While some women find their gray hair distinguished, others want to pluck every gray they see. While I personally think gray hair looks classy on a lady, I can understand why some women want to color over it.
The bad news is that hair dye has been connected to bladder cancer. In one large study, women who used permanent hair dye at least once a month were twice as likely to develop bladder cancer as those who did not. And those women who regularly used hair dye for at least 15 years had triple the risk. The chemicals in hair dyes can penetrate the skin on your scalp, enter your bloodstream, and get filtered out through your kidneys into your urine and bladder. The lining of the bladder is a very sensitive mucous membrane, and regularly exposing this membrane to the potential carcinogens in hair dye can lead to cell damage that can eventually develops into cancer.
The bad news is that hair dye has been connected to bladder cancer. In one large study, women who used permanent hair dye at least once a month were twice as likely to develop bladder cancer as those who did not. And those women who regularly used hair dye for at least 15 years had triple the risk. The chemicals in hair dyes can penetrate the skin on your scalp, enter your bloodstream, and get filtered out through your kidneys into your urine and bladder. The lining of the bladder is a very sensitive mucous membrane, and regularly exposing this membrane to the potential carcinogens in hair dye can lead to cell damage that can eventually develops into cancer.
To reduce your risk, don’t use permanent, dark colored hair dyes, which have more of the offending chemicals. Instead, consider trying other options, such as henna, semi-permanent dyes, highlights, and herb-based rinses. Some salons, like Aveda, offer dyes that have lower concentrations of certain chemicals like peroxide and ammonia. I also suggest you try foiling, as less of the dye touches your scalp. Or, visit Long Locks for some fun and interesting natural skin care recipes and hair care recipes.
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Natural hair dyes are a good option. My highest recommendation thus far goes to a permanent hair coloring product called Palette by Nature (www.actbynature.com), because it is free from common scalp-inflaming irritants and allergens. It has the rare approval of the American Contact Dermatitis Society and the Mayo Clinic for use by women who have chemical sensitivities.
Henna, a completely natural plant-based dye, is another option, but because it is not a permanent dye—it coats the outside of the hair shaft, rather than penetrating it—it fades more quickly. However, it is still a safer option than traditional hair dyes!
Dr. Lark
I am estrogen dominant, and unable to sleep. I have tried so many things, and PHysicians. I live in ATl. Ga, and I have also tried your supplements. I feel like I am chasing my tail. Can you please suggest a Physician of your caliber, or let me know, what should be my course of action.
Help!!!
Chronically Fatigued
I suggest visiting www.acamnet.org, the website of the American College for Advancement in Medicine. They have a database of complementary physicians so that you can search for one in your area.
Dr. Lark