You have purchased an “all natural hair dye” product, and you are about to start coloring your hair.  Before you take the next step, may we suggest you read the label carefully!

Are you sure it is really all natural hair dyes?

In an industry which is not well-regulated, you cannot take things for granted. Often, “all natural” formulations also include chemicals that are harsh even though the package may claim that the ingredients are plant derived, natural and healthy. Truly 100% all natural hair dyes should not contain any chemicals, additives and are free from synthetic dyes.

You should also note that there is no approved standard on the definition of “natural”. It is not surprising to find that “natural” means a token of herbal or  “natural” ingredients added to a synthetic product or no “natural” ingredients at all!

So what’s the fuss about chemicals, additives and synthetic dyes?

Research shows that repeated exposure to certain chemicals in hair dyes may cause hair loss, nausea, rashes, itchy and flaking scalp. There are also concerns that some dyes may be carcinogenic.

A research during 2005 revealed that there may be a link between some cases of breast cancer, bladder cancer, leukemia and Hodgkin’s disease. Although the carcinogenic factor in hair dyes is inconclusive, many scientists believe that long-term use of hair dyes may increase the risk of Hodgkin’s disease.

Even though hair dye products produced after the 1980s are safer as manufacturers have removed quite a number of harmful products, a report published in the American Journal of Epidemiology during 2006 claimed that the risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma increased with long-term usage of hair dyes.

Many hair dyes, including those that claim that they contain only all natural hair dyes, whether purchased from retail stores or upscale salon, may have Para-Phenylenediamine (PPD), a coal tar dye.  Essentially, it is petroleum-based and is also used in photo developer, rubber chemicals, gasoline, ink, textile dyes, and dark cosmetics. This chemical is also known as 1,4-Benzenediamine,  p-Phenylenediamine, 4-Phenylenediamine,  para-Diaminobenzene and other aliases.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), PPD may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Mild cases involve dermatitis to the eyelids and ears. In serious cases, reddening and swelling of the face, scalp and parts of the skins that has contacted PPD. It has been reported that contact with eyes causes blindness.

Other chemicals which may cause serious allergic reactions are ammonia and hydrogen peroxide.
Products which claim that they do not use PDD may use other more damaging ingredients like mercury, lead and other metals.

As manufacturers may not make full disclosure of the ingredients in the products, be sure you do a patch test for allergic reactions before you apply the dye on your hair. This test which merely involves putting a dab of the dye behind your ear and leaving it there for two days, should be repeated every time you want to dye your hair. If there is no burning sensation, redness, itching or other reactions, you can safely conclude that it is relatively safe. This safety precaution should be applied to products that claim it contain all natural hair dyes.