Have You Read about Chemical Hair Dye Risks in the News?
The Health Effects of Hair Coloring
“Coloring your hair may be dangerous to your health. The health effects of hair coloring are, to a certain extent, unknown. And the link between hair coloring and cancer is controversial and, to date, inconclusive. But many of the chemicals contained in frequently used hair dyes have been shown to be dangerous. Such chemicals can cause allergic reactions and perhaps even neurological problems.
There are alternatives to such hair dyes, such as plant-based henna and infrared techniques that open up hair shafts to allow coloring. Such "green" solutions are advisable for anyone who wants to avoid the risks associated with many hair-coloring products.
Potentially Dangerous Chemicals in Hair Coloring Products
Chemicals in hair coloring products include PPD, or para-phenylenediamine, which can cause allergic reactions such as burning and headaches and is also a potential carcinogen; coal tar, which is in 70 percent of hair coloring products and can cause allergic reactions; lead acetate, which has been banned in European countries as a possible carcinogen and, as with, other lead products, may cause potentially serious neurological problems; DMDM hydantoin, a preservative that has been linked to immune system problems; ammonia, which can be toxic and corrosive and may cause respiratory problems; and resorcinol, which can be an irritant and is a potential carcinogen.”1
What’s Wrong with Hair Dye?
Most Dyes Contain a Chemical that Can Cause Dangerous Reactions.
“Salons and home color kits make it easy to say goodbye to grey hairs and roots, but sudden serious allergic reactions to hair dye are on the rise-even among those who have been using the same hair coloring product for years.
“You can develop an allergy to a product at any point in time,” says Dr. Rajani Katta, professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. “One allergic reaction we’re seeing commonly is to hair dyes.”
Dye Disasters
In recent years, severe or even fatal allergic reactions to para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical used in 99% of all hair dyes, have been reported. The chemical is stronger in dark hair dyes than in light shades. In mild cases of hair dye allergies, scalp burning or tightness can occur. With more severe allergic reations, a red rash may erupt or the entire face may drastically swell-as was the case with one teenage boy this past February, whose head swelled to twice its normal size after he dyed his hair black. Pictures of the head swelling were posted on the website Reddit, and they soon became a viral sensation with nearly two million views. A similar reaction after applying hair dye was reported by teenager, Lois Queen, whose face ballooned after using L’Oreal Casting Crème Gloss in chocolate brown. Queen was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed a severe allergic reaction and gave her steroids and antihistamines.”2
1 Read more: Jim Thomas, Livestrong
2 Read more: Lindsay Blomberg, Emagazine.
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