What Is the Least Toxic Hair Dye?

Let’s not kid ourselves—

nothing that comes in a bottle to dye your hair is truly non-toxic.

And everyone knows you're dyeing your hair, so why spend all that money?

If you wouldn't eat it, why put it on your scalp,

where it can be absorbed into your bloodstream?

When I was a kid, there was a product called Sun-In.

It was this spray we put on our hair in 7th grade

that the sun dyed your hair with blonde streaks.

My mom was not into it. I still remember her saying,

"If you dye your hair and look like a little slut,

I will dye your hair back."

And my hair would have turned orange, not blonde.

Sigh, still have not dyed my hair.

Instead,

I have people stop me on the street to say how stunning

my grey streaks are and ask who my hairdresser is. Lol.

Why is it that women are dyeing their hair,

streaking it with highlights,

changing the color completely, and have no clue how toxic it is?

Let's face it—even if the hair dye is labeled “organic,”

it's not something you would want to put in your mouth and eat.

And that's essentially what's happening when you apply it to your scalp;

it seeps into your skin, into your head bones, and right to the brain.

I have women who have serious cancers and are still dyeing their hair.

And I say to them, it would be great to decrease your toxic load.

And they just say, "This is my thing, and I love it."

Where did this craze of dyeing hair come from? Let’s look deeper…

There was a documentary, "Beauty in a Bottle" (2014), directed by Antoinette Jadaone, on the programming of what was happening to women.

You don't want to be “unkempt” or let anyone know you're aging.

This toxic industry is draining your pocketbook,

requiring you to dye your hair every 3–4 weeks to maintain it.

And it's killing you silently.

The hair dye industry is laughing all the way to the bank,

sort of like the cigarette industry, which is a whole other story.

The Toxic Truth About Hair Dyes

Hair dyes often contain harmful chemicals such as

ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, paraphenylenediamine (PPD),

resorcinol, phthalates, and formaldehyde-releasing agents.

These substances can cause scalp irritation, allergic reactions,

and have been linked to more serious health risks like cancer and hormone disruption.

Research suggests links between these chemicals and:

• Hormone disruption: Ingredients like resorcinol and phthalates are classified as potential endocrine disruptors.

• Respiratory issues: Inhaling fumes during application can lead to breathing difficulties.

• Cancer risk: Ingredients like PPD and formaldehyde have been associated with increased risks of cancers such as breast and bladder cancer.

  
  

A landmark 2019 study published in the International Journal of Cancer followed 46,709 women and revealed concerning links between permanent hair dye use and breast cancer risk:

• 9% higher risk of breast cancer overall for regular permanent hair dye users.

• 60% higher risk specifically for Black women using dark shades frequently (every 5–8 weeks).

• 8% increased risk for white women using permanent dyes.

  
  

The Myth of "Organic" Hair Dyes

Even products labeled as "organic" or "natural" aren't free from harmful chemicals. The term "organic" isn't strictly regulated in the beauty industry, meaning hair care products can be described as organic even if they only contain a small percentage of organic ingredients.

Some so-called organic dyes still contain:

• PPD: A common ingredient in darker dyes, known to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

• Resorcinol: Works with PPD and hydrogen peroxide to finalize your hair's final shade; known to be an endocrine disruptor and skin irritant.

  
  

Embracing Natural Alternatives

If you're looking to reduce your toxic load, consider natural alternatives:

• Henna: A plant-based dye that can provide a range of colors without harmful chemicals. Do your research as lots of Henna has lead in it.

  
  

• Cassia: Often referred to as "neutral henna," it can condition hair and add shine without changing its color.

  
  

• Letting your natural hair shine: Embracing your natural hair color, including grays, can be a powerful statement of self-acceptance and health.

  
  

Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Natural Beauty

It's time to question the societal pressures that push us toward

potentially harmful beauty practices.

Embracing your natural hair color isn't just a personal choice—

it's a health-conscious decision.

Let's redefine beauty standards to include authenticity and well-being.

SOURCES THAT’LL MAKE YOU THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU DYE

1. Zhang, Y. et al. (2019). Hair dye and chemical straightener use and breast cancer risk in a large US population of Black and White women. International Journal of Cancer. Referenced by the American Cancer Society.URL: cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/hair-dyes.html

   
   

2. Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Hair Products – Overview of common toxins in hair care and dye formulas.URL: safecosmetics.org/products/hair

   
   

3. Environmental Working Group (EWG). Dye Dangers: Harmful Chemicals in Hair Coloring Products and Their Health Concerns.URL: ewg.org/research/dye-dangers-harmful-chemicals-hair-coloring-products-and-their-health-concerns

   
   

4. Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. P-Phenylenediamine (PPD) – What it is, where it hides, and why it matters.URL: safecosmetics.org/chemicals/p-phenylenediamine

   
   

5. Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Resorcinol – A known endocrine disruptor in permanent hair dye.URL: safecosmetics.org/chemicals/resorcinol

   
   

6. Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Chemicals of Concern Index – A deeper look at ingredients in both conventional and “organic” dyes.URL: safecosmetics.org/chemicals