Potential Cancer Risks of Hair Dyes
There are significant concerns regarding the safety of hair dye chemicals. British scientists have warned that certain chemicals in permanent hair dyes can react with environmental pollutants to form potent cancer-causing compounds known as N-nitrosamines. This risk applies to both home hair coloring kits and salon dyes. Studies have previously linked hair dye use to various cancers, including breast, bladder, ovarian, brain cancers, and leukemia.
With over 1/3 of women and 1/10 of men regularly coloring their hair, researchers emphasize the importance of quantifying these health risks. In 2010, the European Union took action by banning 22 ingredients in hair dyes linked to bladder cancer risk. As consumers become more informed about the potential dangers associated with chemical exposure in hair products, the demand for safer alternatives continues to grow.
Safer Hair Coloring Alternatives
1. Ammonia-Free Permanent Hair Colors
Using advanced laboratory technologies and incorporating natural plant ingredients, Phergal created Naturtint, the first permanent ammonia- free hair color. Naturtint’s gentler, more natural ammonia-free formula helps nourish and protect hair, restoring the hair’s natural shine and vitality. Naturtint hair coloring quickly became popular around the world and has earned the trust and loyalty of customers in over 30 countries.
INOA, developed by L’Oréal, is an innovative ammonia-free permanent hair color that uses monoethanolamine (MEA) instead of ammonia. This gentler formulation is applied to dry hair, with color molecules attracted to water inside the hair shaft. Other options include Organic Color Systems, which uses heat and an oil base to open the hair cuticle instead of ammonia.
2. Demi-Permanent Dyes
Demi-permanent dyes often use MEA instead of ammonia, causing less damage to the hair. Colorists like Beth Minardi and Scrivo recommend these for covering gray hair, especially for dark-haired clients with some gray.
3. Natural Dyes
Henna is a natural, non-toxic option for coloring hair, though it may not last as long as commercial dyes. Henna is derived from the leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant. It imparts a rich, reddish-brown color to the hair.
- Non-toxic and safe for most hair types.
- Conditions and strengthens hair.
- Provides a natural shine.
Other natural alternatives include using coffee for darker shades, beet juice for reddish tints, or carrot juice for reddish-orange hues.
4. Specialized Products
Hairprint is a patented repigmentation product that returns brown or black hair to its original color using only 8 food-grade ingredients. It claims to cause no damage to hair and boasts the “Made Safe” certification. The main ingredients are:
- Aqua – Purified and deionized water.
- Bicarbonate of Soda – Commonly known as baking soda, used for its cleaning properties.
- Mucuna Pruriens Extract – Derived from velvet beans, it plays a role in the color restoration process.
- Sodium Carbonate – Also known as soda ash, made from salt and limestone.
- Ferrous Gluconate – An iron supplement that contributes to the formulation.
- Manganese Gluconate – Another mineral supplement used in the product.
- Hydrogen Peroxide – Present in low concentrations (1-1.5%), it naturally occurs in hair follicles and aids in the formulation without damaging hair.
- Carbomer – An inert thickener commonly used in cosmetic products to improve texture.
5. Supplements and Herbal Remedies
Some people have reported success with supplements like diatomaceous earth or herbal remedies like Brahmi Amla or He Shou Wu for addressing gray hair. However, results may vary and take longer to achieve.
While these alternatives offer increasingly safer options for those concerned about chemical exposure, it’s important to note that no hair coloring method is entirely risk-free. Always perform a patch test before using any new product and consult with a professional colorist or dermatologist if you have concerns about allergies or sensitivities.
Read More
[1] https://www.hairbymoses.com/blog/want-to-color-your-hair-here-are-safer-alternatives-you-can-try/
[2] https://nourishmedicine.com/hair-color-alternatives-that-actually-work-even-on-grays/
[3] https://thekindlife.com/non-toxic-hair-dyes/
[4] https://thenewknew.com/organic-hair-dye-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/
[5] https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g32733583/best-natural-hair-dye/
[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/GothFashion/comments/17bq4gh/goths_with_ppd_allergies_are_there_safe_black/
[7] https://organichaircolorreview.wordpress.com/2012/08/15/inoa-from-loreal-the-big-boys-go-green/
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/HairDye/comments/13zp71h/most_permanent_nontoxic_hair_dye/
[9] https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00427
[10] https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/does-hair-dye-cause-cancer
[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5187955/
[12] https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m2942
[13] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/hair-dyes.html
[14] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/hair-dyes-fact-sheet
[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3543291/
[16] https://www.ewg.org/research/dye-dangers-harmful-chemicals-hair-coloring-products-and-their-health-concerns
[17] https://artegousa.com/product/immersion-into-hair-color-w-industry-icon-beth-minardi/
[18] https://www.amazon.com/beth-minardi-demi-permanent-color/dp/B00WXHRLLY
[19] https://www.amazon.com/Beth-Minardi-Signature-Demi-Permanent-Sterling/dp/B00QHSHBPG
[20] https://www.bethminardi-allaccess.com
[21] https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/11/fashion/11Skin.html
[22] http://www.naturtintusa.com/ammonia-free-hair-color.php
