Sodiq Ojuroungbe
Concerns have been raised by dermatologists and public Health physicians over hair dyeing as a potential cancer-causing risk due to the presence of certain chemicals that pose serious threats to human health in dye products.
They cited the increased risk of other severe health conditions range from skin irritation and allergic reactions to more severe issues like blood disorders, and even cancer.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, the experts stressed that prolonged exposure to hair dyes, especially permanent ones, may increase the risk of cancer, including bladder cancer, and leukaemia.
While calling on individuals to be mindful of the hair products they use, the physicians said some people may also develop an allergic reaction to hair dyes, which can lead to severe itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
A dermatologist at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State, Dr Abigail Idowu, explained that the danger associated with hair dyes lies in their ingredients, which are known to cause cancer in laboratory animals.
She added that hair dyes can also cause skin problems such as dermatitis, allergic reactions, and even permanent skin discolouration.
The skin expert urged Nigerians to read the ingredients listed on hair dye products carefully and to consider using natural alternatives.
“While the effects of chemicals used in the production of permanent hair dyes on human health are still being studied, there is growing evidence linking it to an increased risk of cancer, particularly in people who dye their hair frequently or for extended periods.
“Although the health risks associated with hair dye may not be immediately apparent, long-term exposure to these chemicals can lead to serious consequences
“The scalp is particularly vulnerable to these effects because it is a sensitive area that can easily absorb chemicals.
“People with sensitive skin or a history of allergies should be especially cautious about using hair dyes, as they may be more likely to experience adverse effects,” she warned.”
Corroborating her position, a Senior Registrar in the Department of Community Medicine and Primary Care, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Solomon Olorunfemi said for individuals with permanent hair dyes, the chemicals are absorbed into the body, causing health issues.
Dr Solomon Olorunfemi
He explained, “We have different kinds of dyes. There are temporary and permanent dyes. Most of these dyes are made up of chemicals, some of which could have toxic effects on the body. Some components can be absorbed into the body system, thereby, causing some health issues.
“Among the health issues that have been shown so far is that dyes can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
“Some dyes can result in hair loss and it has also been shown that some, due to the toxic chemicals they possess have the potential of causing bladder cancer or blood cancer – leukaemia.
“Although, those experiments were carried out on animals, some schools of thought disagree with that.
“Some people believe that individuals who have frequent exposure to those dyes tend to develop cancer.”
Olorunfemi warned that hair stylists and barbers are at higher risk of having cancer because of frequent exposure.
“For example, hair stylists or barbers who have frequent exposure to these chemicals stand a high risk of developing injurious health conditions,” he warned.
When asked about people who should not use dye, the physician said there is a need for an individual to observe what his body reacts to and try to avoid it.
“Our body’s reaction to allergies or anything may differ. What Mr ‘A’ may use and not have any reaction, Mr ‘B’ may apply it and develop significant health issues. People need to know what they are allergic to, to avoid rubbing it on their skin and hair.
“If people know that rubbing certain things on their skin or hair yields certain reactions that are not bearable, they should avoid or stop using it. Those who have allergies should stop using them.
“On skin irritation, it depends on the chemical constituents of that dye. If the chemical constituents are not harmful, such a person may not develop skin irritation.
“However, it has been said that prolonged or frequent exposure to dyes, especially permanent dyes has a high potential to cause skin irritation and cancer.
“I will corroborate my claim with a study carried out at the University of California, the study says that the frequency of dyeing hair is significant in the development of cancer.
“According to the study, the number of times you dye your hair may increase your cancer risk. Women who colour or dye their hair with permanent dye at least once a month for a year or longer increase or double their chances of developing bladder cancer over those who don’t.”
On the best ways to reduce the risk associated with hair dye, Olorunfemi said, “It is important to make health education a priority. We should let people know the risk. Hair stylists and barbers need to understand the danger too.”
Meanwhile, a study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology in 2011 found an association between the use of permanent hair dyes and the development of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in women.
The study, which was conducted by researchers at the National Cancer Institute in the United States, analyzed data from over 46,000 women followed for an average of 10 years.
The researchers found that women who reported using permanent hair dyes were 23 per cent more likely to develop non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma than those who did not use hair dyes.
The study authors noted that while the absolute risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was still relatively low, findings suggested that long-term use of hair dyes, particularly those that contain certain chemicals such as PPD could increase the risk of cancer.
The study also found that the risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was higher in women who used darker hair dyes or who started dyeing their hair at a younger age, suggesting that the cumulative exposure to the chemicals in hair dyes may play a role in the development of cancer.
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