So if you’re older and you’ve dyed your hair for years, your chances of developing cancer may be higher.
One of the main cancer risks discussed in this controversy is leukemia. That’s because research has shown an elevated risk of leukemia in relation to hair dye use.
However, this is usually associated with earlier chemical combinations (again, this goes back to your age). In addition, your risk depends on what type of dye you used.
“For example, one case-control study examined hair dye use among 769 patients with adult acute leukemia and 623 people without leukemia in the United States and Canada. It found that the risks of acute leukemia were higher among users of earlier formulations of both permanent and nonpermanent (i.e., semi-permanent and temporary) dyes than among those who had not used dyes, although the increases were not statistically significant,” according to the National Cancer Institute.
The NCI found no risk increases among those who used more recent dye formulations. Risk was greatest among those who had used permanent dyes for longer duration (15 or more years).
It’s also important to note that not all studies have shown these results. In other words, don’t panic and stop using hair dye based on a risk of developing leukemia without knowing all of the facts.