natural shades, although that may benefit both our health and wallets.
By conducting a bit of research, we can identify healthier options for achieving our desired hues. Make the effort to understand what’s in your hair color, and if uncertain, it’s best to abstain from dyeing.
Tips for Safe Hair Coloring
Familiarize yourself with the ingredients in products you use or consult your stylist for guidance, as they should be knowledgeable about the dye they apply to your hair.
- Always adhere to the instructions on the package.
- If you prefer DIY, never forget to wear gloves.
- Do a patch test for allergies prior to coloring your hair.
- Consider coloring less often. Many stylists suggest a six-week interval; try to extend to eight weeks if possible.
- Avoid extreme colors, as black dyes tend to contain higher levels of harmful chemicals while blonde dyes generally have more peroxide.
- Never attempt to dye your eyebrows or eyelashes.
- If in doubt, refer to Health Canada’s cosmetic ingredients “Hotlist” for a list of restricted or banned chemicals in hair dye formulations.
Safer Hair Dye Options
Low Toxicity
Select dyes that omit ammonia, parabens, peroxide, or phthalates whenever feasible.
Natural Ingredients
Opt for hair dyes made from natural sources, such as beetroot or turmeric.
Henna
This natural dye derived from the henna plant’s leaves requires more effort to apply than commercial dyes. For effective grey coverage, careful application of henna is essential, as it can transform greys into bright orange if not done correctly!
