hair coloring/dyes

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janinvan
janinvan Member Posts: 83
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

A  while after my hair grew back, I recently had my grey (salt /pepper) hair done-- with a dark brown "semi-permanent" color (like my original).   It doesn't have much peroxide, etc....and wasn't left on for the "full" time.   I could have used "organic"--but this was easier to access at the time.  In the past (pre-cancer)- I was always careful about this.

WHAT do we know about hair coloring---cancer?  I heard that dark black dyes are harmful...but is that accurate?

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  • REKoz
    REKoz Member Posts: 590
    edited April 2009

    I am wondering the same thing! But I'm guessing it's like any one of the million things that we've heard cause cancer. My sister is 7 years older than me, is still on hormone replacement, has colored her hair for 30 years and is clear. My Mom still colors her hair at 81 though she was diagnosed with bc at 77.

    I am trying to make some changes in diet and going organic for a lot of things. But, my chemo hair is growing in so white and that is not on my future agenda!

    I hope some others come along with their opinions and or research.

    Ellen

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  • FloridaLady
    FloridaLady Member Posts: 2,155
    edited April 2009

    I read recently that hair dresser's have a higher rate of cancer because of exposure to so much chemicals.  The key is it because of daily use or what?  Here is a article.

    http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip622.htm

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  • FloridaLady
    FloridaLady Member Posts: 2,155
    edited April 2009

    http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-818.html

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  • sftfemme65
    sftfemme65 Member Posts: 790
    edited April 2009

    My onc said color your hair if you want.  There are no definite testing that shows its dangerous.  I am no longer all grey and I feel pretty sure Im not doing anything dangerous. 

    But I guess we all need to do what makes us feel best.

    Teresa

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  • vivo
    vivo Member Posts: 532
    edited April 2009

    well I have never posted in the triple negative forum because I am her2+, er+, pr-. However you are in my mind ...I was preparing to post the same post!

    I am in the middle of chemo and my hair are starting growing up. Since most of my hair are white and I used to die them blond I want to continue having them blond. I used phyto dyes and my hairdresser said that the black colors do more harm than the blond ones because they are left more time on hair. I don't know if it's true...What I know is that I want to die my hair but I don't want to become selfish and do any harm to my health bacause of the appearance. It's just that I want to feel free as I was before the bc detection. I think this will help me. What do you do? You die your hair or not? Do you think I should wait until the end of chemo?

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  • t9jorda
    t9jorda Member Posts: 39
    edited April 2009

    Go for it... become the women you want to be.  We are recreating our lives, everything that surrounds us looks and smells better, our friendships mean more to us, and it is so very important to honor ourselves in any way that is right for us.  None of us know why we got breast cancer.  Was it our food, our air, or the fibers in our clothes?  Every cupboard we open, every vehicle we pass on the street could be or not be the reason.  So, if dying your hair makes you feel wonderful again, if it brings a smile to your heart do it... I dyed my hair once it grew back in (but I waited until my scalp no longer felt tender, as I didn't want a chemical burn - this is when you really need to do a "patch" test before you just go for it with the hair dye).  I call my hair dresser the "hair goddest", as she has helped me to feel beautiful again, to redefine my identity, and to bring a big, big smile to my face when I could finally recognize myself in the mirror.  Dying my hair is a risk that I can live with.... go for it honey and you will not regret it for a second. Live you life WELL, live it BIG, and only eat the BEST chocolate - life is too short to buy the cheap stuff.  Many hugs to you.
     
    TN May 12 2006, 0.5 cm, 1/10 nodes, grade 3, DD ACT - Calgary AB Canada
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  • vivo
    vivo Member Posts: 532
    edited April 2009
    You are so sweet! I am in the middle of chemo and today I got my first axial tomography and is ok. I am feeling like I have won a battle! One battle of, I wish, a multi-annual war.. Hugs to all of you girlsSmile
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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited April 2009

    that white hair is first.. for me dark hairs came in a bit later.

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  • Roya
    Roya Member Posts: 346
    edited April 2009

    Dark hair colorings have most definietly been associated with 'Non Hodgkins Lymphoma' not breast cancer.  One famous person who used a lot of dark hair coloring and who was taken out by this lymphoma was Jackie Kennedy.

    I definitly agree with what  t9jorda wrote 100% Wink I colored my short tresses as soon as I could get myself to the salon and believe me, it feels soooooo good to look good and to feel comfortable with myself.

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  • sftfemme65
    sftfemme65 Member Posts: 790
    edited April 2009

    My grandmother dyed her hair dark, dark brown until she died at the age of 95.  No cancer.  Several of my Aunts and lots of other relatives have used dye, dark and light and have not developed cancer. 

    I really dont believe for a second that hair coloring alone causes cancer.  Of course, everyone makes there own decisions and believes what they will.

    I colored my hair and I love it.  Even if it is curly.

    Teresa

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  • tibet
    tibet Member Posts: 545
    edited April 2009

    I read once that the chemicals they use in shampoo, cream, cosmetics such as parabens are linked to breast cancer. So I think it is possible hair coloring is also chemical driven.

    I now stopped using any products containing parabens, and I only buy natual bio products and eat fresh lean food, no more meat but still eat fish.

    Teresa, did you have any family history of BC? I hope I can be like your grandma live till 95. ¨

     By the way, did you go to KU? (i

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  • Shirlann
    Shirlann Member Posts: 3,302
    edited April 2009

    I had heard years ago that hair dye was somewhat absorbed into the system.  I don't really have any hard evidence of this but cautious and careful is never a bad idea.

    Gentle hugs, Shirlann

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  • sftfemme65
    sftfemme65 Member Posts: 790
    edited April 2009

    Newalex,

    No family history at all of BC.  I guess I just got lucky, hu.  I actually went to WSU (Wichita State University)  Did you go to KU?

    Teresa

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  • tibet
    tibet Member Posts: 545
    edited April 2009

    hi Teresa

    Yes I did go to KU and visited Wichita several times. (Not that far away from Lawrence.) Same as you, I don't have family history at all of BC: This is really strange and completely depressed me. I am still having a very hard time dealing with it and accepting it. How about you?

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  • defeatbc
    defeatbc Member Posts: 53
    edited May 2009

    Here's a safer alternative:  henna and indigo

    They're natural, safe, and lasts almost as long as those toxic dyes.  I use the "Light Mountain" brand, available at www.amazon.com

     Hoa (defeatbc)

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