How Harmless is Hair Coloring?

Quite recently after the launch of hair dyes, the main ingredient being coal-tar dyes led to allergic reactions in few people. In the present time, most hair dyes are now produced from petroleum sources. However, the FDA still cogitates them as coal-tar dyes because they do hold similar compounds that are present in these older dyes.

You will be shocked to know that based on several studies hair dyes are associated to higher risk of typical cancers. But there are some other studies which haven’t been able to justify this relation. Furthermore, it is also believed that the person’s DNA or genetic makeup also gets susceptible to bladder cancer if permanent dyes are used, as per a 2011 study issued by the International Journal of Cancer. Such facts and studies have been impacting the hair color market, in both positive and negative ways.

Apart from the speculations and uncertainties related to hair coloring, let us try to focus on the basic precautions one must always take while using hair colors or dyes.

·         Never leave the dye applied on your head for a longer duration.
·         Always rinse the scalp thoroughly using water after applying a hair dye.
·         To apply hair color make sure to wear gloves.
·         Do not mix hair dye products from different brands.
·         Always patch test for allergic reactions before actually applying the dye on your hair. Every hair dye product offers a              detailed instruction to carry out a patch test.
·         Make sure you even ask the hairdresser to carry out the patch test.
·         Ensure the dye does not touch your eyelashes and eyebrows.

 According to FDA, it is banned to use hair dyes for eyebrow and eyelash tinting, even in beauty salons. There are cases where people have experienced allergic reaction from dye that leads to swelling or infection risk around the eyes.