Learn whether hair dye is safe to use
Whether you’re wanting to get rid of some greys or wanting to simply swap your natural hair color for something a little bolder, hair dye provides the ideal solution. Hair dyes come in several options, including semi-permanent and permanent. One question that often arises from those new to dying their hair is if permanent hair dye is safe.
Here is everything you need to know about using box hair dye, from what differentiates semi-permanent from permanent and how safe each of these hair dye options is.
Permanent Hair Dye vs. Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
To make a permanent hair dye, an oxidizer and ammonia must be mixed together with a coloring agent. Permanent hair dyes last much longer than semi-permanent hair dyes, and for this reason, don’t need to be applied to the hair as frequently. Additionally, permanent hair dyes have a much larger range of color options, many of which are more natural-looking than the color options available with semi-permanent dye.
On the flip side of this, semi-permanent hair color doesn’t have to be mixed ahead of time by the user. Instead, this type of dye can be applied directly from the applicator. Because of their semi-permanent nature, these hair dyes don’t last nearly as long as permanent hair dyes, fading after about six weeks as a result of shampooing and air exposure.
Is Permanent Hair Dye or Semi-Permanent Hair Dye More Damaging?
In terms of damaging your actual hair follicles, permanent dye uses stronger chemicals and must be left on the hair for a longer period of time, causing more damage to the hair after a single use. However, because permanent dye is stronger, it doesn’t need to be applied as frequently.
Semi-permanent dyes must be applied every six weeks to maintain its color. Thus, though semi-permanent dye is not as harsh on the hair follicles as permanent dye from a single application, the fact that it must be reapplied more frequently should be considered.
How Safe is It to Dye Your Hair?
While much research is still being done on hair dyes, it is thought that these products might be linked to cancer. However, one major factor in determining your hair dye’s safety is by looking at its ingredient list. Paraphenylenediamine, coal tar, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonia are all ingredients that are often found in permanent hair dyes and can be harmful to one’s health.
A second factor to consider when thinking about hair dye safety is frequency. The more often you dye your hair, the more you may be increasing your risk for cancer. Studies have shown that women who dye their hair with permanent dye once a month for over a year double their chances of developing bladder cancer.
A third consideration is your individual genetic makeup. Some DNA may make certain women and men more susceptible to cancer than others.
Ways to Lower Your Risk of Cancer When Dyeing Your Hair
If you’re set on dying your hair but want to implement some methods that will lower your risk of developing cancer, there are some considerations that one can make.
One safer option that can be used is henna. Henna is a plant-based hair dye that lasts about as long as semi-permanent hair dye. Graphene is another hair dye alternative. Graphene products can be directly sprayed or combed into the hair, coating it with color. Graphene doesn’t chemically change your hair, and it can stay in place for up to 30 washes. You can also seek out nontoxic hair dye products.
Are Organic Hair Dyes Safe?
Unfortunately, organic hair dyes still contain chemicals. The chemicals used in organic hair dyes are often synthetic substances, and while they may be gentler on the hair, the fact of the matter is that the chemicals used in organic hair dyes carry as much potential as non-organic hair dyes to cause cancer in those who regularly dye their hair.
Health Risks Are Minimal When Using Semi-Permanent and Permanent Hair Dyes
While there is some strong correlations of hair dye with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and bladder cancer, there isn’t much powerful evidence linking hair dye to other forms of cancer. In fact, the chances of getting cancer from dying your hair are quite minimal. That being said, it’s always important to know the risks involved with whatever you are doing.
Resources— HuffPost, Everyday Health, Healthline
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