Articles

ToxicFree Foundation / Articles

Toxic Chemicals Found in Most Hair Dyes

By now many of you know that some of products we use on a daily basis contain potentially harmful chemicals. These chemicals can be found in products such as hand sanitizers, bath soaps, and shampoos. The toxic chemicals can also be found in items we use less frequently, such as hair dyes, but that doesn’t mean families should be any less cautious. The toxic chemicals found in hair dyes have been linked to “severe allergies, scalp and lung irritation, rheumatoid arthritis and even cancer of the bladder.” One of those chemicals is Ammonia. Ammonia is used to open the hair’s cuticle, allowing the dye to penetrate it. If it comes in contact with the skin Ammonia “may produce caustic burns and lung irritation.” Another such toxic chemical found in hair dyes is Lead Acetate. Commonly used as a color additive for darker shades of color, “it is said to cause anemia and produce neurological problems.” This doesn’t mean it is unsafe to color your hair though, there are alternatives. The easiest alternative is to simply buy from brands whose packaging indicates 100% natural, though keep in mind it is still important to read the label carefully. If dyes that are 100% natural are not available, purchasing “semi-permanent” hair dyes is another option. There are also ways to color your hair at home naturally using items such as tea, coffee, and lemon juice. 

For more on some of the potentially harmful chemicals in hair dyes, follow the link: http://bit.ly/1wIaGES

And to learn more ways to naturally dye your hair with items generally found around the house, click the link: http://bit.ly/1C5JmAF