Is Hair Dye Carcinogenic?

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pixelpup
pixelpup Member Posts: 49
edited June 2014 in Stage I Breast Cancer

Hi Everyone,

I just realized that I haven't thought twice about coloring my hair every few weeks for years.  Is there a connection to this and cancer?  Are there other organic or safer products to be using?  The studies I've read seem to conflict.  Thanks for any help...  Alson

Comments

  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 1,552
    edited January 2011

    Well, I can only tell you my experience. My right breast was completely clear of any abnormalities before I started chemo. Six months later, and still didn't have enough hair to start dying it again. I had a right prophylactic mastectomy ... and they found the start if bc. I had developed the start of bc in my previously healthy breast.

    So I'm certain hair dye had nothing to do with cancer developing on the right side.

  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2011

    Cancer can be started by anything. Truly anything. But, black cohosh/cohash is a common element in hair dye and can be carcinogenic. Hey, you've already dealt with it. I figure I'll chose which risks I'll take. I don't drink alcohol anymore as that is a biggie, or barbecued meat every night, but the little things I don't sweat over. If there's a bit of soy in my bread, that's okay. But I don't take soy supplements for instance.

    Does that make sense? You chose the minimal risk, but quality of life is in there too. 

  • pixelpup
    pixelpup Member Posts: 49
    edited January 2011

    Were you coloring before the BC?  I'm wondering about the accumulative effect of it.  Of couse,  my hairdresser says it's completely safe :)

  • pixelpup
    pixelpup Member Posts: 49
    edited January 2011

    Yes, I sure agree with the quality of life.  I just don't feel good about myself with gray hair.  I have friends it looks great on, but not me!

  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2011

    Everything is cumulative, just like sun exposure. My mom stopped dying her hair when she was having liver issues and that's how we knew she was ill.

    I say if you don't feel good about your hair, do it! How about low lights (dark streaks rather than light)? How about a rinse to soften the gray, a henna, any temporary colour that doesn't need harsh chemicals to alter your hair? 

  • pixelpup
    pixelpup Member Posts: 49
    edited January 2011

    Good ideas!  Thanks :)

  • carcharm
    carcharm Member Posts: 486
    edited January 2011

    There are a string of "new orgainic coloring" technicians in salons in the cleveland, ohio area. However, it is NOT guaranteed to be 100% organic meaning there are nasty chemicals in the mix just less than normal. One salon I went to said they were going to start using the organic line of colors after Jan 1 but there coloring tech's had to be certified to do it. Nature's bin sells organic coloring but I am afraid to try it since my hair texture has changed so much since chemo. Good luck..

  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2011

    Organic doesn't always mean safe. Black cohash is organic.....

  • CrazyKitties
    CrazyKitties Member Posts: 180
    edited January 2011

    I am a former hairdresser. The dyes are worse for the sylist than the client. The client gets a single process color on their head for 30 minutes every 6 to 8 weeks. The client gets foils every 8 weeks, so the color doesn't touch the scalp. The hairdresser breathes those fumes in day in and day out, 5 days a week, on how many clients a day? Add hairspray, perms, straighteners, and nails and you have a hairdresser with a body full of chemicals, like mine. I quit 6 years ago, gor bc last year.

  • CrazyKitties
    CrazyKitties Member Posts: 180
    edited January 2011

    There is a chemical called paraphenylamindiamine(sp?) that is a cancer causing chemical in some hair dyes. Hysterically enough, I found it a "NO-ammonia" box of color at the health food store. There has to be a chemical reaction to get the color to work. Very dark and very light dyes are always the worst. You can do tone on tone with a demi or semi permanent for a dash of color and lots of shine, no damage, no ammonia.

  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2011

    That's why I suggested the highlights or semis....I used to be a hairdresser too! 30 years ago +. Wow! Time has flown.....

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