Abstract:
Since ancient Egypt, hair coloring has been a common technique. At first,
people's usage of hair color was limited to covering up their white and gray
hair. The most often used type of dyes is permanent ones, which include
ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide, p-phenylenediamine (PPD), and
ammonia. Although these chemicals have been connected to several
unfavorable health effects, they can penetrate the hair shaft to produce a
color that lasts longer. Hair dye allergies, especially those involving PPD,
have a well-established history and can manifest as anything from minor skin
irritation to life-threatening. The objective of this study is to assess the safety
concerns associated with hair dyes and their potential health risks. The
review specifically aims to identify the chemical composition of commonly
used hair dyes, evaluate their toxicological effects, and suggest safer
alternatives. A systematic search of databases including PubMed, Scopus,
and Google Scholar was conducted, focusing on peer-reviewed articles.
Studies were selected based on their relevance to hair dye safety, toxicology,
and regulatory issues. Data on adverse effects, toxicity levels, and safety
profiles were extracted and compared. The results indicate significant health
risks associated with certain heavy metals in hair dyes, particularly in darker
shades, with some products exceeding safe limits. The findings highlight the
need for safer formulations and best practices for hair dye application.
Limitations include a lack of comprehensive geographical coverage and a
need for long-term studies to fully understand chronic exposure risks.
