Is it true that hair dye can cause cancer? & bull; hello healthy

Hair dyeing is considered a trend among young people today. However, is it safe to dye hair? You must have heard the rumors related to hair dye and cancer. Many studies have looked at hair dye as a possible risk factor for various types of cancer. Therefore, here we will discuss what various studies of hair dyes have shown so that you can decide which one is better to do.

Types of hair dye

According to the American Cancer Society, hair dyes vary widely in their cosmetic chemistry. People are usually exposed to hair dye chemicals through skin contact. There are 3 main types of car hair, namely:

• Temporary dyes. This dye covers the surface of the hair, but does not penetrate into the hair shaft. This dye usually only lasts 1-2 times of shampooing.
• Semi-permanent dye. This dye does not penetrate into the hair shaft. Usually, this dye lasts for 5-10 times of shampooing.
• Permanent dyes (oxidative). This dye causes permanent chemical changes to the hair shaft. This dye is the most popular type on the market, because the color will not change until new hair appears. These dyes are sometimes referred to as coal-tar dyes because of some of the ingredients in it, like aromatic amines and phenols. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the two substances react to form a dye. Darker hair dye tends to use more of it aromatic amines.

Why is hair dye suspected to cause cancer?

According to the National Cancer Institute, there are more than 5,000 kinds of chemicals present in hair dyes, and some of them can cause cancer in animals, one of which is aromatic amines. Over the years, epidemiological studies have found an increased risk of bladder cancer in hairdressers and barbers. A 2008 report from the Working Group of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that some of the chemicals in hair dyes are human carcinogens.

The American Cancer Society adds that most of the studies examining whether hair dye products increase cancer risk have focused on certain cancers, such as bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), leukemia, and breast cancer.

Bladder cancer

Most studies have found a small but consistently increased risk, in people who dye hair, such as hairdressers and barbers, of developing bladder cancer. However, no research results have shown an increased risk of bladder cancer in people whose hair is dyed.

Leukemia and lymphoma

The study looked at a possible link between the use of personal hair dye and the risk of blood-related cancers (such as leukemia and lymphoma). However, the results were mixed. For example, several studies have found an increased risk of certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in women who use hair dye, especially if it was started before 1980 or if using a darker color. Results of the same type were found in several studies on the risk of leukemia. However, other studies have not found an increased risk. So, if there is an effect of hair dye on blood-related cancers, the effect is likely to be small.

Breast cancer and other cancers

Most studies have not found an increased risk of breast cancer and other cancers from using hair dyes.

Not all hair dyes are dangerous

Some of these specialist agencies have classified what hair dye or hair dye ingredients can cause cancer.

The International Agency of Research on Cancer (IARC) is part of the World Health Organization (WHO) which aims to identify the causes of cancer. The IARC concludes that jobs such as barbers or hairdressers are a high risk profession for cancer. However, dyeing hair using personal hair dyes is not classified as carcinogenic to humans, due to a lack of evidence from research.

The National Toxicology Program (NTP), which is formed from the part of several US government agencies, including the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), states that no link has been found between hair dye and cancer. However, some of the chemicals used in hair dyes are classified as potential human carcinogens.

How do you dye your hair to keep it safe?

When hair dyes first appeared, the main ingredients used were coal-tar dyes which can cause allergic reactions in some people. Most hair dyes today use a petroleum source. However, the FDA considers that the hair dye still contains coal-tar dyes. This is because hair dyes today still contain ingredients that were used in ancient times.

Therefore, follow these steps when coloring your hair:

1. Don't leave more dye on your head than necessary.
2. Rinse the scalp thoroughly with water after using the hair dye.
3. Wear gloves when applying hair dye.
4. Follow the directions on the hair dye product carefully.
5. Never mix different hair dye products.
6. Make sure to do patch test to find out an allergic reaction before using hair dye. To test this, put the dye behind your ear and let it sit for 2 days. If you don't have any signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, heat, or redness, then you won't have an allergic reaction when the hair dye is applied to your hair. Always do this for different products.
7. Never dye your eyebrows or lashes. The FDA prohibits the use of hair dye for eyelashes and eyebrows. An allergic reaction to the dye can cause swelling and increase the risk of infection around your eye or in your eye. This can harm your eyes and can even lead to blindness.