Does permanent hair dyes increase bladder and breast cancer risk?

The use of hair dyes may lead to bladder and breast cancer risk, says a study

According to a study by the IARC, a cancer research branch of the World Health Organization, people who color their hair regularly may have an increased risk of bladder and breast cancer. Hair dyes have been categorized as a possible human carcinogen (an agent responsible to cause cancer). There are three types of hair dyes such as temporary dyes which cover the surface of the hairs and do not penetrate into the skin shaft. Second, are semi-permanent dyes that do penetrate into the hair shaft and last for about five to ten washings. Lastly permanent hair dyes (most harmful) cause long-lasting chemical changes in the hair shaft. As it contains colorless substances like aromatic amines, hydrogen peroxide, and phenols that react together to become hair dyes. Permanent hair dyes pose a higher threat to bladder and breast cancer as it contains chemicals in a larger amount. However semi-permanent and temporary hair dyes are nonoxidative in nature including colored compounds which stains the hair naturally. 

The people who get their hair colored with permanent dyes and those who apply them such as barbers/hairstylists have higher chances for cancer risk. During the process of hair dying some chemicals get absorbed into the scalp or are inhaled through fumes present in the air. The research found a substance in hair dyes called a carcinogen which helps the cancer cells to grow more rapidly. Hair dyes can increase the risk of various kinds of cancer such as bladder, breast, ovarian, leukemias and lymphomas, etc. Smoking is a risk of bladder cancer and leukemia.

Harvard Institute research states the higher risk of basal cell carcinoma/leukemias (most common skin cancer), breast cancer, and ovarian cancer can increase with the long-term use of permanent hair dyes. It is seen that women with naturally dark hair face a high risk of Hodgkin lymphoma and women with light hairs face a risk of basal cell carcinoma.

Therefore it is advisable to follow all the FDA approved guidelines to ensure safety while using hair dyes: These protocols are reading all necessary directions mentioned on the package, doing a patch test, wearing gloves and mask while application, applying the hair dye for a given time and rinsing properly after the use and lastly never use hair dyes on brows and lashes. (As it can damage your eyesight)

Plant-based hair dyes are becoming increasingly popular. These products may have some downsides, such as the inability to radically change hair color or the color fading faster than permanent colors (unless they contain some of the same ingredients as the permanent dyes). However, for certain people who are concerned about hair dye safety, they may be another option. Even henna, beetroot, coffee, tea, catechu (kattha), and indigo are a few herbal hair dye pigments that do not have any harmful effects.

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