How to identify chemical-free/less harmful hair dyes

How to identify chemical-free/less harmful hair dyes, credits to iStock.com

“The hair is one’s crowning glory” so the saying goes.  It’s no wonder then that people try all means just to keep each of their hair strands healthy.

There are those who grab a handful of mayonnaise, lavishly lathering it onto their hair to make it smooth. Some even use a flat iron, in case they don’t have the ceramic hair straightener, to straighten their curly strands.

And then there’s hair-dyeing, which is probably the most popular hair vanity treatment available in the market today. It promises to deliver a younger-looking you by covering those grey hairs or rev up your looks with a stunning new hair colour.

But have you heard about the latest news about hair dyes  yet? If not, then it’s high time you know that your box of hair colour may bring you in trouble.

If that upsets you, go put the blame on the chemical paraphenylenediamine (PPD). Its low toxicity level, endurance to high temperature and resistance to chemical and electrical reactions make it popular worldwide as an ideal hair-dye ingredient.

A certified allergen, PPD has also been known to be a skin sensitizer. This means that even if you’re not allergic to it in the beginning, your chance of being one increases each time you are exposed to it. This chemical is also linked to certain cancers like Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Leukaemia.

But wait, don’t lose hope yet. Of course, there are safety measures you can do to have that beautiful dyed hair without fear of allergies or cancer. If you’re the type who can’t let go of hair-dyes, these tips are for you.

1. Word Hunt.
   
   
   
   Of course, avoiding paraphenylenediamine or simply phenylenediamine is the best thing to do so make sure you check the ingredients list.

 If you can’t find the word, don’t relax just yet. P-phenylenediamine, 1.4 benzenediamine, 4-aminoaniline and 1.4 diaminobenzae are all variant names of this chemical. So if you ever encounter these chemical names, you know what to do.

2. Patch Testing. What if you’re allergic to other ingredients of the hair dye?

Well, it’s possible. Para-aminodiphenylamine, Para toluene diamine and 3-nito-p-hydroxyethylaminophenol are other chemicals, although less harmful, that may irritate your skin.

So do patch testing before using any product. Just put a small amount of the paste behind your ears or inner elbows, then leave it for two days. If there’s no irritation, then the product may be safe for you.

3. Go Natural. 
   
   
   Photo Credits: iStockphoto.com
   
   If you have coconut oil or herbs like sage and foti in the kitchen or garden, better use these as they are natural hair darkeners and conditioners.

You can also use Henna or Lawsonia inermis, a shrub common to tropical regions. Its extracts create a stain that binds to hair proteins to change the colour of the hair.

 Auburn, orange and burgundy are usually the colours that henna can create. It is not to be confused, however, with Black Henna which is derived from another plant called Indigo. It contains coal tar, another popular allergen according to the Food and Drugs Administration or FDA.

4. Keep a healthy diet.
   
   
   Photo credits: iStockphoto.com
   
   We all know that a balanced diet makes us healthy from head to toe, but if you want healthier, shinier and darker hair, take in foods rich in folic acid, proteins, zinc, vitamin B12, iron and copper. These will surely lessen the need for frequent hair colouring and treatment.

So now that you know how to avoid harmful hair dyes, go ahead colour your hair and whip it with confidence. Remember, looking good doesn’t have to be stressful and dangerous.

Treat yourself to to a good haircut, treatment or styling. Visit Business Directory for a list of the best hair salons in Singapore.