Hair Dyeing Precautions

Have you dyed your hair to another color? It may be a difficult decision for some to change their hair color. How safe are the hair dyes? Even though some studies have found the connection between certain cancers to hair dyes, there are also some studies that have found the opposites. Compared to other cosmetic color additives, most hair dyes don’t have to go through safety testing before it goes to the shelves. The main ingredient in hair dyes is coal-tar when it first came out. Now, most hair dyes are made from petroleum sources. However, due to the same compounds found, they are still considered to be coal-tar dyes by the FDA.

4-methoxy-m-phenylenediamine (4MMPD) or 4-methoxy-m-phenylenediamine sulfate (4MMPD sulfate) are some of the compounds no longer used in cosmetic due to their known cancer effects to animals and has been replaced by other compounds. But still, some experts do feel that these compounds aren’t very different than the old one.

Use less hair dye over time to reduce the risk of cancer and dye only when your hair starts turning its color to gray.

Precautions When Dyeing Your Hair

Follow these tips when dyeing your hair

1. Do a patch test. Do this before applying the hair dye to your hair to check for allergic reactions. Follow the instructions included in most all hair dye products. The test is important even to your hairdresser. A dab of hair dye behind your ear is how you do the testing and leave it there for 2 days. Look for any signs of reactions like itching, burning, or redness at the test spot. Do the same test with different brands or colors until you find one that doesn’t give you allergic reactions.

2. Remember to wear gloves when applying hair dye.

3. Follow the directions carefully in the hair dye package.

4. Do not dye your eyebrows or eyelashes. Swelling or increase risk of infection in the eye area from allergic reaction or accidental spilling may harm the eye, blindness and maybe permanent damage. The use of hair dyes for eyelash and eyebrow tinting or dyeing even in beauty salons is banned by FDA to prevent this kind of accident from happening.

5. Do not leave the dye on your head any longer than needed.

6. Do rinse your scalp thoroughly with water after use.

7. Do not mix different hair dye products.

Lead Acetates Safeness

In “progressive” hair dye products, lead acetate is used as a color additive to produce gradual coloring effect when applied over a period of time. Follow the instructions carefully to use the products safely and they must also have the warning statement below on the labels.

“Caution: Contains lead acetate. For external use only. Keep this product out of children’s reach. Do not use on cut or abraded scalp. If skin irritation develops, discontinue use. Do not use to color mustaches, eyelashes, eyebrows, or hair on parts of the body other than the scalp. Do not get in eyes. Follow instructions carefully and wash hands thoroughly after use.”

Pregnancy And Hair Dyeing

It is likely, only a small amount of chemical is absorbed into your system when you apply hair dye during pregnancy. If any, so very little chemicals would be able to get to your baby. There were no changes seen in the developing baby on hair dye effects in studies that have been done to animal and humans. If you have questions or concerns, always talk to your doctor.

The Perfect Hair Colors And Styles

Have you ever wondered what your hair would look like colored in different ways? With so many color choices, it’s easy to be overwhelmed and a little anxious about changing your hair color as it may not turn out the way you hoped.

TheHairStyler can make your choice a little bit easier by showing you how simple it is to see what the same haircut would look like in all different colors.