Does Using Hair Dye Cause Cancer?

There are so many factors that could be contributing to cancer today. It could be the water, the air we breathe, the food we eat and even the dye we use on our hair.

Is there a definitive answer to the question, Does Hair Dye Cause Cancer?

Hair Dyes and Cancer

Before 1980 there was a direct link to cancer from the use of hair dyes. Back then the hair dyes contained chemicals that are known carcinogens to humans. The hair dye manufacturers have since changed ingredients and formulations supposedly so that none of these know ingredients are included any more.

After reading a recent holistic approach to fighting cancer that recommended first off to stop using any kind of hair dye, I have to wonder. It could be that there is some small cancer link related to hair dyes and just to be on the safe side they recommend not using them.

Research seems to indicate that there is no strong evidence of cancer with the use of hair dye. But some research has shown a small link that cannot be directly linked to hair dye. For example, it has been suggested that people that use hair dye may be more likely to smoke. Smoking is a major risk factor for cancer.

If you want to continue to use hair dye until there is solid evidence that it causes cancer, you should err on the safe side with these helpful tips from the American Cancer Society.

1. Always follow the directions on the box

2. Never mix hair color products and brands

3. Do a patch test every time to check for allergic reactions

4. Rinse scalp thoroughly

5. Don’t leave the hair color on any longer than necessary.

6. Always wear gloves

7. Don’t dye your eyebrows or eyelashes

8. Try to delay coloring your hair until your hair starts turning gray.