Is Hair Dye Healthy? a blog dealing with hair dye and how it can have an impact on the body.
Can Hair Dye Cause Cancer?
P-phenylenediamine (ppd) is a chemical substance that is widely used as a permanent hair dye. Some of the most common brands that use p-phenylenediamine in their products include:
- Clairol Natural Instincts
- Manic Panic Vibrant Pink
- Redken Chromatics Blue Black Semi-Permanent Hair Color
PPD has been linked to causing cancer and organ damage in laboratory animals, but it’s unclear whether or not this can be translated to humans. Because ppd has been shown to cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, burning, and itching when applied directly onto the skin surface of animals like rats, it’s possible that these effects may be replicated for humans who apply the product directly on their scalps.
Are There Healthier Options?
If you’re looking for healthier alternatives to hair dye, there are options. Henna is a plant-based dye that has been used for thousands of years by women in India and other countries. It comes in red, brown and black shades, but it won’t cover gray hair or change your natural color like ammonia-based dyes do. Another option is indigo (for brunettes), cassia (for blondes) or PPD-free colors like Manic Panic semi-permanent dyes and demi-permanent colors.
What to Avoid in Hair Color Products
When it comes to hair dye, you want to avoid the following chemicals:
- PPD, also known as p-phenylenediamine. This is one of the most common ingredients used in hair dyes and can cause allergic reactions in some people.
- Hydrogen peroxide. This is often found in home products that are marketed as “natural” or “vegan,” but it’s still harmful for your body and shouldn’t be used regularly.
- Ammonia. This ingredient helps make hair color work better but has a strong smell that can irritate your eyes if you accidentally get any on them while applying it. If this happens, wash your hands immediately with soap and water; don’t rub or blow on them (aside from washing).
How to Choose the Safest Hair Dye
Choose a semi-permanent hair dye
A semi-permanent hair dye is a great option for those who want to change their hair color but don’t want to commit to the long process of getting their hair permanently dyed. Semipermanent dyes will only last for about 2–4 weeks (or until you wash your hair), but they tend to use safer ingredients than permanent dyes and are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Semi-permanent dyes that have a high lead content should be avoided because of their potential toxicity and damage to your skin, so make sure any product you’re thinking of buying checks out as having low lead levels. Also avoid any products with toxins such as ammonia or peroxide in them; these substances can irritate your scalp and leave it vulnerable over time.
If natural is important for you when choosing a safe haircare product, then look no further than at home coloring kits that are made from all natural sources like henna powder or beetroot juice—they’re generally safer than traditional chemical-based products because they don’t contain as many harmful chemicals.
If PPD or paraphenylenediamine is listed on the ingredients list of any brand or type of dye (and especially if there’s more than one on there), avoid using this kind immediately since this substance has been linked directly back over time leading up until now (and hopefully into future) with cases where patients had adverse reactions due to using products containing this ingredient without knowing beforehand how dangerous it could potentially be for them personally before trying anything new!
PPD is a known human carcinogen and can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, burning, and itching. It also has been linked to organ damage.
PPD is a known human carcinogen and can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, burning, and itching. It also has been linked to organ damage.
PPD is found in the majority of hair dyes (90%+) on the market. If you see ‘paraphenylene diamine’ listed as an ingredient on your box of dye or if it isn’t listed at all, chances are good that PPD will be there in smaller amounts too!
We’re told that our hair dyes release toxic fumes into our lungs when we use them… but what about the rest of our bodies? What impact does this have on us over time?
The darker the dye, the higher the risk of cancer. “The more elevated the levels of these chemicals in your system, the greater your likelihood for developing one or more types of cancer.”
Fortunately, many hair dyes are now available in colors that can match the natural tones of your hair. If you have very dark hair, these products may not be suitable for you as they may not produce the results wanted. However, even if you do have brown or black hair and would like to change it to a lighter shade, there are plenty of products out there that provide this service without using chemicals.
You should also consider whether a permanent dye might be right for you. While some people simply want their hair to look nicer without too much hassle involved with maintenance and upkeep (especially those who work long hours), others choose a permanent color because they want something specific – like red highlights! Just keep in mind that while some colors wash out after several weeks or months (like blonde), others will last indefinitely so choose wisely!
“If you color your hair regularly, you should know that all permanent hair dyes have both PPD and hydrogen peroxide.”
So, if you color your hair regularly, you should know that all permanent hair dyes have both PPD and hydrogen peroxide.
PPD is a known human carcinogen and can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, burning, and itching. It also has been linked to organ damage.[3]