Wanting to cover those grey
strands or simply want to change your hair color for a different look? Think
again. Studies about hair color treatments reveal that 5% of frequent hair dye
users are bound to have sensitive scalp or develop allergies in the long run.
However, those who already have sensitive skin will see and feel negative
effects as soon as harsh chemicals in hair color touch their scalp. These
effects are redness, burning sensation, dryness and itch, and usually caused by
the following ingredients:
1. Harsh Chemicals in Hair Dye
A non-profit environmental
organization based in the US called EWG or Environmental Working Group whose
mission is "to use the power of public information to protect public
health and the environment” gathered some alarming information on hair coloring
preparations. Based on their research for the Skin Deep Database, 400 in 456
tested hair dyes have harmful ingredients that can cause skin or scalp
irritation and hair damage, and are poisonous to humans in general. Three of
the said ingredients are described below as well as their negative effects to
health.
2. Coal Tar
Almost 70 percent of hair
coloring treatments have this substance in it. Coal tar is in charge of giving
a dark tint to hair colors. It is counted as one of the most irritating
ingredients. It can be easily taken in through the scalp and a little skin
contact with coal tar means a bad breakout. So, individuals with sensitive
scalp, beware.
3. Formaldehyde
Also known as formalin, this
compound is commonly used to preserve cadavers and is found in hair dyes too.
Exposure to this substance may result to a burning and itchy feeling on the
scalp and other health risks. Studies have proven that formaldehyde can result
to cancer and problems in the reproductive system. Side effects such as these
make hair dyeing dangerous for pregnant women.
4. Paraphenylenediamine
PPD for short, when mixed
together with hydrogen peroxide creates an irritating effect on the scalp. A
common chemical allergen, it is a coloring ingredient found in permanent hair
dyes. Paraphenylenediamine can easily be soaked up by the pores in the head and
result to badly irritated skin.
There are other ingredients
found in hair dyes that can pose health risks. These ingredients are parabens,
ammonia, lead and mercury. Commercial brands of hair coloring treatments and
even salon-used ones may contain these harmful chemicals. These may not only
trigger an allergic reaction, but one can also end up with a scalp that is
sensitive, hair damage or hair loss, lung and eye irritation, cancer, organ
failure and birth abnormalities especially when used by a pregnant woman.
The best way to avoid these side
effects is to not color your hair. Of course, for some, this is not possible.
Especially for the type of woman who prides in having the latest hairstyles and
of course, a new hair color and highlights to make her look younger. For this
reason, a safe alternative for commercial hair dyes and some tips in mild
coloring for sensitive scalps are shared below.
1. Henna For Your Hair
Henna tattoo looks good on the
skin as an alternative to real painful tattoos. But, for the hair? Yes! Henna
is first and foremost used during early times as a hair dye. A natural dark
tint that does not contain any of the above harmful chemicals, it is now
available in ready to use liquid form or you may also purchase it in powder
form to effectively cover those protruding grey hairs.
2. For Sensitive Skin, Nothing
Beats A Professional!
If you have sensitive skin and
scalp, it is best that you seek the services of a hair expert for hair coloring
treatment. A professional hairdresser will know what type of product or the
exact brand to recommend that will suit your skin type. Allergy to hair dyes is
a common problem encountered by women and salons are prepared for this with
specially formulated products. Most of them are also trained to apply color
correctly by not letting the substance touch the scalp.
3. Know What Your Coloring Kit
of Choice Contains
Resorting to DIY at-home
coloring kits? Be sure to read the ingredients listed at the back of the box to
avoid the harmful ones mentioned above. There are popular brands that are
created without ammonia, and there are those that do not have PPD in it like
Herbavita and Naturtint. To be on the safe side, test the product first on your
skin before using the whole box.
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