Can we Connect Hair Dye and Cancer?

If you use hair dye, should you be worried about getting cancer from it? More then one scientific group likes to think so.

As per the CancerHelp website, the World Health Organization (WHO) cited evidence that hair dye increases the risk of bladder cancer in men who are barbers and hairdressers.

However, the website noted that these men work with the chemicals on a daily basis and the risks for those who use hair dye is less clear. Some experts believe hair dye increases the risk of bladder cancer in men but this is still a matter of controversy.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, those who use hair dyes, especially dark-colored permanent dyes, may have a slightly increased risk of myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukemia. However, the CancerHelp website noted that, “if there is any increase in risk, it must be extremely small.”

The website noted other research that today’s dies no longer contain carcinogens that were prevalent in hair dyes produced before 1980, such as HC Blue 1. HC Blue 1 and other chemicals have since been banned in the U.S. However, they may still be used in other developing nations.

The consensus seems to be that hair dyes carry minimal cancer risk for the average user. Hair stylists, barbers and others who are in contact with larger amounts of dyes on a daily basis may have a greater risk of bladder cancer.

Hair care professionals should take standard precautions when using hair dyes and other chemicals: wear gloves, wash hands thoroughly between each application, etc. If there is a family tendency toward bladder cancer, it is well worth consulting with a doctor or oncologist to assess specific risks. But in general, coloring your hair does not automatically mean cancer is around the corner.

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