Millions of women and men dye their hair globally. Even though hair dying is a pivotal beauty routine for many, it’s not a process without a risk.
Believe it or not, more than 5000 types of cancerous chemicals are applied onto your hair when you use it and your scalp is an absorbable part of the body.
This is information provided by the NCI!
Prior to color going into the hair shaft, the cuticle has to be opened in order for these chemicals to change the pigment molecules of the hair shaft.
Strong chemicals are necessary to achieve this effect.
These ingredients combined with others like ammonia, coal tar, formaldehyde, etc. may lead to allergic reactions, itchy and red scalp, contact dermatitis, and even headaches.
What Are the Side Effects of Hair Dye?
May lead to abdominal ache & nausea
Resorcinol and 1-naphthol are irritant ingredients in hair dyes and they’re classified as hazardous.
Upon inhalation, they can lead to nausea, pain in the abdomen, and even unconsciousness.
It can increase the risk of cancer
Permanent hair color interacts with smoke from cigarettes and it can create one of the most cancerous compounds- this was a finding by the Green Chemical Company.
They concluded in human and animal studies that the body can absorb carcinogens and other chemicals from dyes in less than the half an hour a dye is usually kept on the hair.
In the 70s, studies have already begun discovering a connection between use of hair dyes and breast cancer.
Moreover, a Harvard study concluded that the women who dyed their hair one to four times per year had a 70 percent higher risk of ovarian cancer.
Irritate our skin, eyes, and lungs
The chlorides from hair dyes irritate our mucous membranes and thus, are bad for the lungs and eyes and for the skin-they can cause rashes!
Unfortunately, hair dyes also contain enhancers for penetration that eases their absorption into the blood.
Are there Safer Alternatives You Can Use?
Henna is a natural alternative to conventional hair dyes- it’s best for blondes or browns or it can also help you change the color completely. Opt for the right henna free of synthetics and that’s 100 percent natural.
Another way to maintain a shiny hair without coloring it is to apply coconut oil regularly- this oil is abundant in healthy fats, minerals, and vitamins that are beneficial for the scalp and hair.
It will also make it stronger and avert breakage.