Hair dyes come in various formulations , whether it ’s boxed people of colour from the store or the professional kind at a salon . “ They ’re not all the same , ” saysJoshua G. Cohen , MD , a gynecological oncologist at City of Hope Orange County in Irvine , California . “ Some can contain yard of chemicals . ”
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Types of Hair Dyes
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Can Hair Dyes Cause Allergic Reactions?
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Dr. Levine points out that other haircloth dyestuff ingredients , such as ammonia , sulfates , parabens , fragrances , and formaldehyde , can also cause skin reaction .
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to boot , when your skin ’s protective barrier is damaged , hairsbreadth dye can easily get through and do tegument annoying or sensitiveness . For exercise , eczemacan result in tiny breaks in the skin ’s surface , allowing hair dye ingredients to potentially cause botheration . Similarly , the ingredient in hair dye can also aggravatescalp psoriasis , a condition where patches of slurred , raise skin develop on the scalp .
However , skin issues are n’t the only concern with pilus dye . Your eyes may become irritated if they come into contact with the product . And the fumes from hair dyes hold certain component , such as ammonia or formaldehyde , can stimulate difficultness breathing , says Levine .
Can Hair Dye Cause Cancer?
We ’re still not clear on genus Cancer risk from hair dyestuff , saysDaniel Landau , MD , an oncologist at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston . The chief vexation around whisker dyes potentially causing cancer has to do with semi - permanent and lasting dyes , particularly morose dyestuff , which have more chemicals than the others , Dr. Cohen explains .
scientist have studied the link between hair dye and genus Cancer for years . Some inquiry suggests an association between pilus dye and cancer , while others have not found these links .
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Beyond the sundry finding , subject area around hair dye often have restriction that could impact the results . product are so varied and contain so many ingredients that read them becomes challenge , Cohen says .
Hair Dyes Have Changed
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Recent Study Findings Are Still Mixed
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late study looking at the connection between hairsbreadth dye and Crab risk have carry on to show motley results , Cohen say .
There is currently not enough evidence to prove that the chemicals in modern tomentum dye grounds cancer in people who get their hair’s-breadth dyed . Still , Cohen adds that a thorough reappraisal of the factor in these products and the peril involved in using various hair dyes is want .
Is It Safe to Dye Your Hair When Pregnant?
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Roman recommends avoiding personal care products that contain EDCs , such as phthalates , parabens , and triclosan , before and during maternity when potential . “ Opting for sweetness - complimentary production can also be helpful to boil down EDC exposure and is better tolerated in people with sure tegument shape or sensitive pelt , ” " he sum up .
Tips for Safely Coloring Your Hair
The wellness risks affiliate with hair dye are not always clear . The good news is that you could take step to boil down your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals if you desire to colour your hair , these tips can help you do so safely .
Choose Hair Dye Products Wisely
irregular fuzz dyestuff can be another option to consider . It typically does n’t last as long as permanent dyestuff , but it may contain fewer irritant . It ’s still crucial to devote attention to the ingredient list and look for pilus coloring merchandise that are free of potentially problematic ingredients , such as PPD .
“ If you have a pre-existing hide status , or even just have sensitive hide , I would recommend looking for hypoallergenic products , ” Levine say . Hypoallergenic products do not contain ingredients that are known to cause allergy . These are usually gratis of parabens , ammonia , and PPD , she adds .
Do a Patch Test
expert recommend doing askin patch testbefore using any new DIY haircloth dyestuff product . A eyepatch test checks if you ’re allergic to a product by apply a small amount to your skin .
Here ’s how to do a patch trial at home to check for hair dye allergy , according to Levine :
Levine say to consult with a dermatologist who can do a more thorough patch psychometric test if you have a preexisting skin condition or are diffident about your skin sensitivity .
Take Precautions With DIY Hair Dye
If you have psoriasis , eczema , or another skin emergence on your scalp , avoid discolour your hair when you have flare - ups of those conditions . Applying hair dyestuff when your scalp is already irritated and inflame can further exasperate those sore areas .
Similarly , do n’t dye your hair if your scalp is peeved , sunburnt , or damage . If you ’ve recently discolorise , relaxed , or perm your pilus , wait at least two week before using hair’s-breadth dye . And forefend scratching or brush your scalp for three years before using hair dyestuff .
Consider Not Using Hair Dye in the First Trimester of Pregnancy
exit your hair during pregnancy is a personal decision , but it ’s a honest musical theme to talk to your doctor first .
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Try Dying Your Hair Less Frequently
“ Currently , there is no universally accepted passport for hair dyestuff user regarding how often or for how long using hair dye will bear upon their Cancer the Crab risk , ” suppose Cohen .
But if you ’re concerned , call up about spacing out your coloring Roger Huntington Sessions as much as potential . The less often you expose yourself to hair dyestuff chemicals , the lower your overall endangerment may be .
Talk to Your Doctor
Before reach for the hair dye box , talk to your healthcare provider , especially if you have a preexisting skin consideration or are meaning .
A dermatologist can identify any likely allergy to ingredients and steer you toward safer hair dyestuff options . If you ’re fraught , an ob - gyn can help you weigh the pros and cons so you’re able to make an informed option about using hair dye during pregnancy .
The Takeaway
enquiry on the data link between hair dyes and wellness issues like Crab and reproductive effects has shown assorted results . Hair dyestuff manufacturers have block off using some of the ingredients that were found to stimulate cancer in fauna . But there are still some potential risks to be aware of — specially with darker , lasting hair dyestuff formulations .
To minimize your peril , consider using safer alternative like vegetable - based dyes , and talking to your doctor , especially if you ’re pregnant or have a preexistent cutis condition . Taking precaution like doing patch tests , using gloves , and see proper ventilation can also help concentrate vulnerability to harsh chemical and protect your health .
Resources We Trust
Jacquelyn Dosal , MD , is a board - certified dermatologist at Skin Associates of South Florida in Coral Gables . She practices general , medical , decorative , and operative dermatology . Dr. Dosal provide compassionate upkeep to all her patients , listening to their concerns and creating a intervention programme with each patient ’s priority and substantial life in mind .
She is a member of the voluntary faculty at the University of Miami .
Maggie Aime is a registered nurse with over 25 years of health care experience , who brings medical topics to life through enlightening and inspiring content . Her extensive nursing screen background spans specialties like oncology , cardiology , and pedology . She has also worked in case direction , revenue direction , medical coding , and as a utilization review nurse consultant . She leverages her unique insights to help individuals navigate the U.S. healthcare system and avoid financial pitfalls . Maggie applies her extensive clinical expertise to create empowering education for readers at all stages . She is passionate about illuminating issues from disease bar to health and wellness to medical personal finance . Her work can be found in GoodRx Health , Next Avenue , HealthNews , Insider , Nursing CE Central , Nurse Blake , AllNurses , and BioHackers Lab . An active member of several professional nursing and journalism associations , Maggie foundedThe Write RNto fulfil her calling to teach . When she ’s not craft the next great article , you’re able to ascertain Maggie volunteering , reading , wager the piano , or savoring sunrise views at the beach .
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