Your Hair? Is Your Hair Dye Toxic To Your Wellbeing?
It is estimated that 75 percent of women dye their hair. That means you will know at least one person who does this. Celebrities lead the trend, some seeming to have a new colour every week. This has filtered down and become common-place behavior, to the point that most people don’t stop to think about what keeping up with the latest hair trends might be doing to their health.
In many other aspects of our lives we’re concerned with healthy living: the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the bottles we drink it from. On the list of often-overlooked aspects of our health puzzle are the beauty products we use on a consistent basis.
Uncovering hidden toxins in our lives.
Toxins are all around us. And the amount of toxins we’re exposed to on a daily basis has increased tenfold in recent years, yet our DNA has stayed the same. Our bodies can’t keep up with this and the result is an onslaught of inflammation, hormonal and autoimmune health problems.
Finding out what’s in your hair dye.
A number of chemicals used in dye have been linked to various forms of cancer and other health problems. The sad thing is, not many people know the scary realities behind what they are exposing themselves to on a regular basis. But the first step in limiting your exposure to harmful chemicals is learning what’s in the products you use regularly.
Here’s what could be in your hair dye:
1. Formaldehyde
This common preservative is used in hair dyes and has been linked to cancer and fetal damage in utero.
2. p-Phenylenediamine
Also referred to as PPD, this is the most commonly used chemical and one with the highest health risk. It has been linked to lung and kidney problems and bladder cancer. A 2001 study showed that those who dyed their hair once a month had an increased risk for bladder cancer and this risk increased the longer hair dyes were used, surprisingly, this was more prevalent the darker the dye was.
3. DMDM Hydantoin
This preservative is a known immunotoxin and has been restricted for use in Japanese cosmetics.
4. Ammonia
This chemical can be combined with hydrogen peroxide to create bleach. When inhaled it can cause respiratory problems and asthma.
5. Coal tar
This known cancer-causer is in the majority of hair dyes.
6. Resorcinol
This chemical is very common in various types of hair dyes. Studies show that it can harm normal hormonal function and elevate sex hormones, which wreak havoc on your health.
7. Eugenol
This toxic fragrance is linked with cancer, allergies, immune and neurological system system toxicity.
At 180° Wellness we often find that toxins are a major factor in the complex health issues presenting in clients. Anyone who eats healthy foods and manages their stress but still struggles with health problems should consider the possibility that toxins are to blame. Whether you bleach your hair or use conventional hair dyes you are exposing your body to a certain level of toxicity. Bleach lightens your hair by removing the color through oxidation. Hair dyes work through oxidation as well and can include bleaching agents to achieve the desired color. The more often you dye your hair and the longer it stays on your head, the more toxins you’re exposed to.
Finding a natural alternative.
If you want to avoid toxins, I have good news: you don’t have to stop dying your hair. We live in an awesome time and there are so many options to choose from when it comes to hair dye. If you’re going to get your hair colored you could look for an organic salon that uses all-natural, non-toxic products. Another option is to dye your hair at home. The Environmental Working Group has even listed the least-toxic dyes on the market today. If you just can’t give up your hairdresser and your favorite color and decide to stick with your hair dye, it’s a great idea to incorporate some extra detoxification support into your wellness regime. This will help support your body’s ability to handle the extra chemical exposure.
We’ll never live a life free of toxins, and that’s okay because our bodies were designed to handle a certain amount of exposure. Our goal should be to prioritize our exposures to stay as healthy as possible, while still enjoying life!
Credited by William Cole, D.C., IFMCP
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