Hair dyes contain chemicals that in rare cases can cause severe, even life-threatening, allergic reactions. Hair dye manufacturers say they are not intended for anyone under the age of 16.
In fact, most hair dye is not thought to be safe for children. Hair dye manufacturers provide a clear age limit of 16 on their salon products. If you look at home dye kits, they may contain PPD and also have an age 16 limit. I have read articles describing risks including rashes, asthma and allergic reactions.
In summary, while there's no strict age limit, many parents opt to wait until their children are older (around 10-12 years) and ensure that any dye used is safe and suitable for children's hair.
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.
So through our skin or hair follicles, compounds in hair dye could get into our bloodstream. That's potentially worrisome, because a lot of the chemicals in hair dye are known or suspected to be linked to health issues. One common precursor is paraphenylenediamine, or PPD, which is derived from petroleum.
Food dyes can make some children and teens hyperactive and moody or irritable, according to available research. And if they regularly eat food with dye, high-strung and anxious might become their norm.
THE BEST WAY TO HAVE FUN WITH HAIR COLOR FOR KIDS
Wondering what type of hair color is good for kids? Look no further than temporary hair color products. This type of hair dye washes out in just one shampoo, and there's no need for bleach, so you won't have to worry about damaging their strands.
But whether it's blond or pink, doctors advise against dyeing hair for children under 16. “I really don't think it's safe to dye or bleach a child's hair until after puberty, and ideally not until their late teens — at least 16,” Dr. Sejal Shah, a New York dermatological surgeon, told Good Housekeeping.
Whilst there is no law against under 16's having colour in their hair, there is perhaps a moral judgement to be made. Only recently, the BBC carried out an undercover operation in Wales, where a 12 year old girl went into a few salons and asked for an appointment for hair colour.
Manic Panic is an ammonia free, vegan dye that washes out quickly — she's fine. We even asked an expert, who says semi-permanent colors like this are totally safe.
While we still do not recommend permanent hair color to anyone under age 14, balayage is a completely off the scalp application, making it less risky.
In recent years, a great number of studies investigated the relationship between hair dyes use and risk of glioma [12-18]. In a previous meta-analysis, Takkouche and colleagues found that hair dyes use is associated with increased risk of brain tumor [19].
What hair dye brands should I avoid? Brands that frequently use harmful chemicals include Clairol Nice'N Easy, Garnier Nutrisse, Revlon Colorsilk, and L'Oreal Preference. These products often contain ingredients like ammonia and PPD, which are associated with health risks.
Gigante suggests it may be best to wait for puberty before altering your child's natural color with permanent dyes. Besides, says local mom Carol Stewart Beverly, “My beautician wouldn't dye my daughter's hair until she turned 13.” But some kids may want to add color before puberty arrives.
Temporary hair dye fades after a couple of washes. Semi-permanent lasts about six to eight weeks. Temporary causes no damage. Semi-permanent causes minimal damage over time.
Here's the deal: Children tend to have much finer hair than adults, and since hair dye and bleach can be damaging, a child's immature hair is much more susceptible to damage.
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.
Some studies have found that children who consume large amounts of food dyes may be more likely to experience hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Other studies have found a link between food dyes and aggression, irritability, and other behavioral problems like ADHD.
Red 40 is not banned in Europe, but its use is more restricted compared to the United States. European regulations require foods containing Red 40 or other artificial dyes to carry a label warning consumers that the dye may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.
Coloring is a healthy way to relieve stress. It calms the brain and helps your body relax. This can improve sleep and fatigue while decreasing body aches, heart rate, respiration, and feelings of depression and anxiety.