Hair is made up of a protein called keratin and the color of the hair is made up of one of the two proteins: eumelanin and phaeomelanin. Eumelanin is the protein that gives hair black or brown color while paheomelanin gives the hair red or blonde hues. The absence of either of these two proteins results in white or grey hair. Men and women alike associate their confidence with how they look and grey or white hair surely does lower their confidence. Hair color is a way that refreshes a person’s looks and boosts the confidence. These days, most people go in for hair coloring to get a new look and also to hide their grey or white hair. While many people may think of the time, money and effort that goes into hair coloring, a few give a thought to the health hazards that may be associated with hair coloring.

Types of Hair Colors

While natural products have been used since thousands of years for hair coloring, people these days prefer to use hair colors which are available in the market and have chemicals mixed with them. These hair colors are available in a wide range of colors giving people an option to choose any color that may give them a new and refreshing look. Also these hair colors are easy to use and apply.

1. Temporary or semi-permanent hair colors coat the hair with acidic dyes. These may consist of small pigments and particles that slip inside the hair. Temporary and semi-permanent hair colors wash out with shampooing eventually and do not change the natural color of the hair.
2. Permanent hair color, on the other hand, gets inside the outer shaft of the hair and removes the natural color of the hair by depositing the new color pigment. Permanent hair colors make use of ammonia to open the hair cuticles and oxidize the natural color. The new color then bonds to the hair and conditioners help to seal and lock the hair color.

Hair colors sure give a new style and look but with so many chemical processes that the hair undergoes during hair coloring, there are sure bound to be some side effects and health issues associated with hair coloring.

Side Effects of Hair Color

There are a few side effects of hair color on the hair. However, it is not essential that every person who gets hair colored will face these side effects. The texture and type of hair is different from person to person and so some people might not feel any of the side effects of hair color.

1. If the hair color is not of good quality or the color has not been applied in the right manner, the hair may become brittle and one may face the problem of hair fall.
2. Hair color may result in thinning of the hair for a few people while most people feel that hair color gives their hair a thicker look because of the addition of a new layer of pigment.
3. When hair color is applied, several chemical processes take place on the hair which may leave the hair dry.
4. Allergy is a major side effect of hair color. There are certain chemicals in the hair colors that may lead to people developing allergies. So, before coloring the hair, it is essential to ensure that the application will not lead to any allergies.

Health Issues Related With Hair Color

The following are the health hazards associated with hair colors.

1. Asthma: Hair colors contain persulfates and ammonia that can cause persistent cough, wheezing, lung inflammation and throat discomfort leading to asthma.
2. Non- Hodgkin’s Lymphona: Non- Hodgkin’s Lymphona is the cancer of the lymph tissue and can be caused by hair colors that contain 4-ABP which is a hair dye byproduct and is found in most hair colors.
3. Breast Cancer: Hair colors contain a chemical P- phenylenediamine that may cause allergic reactions and even lead to the development of breast cancer.
4. Multiple Myeloma: Men who use hair color may develop the cancer of the bone marrow because of the chemicals present in hair colors.

With so many health hazards associated with hair colors, it is better to color hair the natural way using natural products.