The National Cancer Institute estimates that one-third of women over age 18 and approximately 10 percent of men over age 40 use some type of hair dye. While classifications for modern hair colorants range from permanent and semi-permanent to temporary, 80 percent of current marketed products are permanent hair dyes, which include colorless chemicals called aromatic amines and dye couplers. These react with each other in the presence of hydrogen peroxide to form pigment molecules. Darker colors are the result of using higher concentrations of the chemicals.

With more than 5,000 different chemicals used in hair dye product, some of which are reported to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing), it’s only natural that the public wants to know if there is a link between hair dye and different types of cancer. To date, although the Working Group of the International Agency for Research on Cancer has not proven any link, the Environmental Working Group (EWG.org) recommends avoiding or limiting dark permanent hair dyes and chemical hair straighteners.

In the 1970s, when manufacturers changed the components in dye products to eliminate some of these chemicals, some went a step farther to offer organic and ammonia-free hair color as a healthier option. “While not 100 percent organic, the products that I use in my salon are ammonia-free and contain biodynamic, organic ingredients with reduced amounts of other chemicals used in traditional hair color. This is better for the health of the hair, the client and the stylist,” explains Melanie Nickels, a board certified hair colorist and owner of Raw Hair Organic Salon, in Naples.

According to Joe and Terry Graedon, founders of The People’s Pharmacy who help NPR listeners make wise decisions about their health by providing essential health information about medical and alternative treatments, “For the general public, hair dye doesn’t seem to be a big risk, but we cannot say there is zero risk. We are more concerned about hairdressers, since they are routinely exposed to these products.”

“I didn’t switch to organic products just for my clients. I did it after my husband was diagnosed with cancer. That’s when I became aware of the dangers of exposing myself and my clients to toxic chemicals,” says Nickels, who notes that she also has hair color options without paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which is the pigment in hair color. This option is particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies.

Raw Hair Organic Salon is located at 2940 Immokalee Rd., Ste. 4, in Naples. For appointments, call 239-597-0939. For more information, visit RawHairOrganics.com.