Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Use of Hair Dyes
Do hair coloring products present health risks?
For the consumer:
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.
Hair coloring products are one of the most extensively studied consumer products on the mass consumer market. Their safety has been tested for decades and is continually updated thanks to many research studies.
However, 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 allergic to hair dyes is very small. With the aim of reducing the risk of allergic reaction as far as possible, it has been recommended for many years that users should carry out a skin sensitivity test 48 hours before application of a hair coloring. The necessary warnings and instructions for skin testing are on most hair coloring packages. Other safety precautions noted in the directions for use, such as using appropriate disposable gloves during the mix, the application and the rinsing of a hair colorant, should also be followed.
For hair professionals:
Hair salon professionals frequently handle hair dye products and other chemicals several times a day over a long period of time, which substantially increases their potential exposure to these products. Epidemiological studies have found that hairdressers have an increased risk of developing occupational hand dermatitis. Professional use requires safety precautions mentioned on the packaging and on the specification sheet, such as using appropriate disposable gloves during the mix, the application and the rinsing of a hair colorant. A recently published study confirms that following such safety precautions offers sufficient protection against local and systemic exposure to hair dye components such as para-phenylenediamine (PPD) (1). If such professionals do not follow these precautions, they can have greater exposures to chemicals, which underlies the need to consistently adhere to safety precautions.
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.
Hair coloring products are one of the most extensively studied consumer products on the mass consumer market. Their safety has been tested for decades and is continually updated thanks to many research studies.
However, 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 allergic to hair dyes is very small. With the aim of reducing the risk of allergic reaction as far as possible, it has been recommended for many years that users should carry out a skin sensitivity test 48 hours before application of a hair coloring. The necessary warnings and instructions for skin testing are on most hair coloring packages. Other safety precautions noted in the directions for use, such as using appropriate disposable gloves during the mix, the application and the rinsing of a hair colorant, should also be followed.
For hair professionals:
Hair salon professionals frequently handle hair dye products and other chemicals several times a day over a long period of time, which substantially increases their potential exposure to these products. Epidemiological studies have found that hairdressers have an increased risk of developing occupational hand dermatitis. Professional use requires safety precautions mentioned on the packaging and on the specification sheet, such as using appropriate disposable gloves during the mix, the application and the rinsing of a hair colorant. A recently published study confirms that following such safety precautions offers sufficient protection against local and systemic exposure to hair dye components such as para-phenylenediamine (PPD) (1). If such professionals do not follow these precautions, they can have greater exposures to chemicals, which underlies the need to consistently adhere to safety precautions.
Do hair coloring products cause allergies?
Just like other products in common use, such as certain foods or drugs, hair dyes can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. The number of consumers allergic to hair dyes is very small compared to overall hair dye use. Allergic reactions typically occur at the site of contact and resemble other delayed contact-allergy reactions like nickel, poison ivy, etc.
With the goal of reducing the risk of allergic reaction as low as possible, it has been recommended for many years by the FDA that users should systematically carry out a skin sensitivity test 48 hours before application of a hair coloring either at home or in the salon. The necessary warnings and instructions for skin testing are on most hair coloring packages sold in the US.
If a consumer experiences an adverse reaction after conducting this test, he or she should avoid using hair dyes and consult a physician.
With the goal of reducing the risk of allergic reaction as low as possible, it has been recommended for many years by the FDA that users should systematically carry out a skin sensitivity test 48 hours before application of a hair coloring either at home or in the salon. The necessary warnings and instructions for skin testing are on most hair coloring packages sold in the US.
If a consumer experiences an adverse reaction after conducting this test, he or she should avoid using hair dyes and consult a physician.
Are hair coloring products likely to cause cancers?
No established causal link between the use of hair dye products and cancer has been demonstrated. Although a few studies have suggested an association, the weight of the evidence supports the conclusion that there is no apparent causal link between hair dye use and cancer.
Can pregnant women use hair coloring products?
The available evidence suggests that the use of hair dyes during pregnancy does not pose a risk of harm to the fetus. According to the March of Dimes (2), 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.” Women who are pregnant should consult their doctor if they have questions or concerns.
Who checks the safety of hair coloring products which are put on the market- The authorities or the manufacturers?
Hair coloring products are cosmetics governed by various regulations around the world (e.g., the US Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act (3) and the European Union’s Cosmetics Directive (4)). Under these laws, it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to substantiate that the product and all of its ingredients are safe for consumers under the intended conditions of use. This is a responsibility that hair dye manufacturers take very seriously. All information supporting the safety of a product is kept by the manufacturers and could be made available to the authorities upon request.
In addition, manufacturers have, for many years, submitted safety data on hair colorants to independent scientific bodies such as the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) and the US Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (CIR) so that they can deliver independent scientific opinions. No hair dye product is introduced to the marketplace unless the manufacturer is confident of its safety.
In addition, manufacturers have, for many years, submitted safety data on hair colorants to independent scientific bodies such as the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) and the US Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (CIR) so that they can deliver independent scientific opinions. No hair dye product is introduced to the marketplace unless the manufacturer is confident of its safety.
I have been using hair coloring products for many years. Must I stop?
As noted above, such products are among the most extensively studied consumer products on the mass consumer market. Their safety has been established for decades and has been continually updated thanks to many research studies. There is, therefore, no scientifically established reason for you to stop coloring your hair. However, if you have any concerns about using hair coloring products, you should consult with your physician.
References:
(1)Hueber-Becker F, Nohynek GJ, Dufour EK, Meuling WJ, de Bie AT, Toutain H, Bolt HM. (2007) Occupational exposure of hairdressers to [14C]-para-phenylenediamine-containing oxidative hair dyes: a mass balance study. Food Chem Toxicol. 45(1):160-9.
(2) http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/24043_24535.asp (accessed January 2009)
(3) Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. 21 U.S.C. 301.
(4) Council Directive 76/768/EEC. The Cosmetics Directive is the overall piece of EC legislation that regulates the manufacture and placing on the market of cosmetic products.
(2) http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/24043_24535.asp (accessed January 2009)
(3) Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. 21 U.S.C. 301.
(4) Council Directive 76/768/EEC. The Cosmetics Directive is the overall piece of EC legislation that regulates the manufacture and placing on the market of cosmetic products.
