What are the risks of dyeing hair?
Nov 28, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the potential harms of hair dyeing may include damage to hair quality and hair follicles, respiratory problems, allergic reactions, harm to internal organs, and adverse effects on fetal development. To reduce the damage caused by hair dyeing, it is recommended to decrease the frequency of dyeing, choose reliable and high-quality hair dye products, and perform a skin test before dyeing to check for allergies.
Under normal circumstances, the potential hazards of hair dyeing may include damage to hair quality and hair follicles, respiratory problems, allergic reactions, damage to internal organs, and adverse effects on fetal development. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and follow standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Damage to Hair Quality and Hair Follicles
Chemical components in hair dyes, such as oxidizing agents, pigments, and hydrogen peroxide, may damage the hair cuticle structure, making hair dry, frizzy, soft, and prone to breakage, thereby losing its original luster and elasticity. Frequent hair dyeing also can damage hair follicles, disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, and potentially lead to thinning hair and hair loss.
2. Respiratory Problems
Volatile organic compounds generated during the hair-dyeing process may irritate the respiratory tract, causing coughing, shortness of breath, or other respiratory issues, especially when dyeing hair in poorly ventilated environments.
3. Allergic Reactions
Some ingredients in hair dyes, such as paraphenylenediamine and ammonia, are common allergens. Individuals with allergic constitutions may develop contact dermatitis after dyeing their hair, manifesting as redness, itching, and a burning sensation on the scalp. In severe cases, symptoms such as erosion and exudation may occur. Allergic reactions are not limited to the scalp but may spread to the face and entire body, affecting daily life and work.
4. Damage to Internal Organs
Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and ammonia compounds in hair dyes may be absorbed by the body with long-term use. These harmful substances may accumulate in the body and affect systems such as the circulatory, nervous, and urinary systems, causing symptoms including hemolysis, anemia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. Additionally, they may damage liver and kidney function and affect bone marrow hematopoietic cells, increasing the risk of hematologic diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma.
5. Adverse Effects on Fetal Development
Pregnant women who dye their hair may allow harmful substances in hair dyes to enter the fetal body through the bloodstream, negatively affecting fetal development and increasing the risk of fetal malformations and developmental abnormalities. Therefore, pregnant women and women planning to conceive should avoid hair dyeing as much as possible.
To minimize the harm caused by hair dyeing, it is recommended to reduce the frequency of dyeing, choose reliable and high-quality hair dye products, and perform a skin test before dyeing to check for allergic reactions. Hair dyeing is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing women, or individuals with allergic constitutions.
