Can hair dye cause medical problems?

Author: Madelynn Bartell  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 18, 2025

For example, some studies have found an increased risk of certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (but not others) in women who use hair dyes, especially if they began use before 1980 and/or use darker colors. The same types of results have been found in some studies of leukemia risk.

Can hair dye cause health problems?

Consumers are also at risk: Frequent use of hair dye is associated with a higher risk of several cancers, including uterine and breast cancer, as well as the formation of ovarian tumors.

What are the ill effects of hair dye?

Chemical hair dyes can cause scalp irritation, redness, itching, and even severe allergic reactions in some people. Ingredients like paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a common component in permanent dyes, can trigger contact dermatitis.

Does hair dye enter the bloodstream?

No, the bloodstream isn't going to accommodate dyes the molecules would be bigger than the capillaries and you could end up with your skin flaking off.

Does hair dye cause inflammation in body?

If you're mildly irritated by PPD, you may find that your scalp, neck, forehead, ears or eyelids become irritated and inflamed after using hair dye. The skin exposed to the PPD may become red, swollen, blistered, dry, thickened and cracked. You may feel a burning or stinging sensation.

Do Hair Dyes Cause Cancer?

Can hair dye cause autoimmune disease?

Hair dyes are compounds that have been implicated in the development of several autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and PBC.

Does hair dye affect the kidneys?

Modern hair dyes contain paraphenylenediamine and a host of other chemicals that can cause rhabdomyolysis, laryngeal edema, acute kidney injury, severe metabolic acidosis, and acute renal failure. Intervention at the right time has been shown to improve the outcome.

How long do hair dye chemicals stay in your system after?

Hair dye chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and may enter the bloodstream. While specific durations vary depending on the chemical and individual factors, some compounds can remain in the body for a few days to weeks after application.

What is the safest hair dye on the market?

What Is the Best Natural Hair Dye?
  • Hally Color Cloud*
  • IROIRO Premium Natural Semi-Permanent Hair Color*
  • ARCTIC FOX's Vegan Semi-Permanent Dyes*
  • MANIC PANIC SuperNatural Hair Dyes*
  • Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask*
  • Lime Crime Unicorn Semi-Permanent Hair*
  • Khadi Natural Hair Color*
  • Surya Brasil Henné Color*

Can hair dye cause cardiac problems?

Apart from the commoner manifestations of upper airway edema, rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure, cardiac toxicity, convulsions and sudden cardiac death are relatively rare complications. We discuss a case of hair dye poisoning manifesting as oropharyngeal edema along with cardiac complication.

Why we should not use hair dye?

Hair dyes can weaken and damage hair, making it look unhealthy. However, treatments such as conditioners and specially formulated shampoos may help repair hair damage from hair dye.

Does hair dye cause fungal infections?

Hair dye cannot cause dandruff , but it can spike oil levels to compensate for excessive dryness. This allows a dandruff causing fungus to grow, giving you an itchy scalp after hair dye.

What is the most damaging hair color?

Comparing Permanent, Semi-Permanent, and Demi-Permanent Hair Dyes. Permanent hair color has the greatest potential for hair damage due to the chemistry involved and should be done most cautiously.

Can hair dye cause eye problems?

Chemical burns: Hair dye contains chemicals that can cause chemical burns to the eye. These burns can be severe and can cause permanent damage to the eye tissues. Symptoms of chemical burns include pain, redness, swelling, and blurred vision.

What are bad hair dye brands?

Not Our Favorite Hair Dye / Hair Color Brands
  • Aveda (6 bad ingredients)
  • Calura (9 bad ingredients)
  • Clairol Nice'N Easy Color Crème (7 bad ingredients)
  • Clairol Nice & Easy Root Touch Up Semi-Permanent Colors AND Permanent Creme (7 bad ingredients)
  • Clairol Natural Instincts (6 bad ingredients)

What does hair dye do to your body?

A number of chemicals in hair dyes are known to be skin sensitizers and can cause dermatitis or rashes. Respiratory problems are also common among salon workers.

How to detox your body from hair dye?

Solutions to Remove Hair Dye from Skin Fast
  1. Makeup Remover or Micellar Water. ...
  2. Oil-Based Solutions. ...
  3. Rubbing Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer. ...
  4. Exfoliation with a Gentle Scrub. ...
  5. Dish Soap + Baking Soda.

What happens if hair dye gets into your bloodstream?

Symptoms of hair dye poisoning include: Abdominal pain. Blurred vision. Breathing difficulty.

Does contrast dye permanently damage kidneys?

In many cases, CIN is reversible and people can recover. However, in some cases, CIN can lead to more serious kidney problems and possible heart and blood vessel problems.

Can hair dye cause side effects?

Over time, repeated exposure to these harsh chemicals can weaken the hair shaft, causing it to become dull, frizzy, and prone to split ends. In addition to physical damage, frequent hair colouring can also irritate the scalp and cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Can hair dye cause neuropathy?

Our patient had a relatively short-term exposure to lead after misusing a hair dye on his beard. Nerve conduction studies showed a predominantly axonal sensory neuropathy that correlated with lead blood levels and reached 3 times the upper limit of normal. The patient had an unexpected sensory predominant neuropathy.

What are the side effects of ammonia hair dye?

Ammonia hair colors side effects also include a pungent odor. Simply put, these hair dyes exert a strong smell that can cause irritation to the eyes and in the worst cases lung problems, throat infections, and sinuses.

Can hair dye cause swollen lymph nodes?

Putting harsh chemicals on a sensitive area can leave you with itchy hives or lesions and other signs — including swollen lymph nodes — that your immune system is kicking into high gear. Studies show that PPD may also get absorbed into the airways affecting the immune system and, specifically, the lymph node pathways.

Previous article
Can I tan with no sun?
Next article
Is 1 day enough rest for legs?