Toxic Chemicals in Hair Dye
Today it has become common practice for many people to dye their hair in order to maintain certain societal beauty standards. Unfortunately, conventional hair dye usage can expose people to toxic substances as many hair dyes contain endocrine-disrupting compounds and have been linked to cancer (among other issues). [1] Hair dyes are categorized into two groups: oxidative and nonoxidative, and classified as either temporary, semi-temporary, or permanent depending on how long the dye lasts. [2] The most popular hair dye used in salons is permanent oxidative hair dye. [3]
Ingredients of Concern
Some chemicals of concern that commonly show up in hair dye are:
Aromatic Amines – Aromatic amines are a class of compounds categorized within organic chemistry the contain an aromatic ring attached to an amine. Commercially aromatic amines are used across many industries, including in the production of steel, oil refining, and pharmaceuticals as well as in oxidative hair dye, and they are a by-product of manufacturing plastic. [4] Within hair dye, aromatic amines have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, both through mimicking estrogen which increases the development of tumors and damaging DNA within mammalian cells. [5] Common aromatic amines found in hair dye are p-phenylenediamines, which have also been found to cause skin irritation, as well as reproductive and developmental problems. [6]
Aminophenols in Hydroquinone – Another common class of compounds found in oxidative hair dye is aminophenols. Aminophenols are commonly used as an ingredient in hydroquinone within hair dye. [7] Hydroquinone is used in hair dye as an antioxidant and fragrance. [8] When used in hair dye, hydroquinone is absorbed through the skin and can cause cytotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, causing damage to cells across the body and specifically within the kidneys. [9] Other less severe effects of exposure to hydroquinone include skin irritations, such as hyperpigmentation, and melasma, as well as, depigmentation of the skin. [10]
Toluene – Toluene is another common yet toxic ingredient in hair dye. Like aromatic amines, toluene has many different commercial uses. Toluene is produced through the process of making crude oil into gasoline and is a major solvent in spray paint. [11] Within the cosmetic industry, toluene is also found in nail products as well as hair dye. [12] A high amount of exposure to toluene due to poor ventilation or overuse of products with this ingredient in it is known to cause damage to the central nervous system. [13] Acute damage to the CNS may be experienced as dizziness, nausea, confusion, or memory loss, while more severe damage to the CNS may be experienced as hearing/ vision loss as well as cognitive function decline. [14]
Tips for Choosing Better Alternatives
- Shop for MADE SAFE Certified hair products and dyes.
- Read ingredient labels, even of products that are labeled “natural” and “organic,” to avoid known toxic ingredients.
- Bring your own safer coloring/dye product to the salon or find a professional who is already utilizing safer dyes.
- If you use standard hair dyes and apply the treatment yourself, be sure to wear nitrile gloves and apply the product in a well-ventilated area.
- Increase the length of time between hair appointments to limit/ lessen exposure to toxic ingredients.
References
[1] Eberle, C. E., Sandler, D. P., Taylor, K. W., & White, A. J. (2019). Hair dye and chemical straightener use and breast cancer risk in a large US population of black and white women. International Journal of Cancer, 147(2), 383–391. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.32738
[2] He, L., Michailidou, F., Gahlon, H. L., & Zeng, W. (2022). Hair dye ingredients and potential health risks from exposure to hair dyeing. Chemical Research in Toxicology, 35(6), 901–915. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00427
[3] He, L., Michailidou, F., Gahlon, H. L., & Zeng, W. (2022). Hair dye ingredients and potential health risks from exposure to hair dyeing. Chemical Research in Toxicology, 35(6), 901–915. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00427
[4] Aromatic amines. Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP). (2022, December 14). https://www.bcpp.org/resource/aromatic-amines/#:~:text=Aromatic%20amines%20are%20chemicals%20found,the%20risk
[5] Aromatic amines. Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP). (2022, December 14). https://www.bcpp.org/resource/aromatic-amines/#:~:text=Aromatic%20amines%20are%20chemicals%20found,the%20risk
[6] He, L., Michailidou, F., Gahlon, H. L., & Zeng, W. (2022). Hair dye ingredients and potential health risks from exposure to hair dyeing. Chemical Research in Toxicology, 35(6), 901–915. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00427
[7] He, L., Michailidou, F., Gahlon, H. L., & Zeng, W. (2022). Hair dye ingredients and potential health risks from exposure to hair dyeing. Chemical Research in Toxicology, 35(6), 901–915. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00427
[8] He, L., Michailidou, F., Gahlon, H. L., & Zeng, W. (2022). Hair dye ingredients and potential health risks from exposure to hair dyeing. Chemical Research in Toxicology, 35(6), 901–915. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00427
[9] He, L., Michailidou, F., Gahlon, H. L., & Zeng, W. (2022). Hair dye ingredients and potential health risks from exposure to hair dyeing. Chemical Research in Toxicology, 35(6), 901–915. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00427
[10] Shwartz, C., Jan, A., & Zito , P. M. (n.d.). Hydroquinone - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539693/
[11] Filley, C. M., Halliday, W., & Kleinschmidt-Demasters, B. K. (2004). The effects of toluene on the central nervous system. Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology, 63(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnen/63.1.1
[12] Toluene. Safe Cosmetics. (2022, May 24). https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/toluene/#end2
[13] Toluene. Safe Cosmetics. (2022, May 24). https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/toluene/#end2
[14] Toluene. Safe Cosmetics. (2022, May 24). https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/toluene/#end2
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