A dye job to die for…

   I recently took the plunge and dyed my hair. I’ve come to realize that hair color is quite changeable and can give you a fresh look. This was the first time I had dyed my entire head because for years I was highlighting it. Until two years ago, I was using regular hair dye at the salon, not realizing what kinds of toxins and chemicals I was putting into my body. Yes, the body does absorb what it put into the hair and scalp. Normal hair dyes can be very damaging to the hair and scalp. I have heard stories of allergic reactions, hair breakage and even hair loss. Is it worth it to risk your health for your hair? I don’t think so.

   Most commercial hair dyes contain coal tar, a derivative of coal. Hair professionals and people who dye their hair often are the most at risk for the effects of coal tar. Studies show that people who are exposed to coal tar dyes on a regular basis (at least once a month) are more at risk for developing bladder cancer than others. Check your hair dye box and look for the following ingredients:

4-methoxy-m-phenylenediamin

2,4-diaminoanisole

4-chloro-m-phenylenediamine
2,4-toluenediamine
2-nitro-p-phenylenediamine
4-amino-2-nitrophenol

If you see any of these, better safe then sorry…toss that box! Alternatives include henna hair color, which is a natural plant derived colorant. Although henna is great for darker hair, it cannot lighten hair. I have gone to the salon to get highlights with organic hair color. Now that I have actually dyed my hair with all over color, I would be more likely to go to the health food store and buy a box of organic hair color too. As you can see, plenty of options exist. You do not have to put up with that grey! So say no to coal tar dyes…and yes to organic beauty and health!

Related posts:

1. Is There a Cure For Gray Hair?
2. An Organic beauty make-over!
3. “Green” Hair Color
4. Good Hair?
5. Are you a daring beauty?