Effect of Hair Colors and Dye

In an increasingly fashion-conscious world, there is a critical need to look good. Side-effects of hair color include:

1. Irritation – This may include burning sensation, itching, redness and discomfort. If any of these occur then you should stop coloring your hair. This is also recommended to perform a small skin patch test before starting coloring.
2. reactions - hair color or dye ingredients contain allergy inducing sensitizers like PPD will cause problems like itching, scalp puffiness, swelling, and difficulty in breathing. They can provoke development of certain type of cancer, hay fever, arthritis and leukemia etc.
3. Breakage – There is an excessive use of hair color or dyes that makes the hair dry, rough and fragile. In a worst case scenario, hair can break off entirely. Also, colored hair should be conditioned regularly.
4. Discoloration – Hair, skin and fingernails are made up of essentially the same type of protein. While coloring around the hairline there are certain patches of discolored skin that can develop. There should be special care taken while doing so.

So why do people color their hair? This can literally improve confidence and personality. In the entertainment or health industry, hair color is an important aspect of appearance.

Chemicals in hair dyes include resorcinol, ammonio, persulfates, hydrogen peroxide, lead acetate and 4-ABP.

There are recent publications that highlight the dangers of hair tints including:

An FDA study which found lead acetate (an active ingredient in gradual darkening products such as Grecian formula) potentially toxic.

Prolonged use of hair color has been linked to the development of some forms of cancer (including leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, bladder cancer, blood cancer, and multiple myeloma).

And to be extremely specific, long term use of permanent dark hair dyes can double a person's risk of various types of blood cancer. Recently a known human carcinogen, 4-Aminobiphenyl or 4-ABP, was found in some off-the shelf hair dyes.

Finally, dying your hair blond requires extensive knowledge of color theory. When hair is bleached, it either has a yellow or coppery shade. Violet-based colors must be used to cancel out yellow tones, and a blue-based shade that will cancel coppery orange out.
Professional hair colorists have a range of products that can correct, nullify or reduce the impact of unintended hair coloring outcome.

Before going to your stylist, carefully research which hair color, the specific look you want and potential side-effects.