Women, in particular, color hair for a number reasons, including to cover of gray hairs, to feel more confident, to feel more attractive or to invent a “new” persona. Some hair color changes are subtle whereas others are more shocking. Whatever the reasons for hair color changes, the use of hair dyes is not new. However, the way in which hair dyes are made has changed over the years and today some commercial hair dyes may present several health risks.
History of Hair Dye
Hair coloring, in addition to the use of oils and other beauty products, was a practice that was carried out by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Chinese. In the early days, hair dye was made from the natural extracts of plants or metallic compounds. Popular ways of dying hair a different color was with the use of henna, turmeric, saffron, myrrh, wood ash or birch bark.
However, in the late nineteenth century, hydrogen peroxide was discovered and the benefits of this new discovery were marketed by London chemist Thiellay and French hairdresser Hugot as one of the most effective ways to lighten hair. Further advances in chemistry led to the production of more commercial hair dyes. Clairol were responsible for producing the first “one-step” hair dye in 1950, quickly followed by the production of home hair coloring kits. Hair coloring soared in popularity and today millions of women color their hair.
Types of Hair Dye
There are four main types of hair dye colors; these are:
- temporary hair dye – lasts through several washes but does not permanently color or penetrate the hair shaft
- semi-permanent hair dye – lasts longer than temporary hair color as it partially penetrates the hair shaft
- demi-permanent hair dye – last for over 20 washes; although not as strong as permanent hair dye, demi-permanent hair color does contain alkaline agents
- permanent hair dye – does not wash out and it does penetrates the hair shaft; contains alkaline agents, such as ammonia, oxidizing agents or developers.
Chemicals in Commercial Hair Dyes
Concern has grown in recent years as to the number and types of chemicals found in commercial hair dyes. Permanent commercial hair dyes may contain chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. Hair dyes are made up of many different chemical compounds but in general include alkaline agents, anti-oxidants, soaps, modifying agents, fragrances and wetting agents. Depending on the color of the hair dye, additional chemicals may be added to obtain the desired color.
Health Risks of Hair Dye
As hair dyes and colors contain a number of chemicals, adverse health effects may occur in usage of such products. Although some people may not incur any health risks from hair dye, others may incur such hazards as:
- skin irritation
- allergic reactions
- discoloration of skin and fingernails
- breakage of hair
- toxic reactions from lead acetate in some hair dye products; the FDA reports indicate a “minimal” potential risk.
- potential risk of some types of cancer including bladder and leukemia; several studies have indicated this possible risk.
Hair Dye and Hair Color Options
Although hair coloring has been practiced for centuries, the chemical make-up of hair dyes and hair colors has changed in approximately the last two hundred years. The potential health risks of using hair dye may not be completely known until a future date. However, there are a number of options and ways to choose to color hair, including natural options, whether it is for fashion or cosmetic reasons.
References:
- USA Today, Are Dye Jobs to Die For?, Mike Falcon, 4/10/2001, accessed July 22, 2010
- PG Beauty and Grooming web site, Hair Color History, accessed July 22, 2010
- FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Hair Dye Products, accessed July 22, 2010
- How Products Are Made web site, Hair Dye, accessed July 22, 2010
Sharon Falsetto - Sharon Falsetto is a business owner, certified clinical aromatherapist & professional writer with a life-long interest in plants.
