How often do you visit the salon to get your hair colored? For many women, once they start, they typically go every six to eight weeks, sometimes even more frequently. This might be to cover up gray hairs around the roots and temples or to add some highlights or lowlights. According to a 2008 study, 75% of women color their hair, and an increasing number of men are also using hair dye to change their hair color or cover up gray. Another study found that about 10% of men over 40 use hair dye.

Dangers of Chemical Hair Dyes

The dangers of chemical hair dyes should not be ignored, especially if you frequently visit a salon or use boxed products at home. Today’s hair dyes are available in three forms: permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary, with permanent dyes making up about 80% of the market.

There are around 5,000 different chemicals used in hair dyes, many of which have been found to be carcinogenic in animal studies. Long-term use of hair dyes, especially darker colors, has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. A 2004 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found a significant link between hair dye use and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, particularly in women who used permanent dyes frequently over many years.

One of the main chemical hazards in permanent hair dye is phenylenediamine. Although the FDA has not banned its use, it has proposed that manufacturers put warning labels on products containing this substance, which causes cancer in laboratory animals. However, industry lobbyists have prevented these warnings from being implemented.

In addition to phenylenediamine, hair dyes contain coal tar colors, which include toxic contaminants like benzene and heavy metals such as lead and arsenic, both of which are known to cause cancer and disrupt hormones. Hairdressers and barbers who use these dyes also have an increased risk of bladder cancer, as noted in a 2008 report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

When hydrogen peroxide is mixed with ammonia in hair dye, it creates new chemicals that may further increase cancer risk. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) advises avoiding skin contact with phenylenediamine, but this is nearly impossible when applying hair dye.

Beyond cancer risks, hair dyes can cause allergic reactions, including dermatitis of the eyes, scalp, face, and ears. In severe cases, these reactions can be deadly.

Europe Ahead of America

Europe has banned 22 hair dye substances linked to bladder cancer, while in the United States, there is no regulatory body specifically overseeing chemicals in personal care products. The FDA only makes recommendations, and companies must research the safety of their ingredients.

The Environmental Working Group has declared that 400 out of 456 hair colors in its Skin Deep cosmetics database are high hazards, containing toxic ingredients linked to cancer, reproductive problems, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, immunotoxicity, and allergies.

How to Dye Your Hair Naturally

To avoid harsh chemicals, you can use natural alternatives that won’t strip your hair of nourishment or leave toxic residues. These natural dyes feed your hair and scalp with vital minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins, leaving your hair looking gorgeous and fresh.

Henna: Henna is a natural hair dye that has been used for thousands of years. It gently colors hair while strengthening the hair shaft, conditioning the scalp, and removing impurities from hair follicles. Henna works with your natural hair color, enhancing its highlights and undertones. Make sure to follow the directions carefully and buy from a reputable source.

Coffee: Coffee can darken your hair or cover gray. Brew a strong cup of coffee, let it cool, then mix it with leave-in conditioner and coffee grounds. Apply to clean hair and let it sit for an hour before rinsing with apple cider vinegar. Repeat as needed.

Tea: Black tea can darken hair and cover gray, while chamomile tea is good for blonde highlights, and rooibos tea works for red hair. Use a concentrated mixture of tea and conditioner, leave it on your hair for at least an hour, and rinse. For gray hair, add sage to the mixture.

Carrot or Beet Juice: For red tints, use carrot or beet juice, or a mix of both. Apply the juice mixed with coconut oil to your hair, wrap it, and let it sit for at least an hour. Rinse and spray with apple cider vinegar to set the color. Repeat until you achieve the desired shade.

Walnut Shells: Walnut shells can give a rich dark brown color. Crush the shells, boil them, cool the mixture, strain, and apply to your hair. For a more intense dye, reduce the liquid by boiling. Alternatively, use walnut powder.

Lemon Juice: Lemon juice can create highlights. Spray freshly squeezed lemon juice on your hair, let it sit for at least three hours, and expose your hair to the sun for a more dramatic effect. For blonde hair, mix lemon juice with chamomile tea.

If you prefer salon coloring, ask plenty of questions about the products used. Some commercial products are safer, and some salons offer organic options. Always know the ingredients of the products you use to make informed decisions for your health.