Concerns raised about hair dye as cancer risk for kids

Saturday January 6, 2007 in: Hair Tag(s):

It is but natural for grownups to dye graying hair to look younger. Kids, on the other hand, take to dyeing in the spirit of fun and looking fashinable, what with celebrities sporting a highlight or streak here and there every now and then. This is not to mention the sight of people like Dennis Rodman changing their hair color like they were changing clothes.

There are, however, concerns that frequent dye use can possibly raise cancer risk among young people. According to CBS2:

But is it all just about fashion and fun?

Not to one Yale University researcher. He says several studies have linked hair dye to cancer. His most recent research examined the possible link to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

"We found people used dark permanent hair dye more than 20 years, they have doubled their risk," said Dr. Ton Zheng, B.Med, SC.D., SC.M.

Dr. Zhen is currently conducting a much larger study on hair coloring products and cancer along with the National Cancer Institute.

The FDA maintains that hair dye is generally safe. But still, they advise that hair dyeing, especially among kids, should be kept to a minimum. Now that one makes a lot more sense.