Written By: N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe | Updated : February 10, 2026 2:02 PM IST
In a beauty industry worth more than 45 crore worldwide, something as routine as colouring hair is getting new attention. A November 2025 study found a worrying link between common hair products and breast cancer, showing that frequent users of chemical dyes have a higher risk. The research pointed to an increased incidence of breast cancer, especially among Black women, with risk rising by as much as 45 per cent for those using permanent dyes.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) previously conducted a study which concluded that permanent hair dye and straightening products contained numerous carcinogenic chemicals and that women who were exposed to these products, particularly those containing darker dyes that had higher concentrations of chemicals, had a 9 per cent increased risk of developing breast cancer relative to other women. Another study conducted by a team led by Samantha Schildroth, PhD, MPH, a postdoctoral associate in environmental epidemiology at Boston University, showed associations with uterine fibroids in those using hair dye.
An ongoing investigation continues to implicate hormones disrupting chemicals such as 4- (P-aminophenyl)-2, 5-dimethyl-1-(4-aminophenoxy) benzene sulfonamide), PPD (p-phenylenediamine) and resorcinol as potentially causing conditions. Alexandra White, Ph.D., head of the NIEHS Environment and Cancer Epidemiology Group, said, "We see a higher breast cancer risk associated with hair dye use, and the effect is stronger in African American women, particularly those who are frequent users. "
With millions dyeing their hair annually, surveys indicate that over 75% of women in the U.S. have tried it at least once. "People who use hair dyes frequently as part of their job, such as professional hairdressers, likely have higher exposures to potentially harmful chemicals in these products than people who have their hair dyed in a salon or who dye it at home (that is, "personal users" of hair dye). Thus, studies have been conducted to understand both exposure to hair dyes in the occupational setting and exposure from personal use," NIHStates. "It has been estimated that between 50% and 80% of women in the United States, Japan, and the European Union have used hair dyes. Given the widespread use of hair dye products, if these products had even a small effect on cancer risk that could translate into a considerable public health impact." These findings have sparked calls for stricter regulations and greater consumer awareness. Many hair colour products claim to be "ammonia-free" but they often substitute ammonia with similar derivatives, such as ethanolamine or MEA (monoethanolamine), which can be even more allergenic than ammonia itself.
View this post on Instagram
Despite several studies claiming cancer risk, it is still unclear how much hair dye is associated with the chronic disease. Talking about whether women should stop dyeing their hair, Co-author Dale Sandler, Ph.D., chief of the NIEHS Epidemiology Branch, said, "We are exposed to many things that could potentially contribute to breast cancer, and it is unlikely that any single factor explains a woman's risk. While it is too early to make a firm recommendation, avoiding these chemicals might be one more thing women can do to reduce their risk of breast cancer." Apart from cancer, using chemical hair dyes has been widely associated with certain side effects. Some essential points people should be aware of before using chemical hair dyes include:
Some of the safety tips for people who want to dye hair, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), include:
If you search for hair dye on social media, you'll mostly see inspo photos of women with brightly colored locks. But you'll also find clips warning you that dying your hair isn't so fun it could cause cancer or reproductive health problems.
If you're one of the up to 80% pic.twitter.com/jbm0kOU3CR WebMD (@WebMD) December 17, 2025
With the growing concern of chemical hair dyes linked to cancer risk, the popularity of natural alternatives skyrocketed over the years. Many people started turning to henna once again, one of the oldest and most widely used types of hair dye. Henna comes from the Lawsonia inermis plant, and has been used to dye hair for thousands of years by multiple cultures, including those in India and the Middle East. Henna is different from synthetic hair colours because synthetic hair colour uses ammonia and peroxide to penetrate the hair shaft, while henna does not penetrate. It works by coating the hair cuticle and binding to keratin to provide a semi-permanent colour. Henna does not strip the hair of its natural oil, but it nourishes the hair by providing antioxidants, protein, and vitamin E.
In addition to a beauty enhancement, henna helps relieve scalp irritation and scalp oil (sebum) production. In addition, it calms scalp inflammation and may support melanocyte activity, reducing the chances of premature greying. For users who have sensitive skin, using henna is a safe option because it does not contain allergens, including PPD, which may trigger a reaction in an estimated 5 per cent of users. Studies suggest henna's antimicrobial properties could even combat dandruff and infections, promoting overall hair health without the long-term risks linked to chemicals. Clelia Cecilia Angelon, Founder and CEO of Surya Brasil, said, "Henna is another herb that is considered to be the elixir for healthy hair, as it can provide much-needed nutrients directly to the scalp that has been impacted heavily by using heat treatments."
Disclaimer: Dear readers, this article provides general information and advice only. It is not at all professional medical advice. Therefore, always consult your doctor or a healthcare specialist for more information. TheHealthSite.com does not claim responsibility for this information.
