| There has been a lot of media attention in recent | | | | may burn the hair and scalp and in extreme cases |
| years about a possible link between hair dye and | | | | may lead to skin infections. |
| cancer. Can your beauty secret give you cancer? | | | | In addition, research has found that women who color |
| The International Agency on Research on Cancer, a | | | | their hair for 20 years or more may nearly double their |
| unit of the World Health Organization, stated recently | | | | risk for rheumatoid arthritis. It is not clear if this is |
| that there does indeed seem to be a link between hair | | | | because they started with hair dyes made before |
| dyes and bladder cancer. However, the risk seems to | | | | 1980. |
| be minimal and the greatest risk seems to be among | | | | Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not dye their |
| male barbers and hair care professionals who are | | | | hair because their unborn children would be 10 times |
| exposed to large amounts of hair dyes on a daily | | | | more likely to get cancer. |
| basis. The greatest risk seems to be in using | | | | Many people report allergic reactions to hair dyes. |
| permanent dark-colored hair dyes. | | | | Their scalps itch at the time of application and days |
| While today's hair dyes are fairly safe to use, there is | | | | later. The itchiness may result in sores. Some people |
| still some concern for those who used hair dyes | | | | may also have difficulty breathing because of an |
| before 1980. A study from Yale University found that | | | | allergic reaction to the dye's ingredients. |
| women who started using dark hair dye before 1980 | | | | Those who like to dye their hair unusual colors, such as |
| had an increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. | | | | pink or blue, should be aware that these dyes contain |
| However, women who started dying their hair after | | | | lead acetate and coal tar, both of which can harm the |
| 1980 did not show such an increased risk. | | | | body's immune and reproductive systems. |
| Why the difference? In 1980 the U.S. banned the use | | | | In general, however, hair dyes are safe to use. Most |
| of hair dye ingredients derived from coal tar. Those | | | | products advise consumers to try a skin test several |
| ingredients, including HC Blue 1, were found to be | | | | days before applying the dyes. If any adverse reaction |
| carcinogenic. (It should be noted that while the U.S. | | | | is noticed, don't use the dye and perhaps consult a |
| banned the use of these ingredients, they still may be | | | | doctor, depending on the circumstances. |
| permitted to use in other countries, particularly smaller, | | | | In order to prevent most risks, experts recommend |
| developing nations.) | | | | avoiding dark and permanent hair dyes. Instead use |
| Therefore, people aged 40 and older who have dyed | | | | natural hair dyes that use henna or herbal/vegetable |
| their hair for many years and are concerned about | | | | dyes. Go to a salon that specializes in herbal, chemical |
| cancer, should consult their general practitioner or | | | | free products. Don't mix hair dye products. |
| oncologist. There is always a risk that toxins from a | | | | In reading this list of risks, keep in mind that in general |
| hair dye can be absorbed in the body. However, for | | | | hair dyes are very safe. By following package |
| the most part, the cancer risk is minimal. | | | | directions, it is possible to have beautiful hair and a |
| Some people believe using hair dye carries some | | | | healthy body. |
| other health risks. For example, bleaching one's hair | | | | |