Does Hair Dye Cause Cancer?

Hair dye or hair coloring is a major concern to many people that the chemicals used might be carcinogens that could potentially be cancer causing agents, as it is common knowledge that most hair dyes do not have to go through the standard stringent safety tests. However, the peer pressure to look young and trendy keeps people coloring their hair either to younger by disguising white or gray hair, or to change their hair color to look more fashionable and attractive, despite the perceived risks of cancer or allergic reaction. Repeated warnings on the risks of using hair dye from medical experts are not discouraging people from continuing to color their hair.

Most hair dyes today are made from petroleum based materials, unlike those in the past, which used coal-tar as the main ingredient and was the culprit for triggering allergic reactions in some people. However, it is disturbing that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has found that the modern day hair colorings and the older ones contain similar chemical compounds.

Studies about the cancer risks associated to hair dye have been contradicting, with some showing purported evidence linking hair dye to certain cancers such as increased risk of bladder cancer, while others dispute that risk. While some studies have shown a slight possible increase in the risk of blood cell cancers such as leukaemia, other studies have found no conclusive link. However, certain medical research has shown that there is a small possible increased risk of non Hodgkin's lymphoma with the long term use of dark hair dyes.

No matter how small the risk, you would not want to your health as risk merely to look good. There are many natural hair dyes around, made from organic natural ingredients such as herbs and fruits. Natural hair colorings are the safe way to color your hair, as you would definitely not want to put potentially hazardous materials on your skin, much less, on your head!

There are many benefits in using natural ingredients to color your hair. Among the many benefits, the natural ingredients also nourish your scalp with the much needed nutrients of protein, anti-oxidants and vitamins, keeping your hair looking soft, young and lustrous.

You can make your own hair color with a quick search on the internet for natural hair dyes recipes, or simply buy those ready-made ones with ingredients made from ayurvedic herbs such as henna.