Hair Dye Safety
Introduction to Hair Dyes:
Hair dyes are among the most thoroughly assessed personal care products. Independent scientists have conducted numerous studies to determine whether hair dye ingredients may cause harm to consumers’ health. These studies have overwhelmingly found that the hair dyes on the market today are safe when used as directed. To monitor the continued safety of these products, the hair dye industry regularly evaluates and updates its safety standards, using the most current data available. Many of the basic ingredients used in hair dyes have been used literally for over a century and are permitted for use by key scientific and regulatory bodies globally (the US Cosmetic Ingredient Review [CIR] Expert Panel, the EU Commission, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor, the Australian National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment (NICNAS).
When one looks at the scientific literature or media reports on hair dyes, two common areas of discussion are found: 1) Can hair dyes cause allergic skin reactions? and 2) Is there an association between hair dye use and cancer?
Here are some key facts you should know -
Hair Dye Allergies:
Just like other products in common use, such as certain foods or drugs, hair dyes can cause allergic skin reactions in some individuals. The number of consumers who report allergic reactions to the use of hair dye is very small. The majority of these reported reactions occur at the site of contact after hair dye use and resemble other contact-allergy reactions like those observed from nickel, poison ivy, etc.
With the aim of reducing the risk of allergic reaction as much as possible, it is recommended that users conduct a skin test before applying hair color. The necessary warnings and instructions for skin testing are on most hair coloring packages. If a consumer experiences an adverse reaction to a hair dye ingredient he or she should avoid use of hair dyes and consult with a physician before further use.
Cancer Allegations:
A large number of biological and epidemiological studies exist, relating to hair dyes and cancer - both on basic biology and epidemiology. Although a few studies have suggested that some hair coloring products may increase risks of cancer, the weight of the evidence supports the conclusion that there is no established link between hair dye use and cancer.
An independent review of more than 80 epidemiology studies on hair dyes published in 2006 concluded that no causal link has been established between long term use of hair dyes and any type of cancer (1). . The CIR has summarized these and other more recent studies on its website (http://www.cir-safety.org/findings.html) in which the Expert Panel states that “the available epidemiology studies are insufficient to conclude there is a causal relationship between hair dye use and cancer and other endpoints”. In February 2008, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluated exposure from personal use of hair colorants. After considering all of the published studies, IARC concluded that the evidence for an association between hair dye use and any type of cancer was inadequate (i.e., permitted no conclusions regarding a causal association).
Hair Dye and Pregnancy:
The studies that have been conducted on the use of hair dyes during pregnancy have not found a risk of harm to the fetus. According to the March of Dimes, the “amount of dye you would normally use on your hair is not enough to pose an increased risk to either you or your child.” (2) Women who are pregnant should consult their doctor if they have any questions or concerns.
In Summary:
Based upon the extensive available safety data, consumers should feel confident in the safety of hair dye formulations. Hair dye manufacturers are fully committed to funding ongoing research in the area of safety, with a goal to provide ever increasing levels of confidence and reassurance to consumers.
When one looks at the scientific literature or media reports on hair dyes, two common areas of discussion are found: 1) Can hair dyes cause allergic skin reactions? and 2) Is there an association between hair dye use and cancer?
Here are some key facts you should know -
Hair Dye Allergies:
Just like other products in common use, such as certain foods or drugs, hair dyes can cause allergic skin reactions in some individuals. The number of consumers who report allergic reactions to the use of hair dye is very small. The majority of these reported reactions occur at the site of contact after hair dye use and resemble other contact-allergy reactions like those observed from nickel, poison ivy, etc.
With the aim of reducing the risk of allergic reaction as much as possible, it is recommended that users conduct a skin test before applying hair color. The necessary warnings and instructions for skin testing are on most hair coloring packages. If a consumer experiences an adverse reaction to a hair dye ingredient he or she should avoid use of hair dyes and consult with a physician before further use.
Cancer Allegations:
A large number of biological and epidemiological studies exist, relating to hair dyes and cancer - both on basic biology and epidemiology. Although a few studies have suggested that some hair coloring products may increase risks of cancer, the weight of the evidence supports the conclusion that there is no established link between hair dye use and cancer.
An independent review of more than 80 epidemiology studies on hair dyes published in 2006 concluded that no causal link has been established between long term use of hair dyes and any type of cancer (1). . The CIR has summarized these and other more recent studies on its website (http://www.cir-safety.org/findings.html) in which the Expert Panel states that “the available epidemiology studies are insufficient to conclude there is a causal relationship between hair dye use and cancer and other endpoints”. In February 2008, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluated exposure from personal use of hair colorants. After considering all of the published studies, IARC concluded that the evidence for an association between hair dye use and any type of cancer was inadequate (i.e., permitted no conclusions regarding a causal association).
Hair Dye and Pregnancy:
The studies that have been conducted on the use of hair dyes during pregnancy have not found a risk of harm to the fetus. According to the March of Dimes, the “amount of dye you would normally use on your hair is not enough to pose an increased risk to either you or your child.” (2) Women who are pregnant should consult their doctor if they have any questions or concerns.
In Summary:
Based upon the extensive available safety data, consumers should feel confident in the safety of hair dye formulations. Hair dye manufacturers are fully committed to funding ongoing research in the area of safety, with a goal to provide ever increasing levels of confidence and reassurance to consumers.
More Information:
For answers to some frequently asked questions about hair dyes
(1) Rollison DE, Helzlsouer KJ, and Pinney SM. (2006) Personal hair dye use and cancer: a systematic literature review and evaluation of exposure assessment in studies published since 1992. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 9(5):413-39.
(2) http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/24043_24535.asp
(1) Rollison DE, Helzlsouer KJ, and Pinney SM. (2006) Personal hair dye use and cancer: a systematic literature review and evaluation of exposure assessment in studies published since 1992. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 9(5):413-39.
(2) http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/24043_24535.asp
