I feel like I'm always hearing how all of a sudden something new supposedly leads to cancer. Honestly, what doesn't these days? But I wasn't really expecting or ready to hear that hair dyes would be one of them. Especially since I was finally planning on dyeing my virgin black hair a brand new shade.
Well, it seems that British scientists have recently discovered that certain chemicals found in most hair coloring treatments have been linked to causing cancer. And it looks like this applies to both home hair coloring kits and treatments used at salons. Whaaat? So not cool!
Readmore ¿Qué Más? I don't care if my Brazilian Blowout gives me cancer!
Apparently the chemicals found in hair dyes, known as secondary animes, can react with tobacco smoke, exhaust fumes, and other pollutants in the air to form a highly poisonous chemical called N-nitrosamines that can pose potential health and cancer risks. Scientists at U.K.-based company Green Chemicals found that these chemicals can penetrate into the skin and even stay on the hair for weeks or even years after the hair color is applied. While most cosmetic companies claim that they are banned from using N-nitrosamines in their products, the researchers argue that these compounds can still develop naturally through a simple chemical reaction, such as being in contact with polluted air.
Here's the thing, as scary as this may sound, I honestly don't think this is going to stop me from getting my hair colored. Yes, I agree that hair dye probably does have potential risks along with other hair treatments like the Brazilian Keratin, perms, and relaxers, but I've been hearing for years about how chemically treating your hair can cause serious health risks, and as far as I know, my mother, my abuelas, and my tías who have been dyeing their tresses for as long as I can remember haven't experienced any of these kinds of health issues. Okay okay, maybe I am being a little stubborn especially after just reading about this recent discovery. But sorry ladies, until I see the FDA banning hair dying treatments from the market, I'm continuing with my plans of getting chest nut rayitos next week!
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