Side effects of hair coloring – Skin allergies, discoloration and hair breakage

The chemicals found in hair color remove, replace or cover up pigments that are found naturally in the hair shaft. These chemicals can result in various adverse effects such as skin irritation and allergies, skin discoloration, hair breakage and also unexpected hair color results.  All hair colors and dyes carry a potential health risk. The chemicals in hair colors and dyes can cause itching, inflammation and in extreme cases may trigger contact dermatitis or even anaphylactic shock. Hair dye contains toluene-2.5-Diamine (TDA), which is closely related to another toluene that has already been banned as a potential carcinogen. There are now concerns about TDA as well, which is also considered toxic. Hair color also contains p-phenylenediamine or ‘PPD’. PPD is highly allergenic and has also been associated with a possible increase of some kinds of cancer. PPD is found in greater quantity in hair colors that are darker. Aromatic amines are a controversial group of chemicals which include amonoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA). Used mostly as foaming agents, preservatives, PH adjusters and emulsifiers, they may cause irritation or contact dermatitis. They have been associated with cancer and endocrine disruption.

Skin allergies due to the hair color are quite common. As such it is always recommended to do a patch test before applying color of any kind to the hair. If irritation develops after the patch test, you are advised not to use the product. Over exposing the hair to chemicals results in hair becoming ‘over-processed’. This is when the hair becomes dry, fragile and rough. The hair may also break off entirely. There are treatments available for this, but the most important thing is to stop using the chemicals until the hair recovers.
There are companies which sell alternate-based dyes for those who are sensitive to PPD. There are also safer alternatives that avoid harmful repercussions of industrial tints. These contain fewer toxic compounds or are plant based. They may however not last as long as industrial tints. However allergic reactions may be possible even from natural vegetable dyes.  Lawsonia inermis is a flowering plant that is used for hair coloring. It is a red dye which is semi-permanent.  Using lawsonia inermis can however later pose a problem if you wish to get a permanent hair coloring done. Pure lawsonia inermis is generally known not to cause any problems, but the lawsonia inermis which is commonly found in stores is mixed with additives, which can affect permanent hair coloring that is done later, causing unpredictable results.