Women’s beauty products are notorious for being filled with endocrine-disrupting chemicals, but what about hair dye? Going to the hair salon and getting highlights and or a full-on head of color could be impacting your hormones and endocrine system without even realizing it. 

More and more research is emerging about hair dye in recent years. Several studies have already revealed a strong link between the regular use of hair color and an increased risk of certain cancers and rheumatoid arthritis in women. 

In a recent study that compared the difference in hair care products between a group of women that were using chemical straighteners AND hair color had a significantly increased risk of getting breast cancer than their biological counterparts. 

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How does this work though if it’s only applied to the hair?

Well, this is where it gets interesting. For most people when getting treatments done on their hair the products need to be applied to the entire hair shaft, right up to the scalp. This is where it becomes a HUGE issue. Our skin is our largest organ as it separates the outside world from the inside world, and protects us from many various intruders. The skin is very porous, meaning it has large openings for products, etc to trickle in. So, when these toxic chemicals come in contact with the skin, they are transported through the skin directly into the lymphatic tissue, and ultimately, into the bloodstream. 

So, a cute little root touch-up every six or so weeks can increase your exposure to these super-toxic chemicals more and more every time you go to the salon. Regular visits to the salon will expose the skin to these toxic chemicals for 30-45 minutes, during which they are slowly absorbed into the bloodstream. Another toxic pathway of exposure to these chemicals is through breathing. When getting these treatments done it’s no doubt most of the smell is very toxic and pungent. Every breath transports these airborne chemicals to the bloodstream via the lungs. 

Between the toxic exposure on the scalp to the air you’re breathing in, the toxic exposure is fairly high.

So, what are the alternatives when still wanting to look beautiful while minimizing your toxic exposure?

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Here is a list of some alternative options for your next hair appointment:

• Opting for some highlights that is more of a “lived-in” color, meaning there is more natural root showing, and the color is mainly applied to the shaft and ends of hair. 
• Ask for semi-permanent color as permanent has been seen to be a bit more toxic.
• Opting for a hair color that is more sustainable and needs less maintenance and upkeep. 
• Research for holistic hair stylists, these stylists will oftentimes use non-toxic hair products. 
• Embracing your beauty and natural aging process! 

Sources: 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31797377

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4532449

https://www.cancer.org/healthy/cancer-causes/chemicals/hair-dyes.html

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/permanent-hair-dye-straighteners-may-increase-breast-cancer-risk