We're in RISK of using chemical hair dyes

Nowadays, having a hair dye becoming a common thing to everyone. It is almost impossible for us to find a lady who has not had her hair dyed at least once in her lifetime.

Studies show that more than 50 million women in the United States dye their hair on a regular basis, many of them even starting to use hair dyes from a very young age. Many more say that they will indeed use hair dyes once their hair starts to turn gray to looks younger.

But there are actually certain risks involved with using these hair products. In fact, one of the main chemicals found in most hair dyes has once been banned in many European countries. Scientific experiments have also shown a wide array of harmful effects coming from hair dye chemicals. It may cause us allergic reactions, asthma or even worse which is cancer.

Allergic reactions is reportedly the biggest risk for using hair dyes. It is not easy to get figures for how many hair dye user actually suffer from allergic reactions, because majority of these people do not actually seek medical assistance. But there are cases when the allergic reactions to chemicals in hair dyes have actually been severe, or, worse, fatal. A mild allergic reaction may come from an irritation on the rims of the person’s ears, or on her upper eyelids; a more severe reaction would involve the whole head or even body. 

Meanwhile, skin allergic reactions may happen when a person first uses the hair dye, but it can also happen to someone who has actually used the dye regularly for a while; this is because the immune system can still get sensitized when the dye is applied, increasing the chances of an allergic reaction in the future.

On the other hand, studies also shown that hair stylists actually have an increased chance of developing occupational asthma. This is linked to the per-sulfates found in bleaches and the PPD found in hair dyes. Experts explain that being exposed to these chemicals in the long-term causes the airways to become sensitized, which can result in asthma attacks upon exposure to them.

Scientific studies of lab animals have shown that chemicals in hair dye, when given in high doses, indeed cause cancer by breaking down the DNA or cell in the animal’s body. Consistent studies also show the hair colorists had an increased chance of developing leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

We can actually choose another way to dye our hair which is do it with a natural ingredients to achieve the same result. For example, henna comes from a plant, and gives you a permanent hair color change. Indigo, a blue dye used for dyeing jeans and also known as black henna, is also a good choice for dyeing your hair dark. Honey is another option that you can use if you want to lighten your blonde hair.