Trends in use of hair dye: a cross-sectional study

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy hair analysis after household contamination

Trace evidence found at crime scenes is rarely in an unsullied condition. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a modern analytical technique that can be used for the detection of artificial hair colourants (S. Higgins and D. Kurouski, Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Enables Highly Accurate Identification of Different Brands, Types and Colors of Hair Dyes, Talanta, 2022, 251, 123762). However, contaminants pose a problem to collecting accurate spectra from the dyes. In this study, we sought to analyze how the different physical properties of contaminants can influence the collected spectra. We utilized 11 household substances of varying viscosity and opacity to contaminate hair dyed with permanent black or semi-permanent blue dyes. We discovered that contaminant opacity generally does not affect the spectral quality but that high contaminant viscosity does and that acidic substances could destroy the colourant's spectral identity altogether. Cleaning the contaminated hair with a water rinse allowed the underlying colourant to be identified in 21 out of 22 cases. Overall, this study provided a clearer understanding of the capabilities and limitations of SERS in forensic hair analysis.

Dermatological adverse effects of hair dye use: A narrative review

Hair dyeing is a popular practice dating back to ancient Egyptian times. Initially, hair dye use was restricted to concealing grey and white hairs of the elderly population. However, in recent times, its use is common among the younger generation as a fashion statement. Hair dye contact dermatitis is a common dermatological condition encountered by dermatologists. It is a delayed type of hypersensitivity reaction that commonly affects the scalp and the vicinity of hair line and neck. Para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a synthetic aromatic amine is the most common allergen specifically implicated in hair dye contact dermatitis. Para-phenylenediamine was announced as the allergen of the year in 2006 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. Contact allergy to para-phenylenediamine can occur in 0.1-2.3% of the general population. Epicutaneous patch testing is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of hair dye contact dermatitis. However, para-phenylenediamine carries a risk of cross-sensitivity and co-sensitization to other allergens. Apart from contact dermatitis, hair dye use is also associated with various other cutaneous adverse effects such as pigmentary changes, hair loss, skin malignancies and autoimmune disorders. Due to the various adverse effects associated with hair dye use, it is prudent to look for safer alternatives to allergenic hair dyes. In this article, we review the epidemiology, cutaneous and systemic adverse effects associated with hair dye use, patch testing, preventive strategies to minimize the risk of hair dye contact dermatitis, and treatment aspects.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis of the Scalp Associated With Scalp Applied Products: A Systematic Review of Topical Allergens

ABSTRACT

Hair products are commonly used to maintain hair health or cosmesis. Products applied to the scalp and hair contain multiple active and inactive ingredients that can potentially cause irritant and/or allergic contact dermatitis. The objectives of this study were to identify and to discuss the most common allergens in scalp and hair applied products causing scalp allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). A PubMed search identified 99 studies, with 3185 patients and 31 categories of scalp products. Hair products reportedly associated with scalp ACD were hair dyes (41%), shampoos (28%), and conditioners (22%). The most commonly reported patch test-positive allergens were p-phenylenediamine (23%), nickel (15%), fragrance mix (13%), balsam of Peru (10%), cocamidopropyl betaine/3-dimethylaminopropylamine (7%), and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (6%). Common symptoms and signs include eczematous lesions, pruritus, and a burning sensation. Medical practitioners should be aware of causative agents to provide appropriate patient education, counseling, and/or treatment.

Bioinspired polymeric pigments to mimic natural hair coloring

Due to an increasingly aging population, hair dyeing has become more necessary in daily life; however synthetic hair dyes often have the disadvantages of harsh dyeing conditions, a slow dyeing process and biological toxicity. Herein, we developed a bioinspired approach to mimic the natural hair dyeing process under mild conditions. Compared to the existing polydopamine deposition approach with harsh conditions, mild conditions and effective deposition were achieved here. First, in the presence of tyrosine hydroxylase and metal ions, dopamine could be oxidized into polydopamine, a mimic of human eumelanin, and then self-assembled into nanometer-scale pigments. Through optimizing the experimental parameters, various colors and the desired darkness could be achieved within less than 1 minute. In addition, significant durability was observed after continuous washing with polydopamine assemblies as hair dyes. Morphological analysis was applied to verify the deposition of polydopamine assemblies onto the hair surface, which induces the hair color change. Also, animal studies were conducted to evaluate the efficiency and biological toxicity of this approach. Overall, this bioinspired approach could provide a new avenue for biocompatible and effective nanomaterial-based hair dyes for at-home use.

Face and Neck Pigmentary Alterations in Hair Dye Users: A Cross-sectional Study from South India

Background:

Hair dyes are commonly used for the concealment of grey hair in India. The pigmentary alterations produced by hair dyes on the face and neck have not received sufficient attention.

Aims:

To study the pigmentary alterations on the face and neck in hair dye users, and identify possible risk factors associated with the face and neck hyperpigmentation.

Methods:

A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was done on consecutive hair dye users. A detailed history was taken, and a clinical examination was done to record the pigmentary alterations. The patterns, areas affected, the intensity of hyperpigmentation, percentage of the area involved and risk factors were noted.

Results:

One hundred and twenty patients were included in the study. Around 118 (98.3%) patients had hyperpigmentation over face and/or neck: 16 (13.3%) barely perceivable, 40 (33.3%) mild, 44 (36.7%) moderate, and 18 (15%) severe pigmentation. The lateral forehead (106, 88.3%), the helix of the ear (106, 88.3%), central forehead (97, 80.8%), and zygomatic area (92, 76.7%) were the most frequently affected areas in our study. Fourteen patients (11.7%) had depigmented macules on the scalp and/or lips.

Conclusion:

Pigmentary alterations, particularly hyperpigmentation over the upper face and ears are common with the use of hair dyes. The skin type may play a role in the intensity of hyperpigmentation.

Cosmetovigilance in a tertiary care hospital: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Cosmetovigilance is a term used for the activities related to the collection, evaluation, and monitoring of reporting of undesirable events observed during or after normal or reasonably foreseeable use of a cosmetic product.

AIM

The study was conducted to assess the adverse cosmetic events from a tertiary care hospital.

PATIENTS/METHODS

The patients visiting the study site was reviewed and those who met the study criteria are enrolled in the study after administration of the informed consent. Study participants were followed on regular intervals either telephonically or hospital visits in order to determine the outcome. The causality assessment of the reported event was performed using Colipa and PLM method.

RESULTS

During the study period 22,893 patients visited the dermatology department, in which 87 subjects were enrolled in the study. The incidence of adverse cosmetic event was 0.38%. Hair care products caused more events than body care products. In 73.56% of cases, the suspected cosmetic was withdrawn and all the study population received symptomatic treatment for the adverse events. Causality assessment of Using Colipa method, categorized 49.43% events as likely and using PLM method, 64.37% events were probable. Study couldn't identify any predictors of adverse cosmetic events. Median cost associated with the management of ACRs for hair care products and body care products were 716.62 (IQR: 1011.36-470) and 557.4 (IQR: 711.63-373.8).

CONCLUSION

The study suggest need for approaches such as awareness programs among the cosmetic sellers, consumers and other stakeholders on cosmetovigilance needs to be developed and implemented.

Hair dye and risk of skin sensitization induction: a product survey and quantitative risk assessment for para-phenylenediamine (PPD)

BACKGROUND

Para-Phenylenediamine (PPD) is a commonly used dye intermediate in permanent hair dye formulations, and exposure to PPD has been associated with allergic contact dermatitis at certain doses.

PURPOSE

Determine the concentration of PPD in a survey of self-application permanent hair dye products, and perform a quantitative risk assessment to determine the risk of skin sensitization induction following application of these products.

METHODS

Consumer exposure levels (CELs) to PPD following application of hair dye products were estimated using the maximum amount of hair dye that can adhere to the surface area of the scalp, the measured concentration of PPD in the hair dye product, a retention factor, the dermal absorption of PPD, and the surface area of the scalp. CELs were calculated for various exposure scenarios, and were stratified by hair dye shade.

RESULTS

All estimated CELs did not exceed the acceptable exposure level. Specifically, margins of safety ranged from 2.3 to 1534 for black dyes, 2.9 to 5031 for brown dyes, and 26 to 5031 for blonde dyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that use of the evaluated permanent hair dyes, under the evaluated exposure scenarios, would not be expected to induce skin sensitization due to PPD exposure at concentrations ≤0.67%.

Mimicking Natural Human Hair Pigmentation with Synthetic Melanin

Human hair is naturally colored by melanin pigments, which afford myriad colors from black, to brown, to red depending on the chemical structures and specific blends. In recent decades, synthetic efforts have centered on dopamine oxidation to polydopamine, an effective eumelanin similar to the one found in humans. To date, only a few attempts at polydopamine deposition on human hair have been reported, and their translation to widespread usage and potential commercialization is still hampered by the harsh conditions employed. We reasoned that novel, mild, biocompatible approaches could be developed to establish a metal-free route to tunable, nature-inspired, long-lasting coloration of human hair. Herein, we describe synthetic and formulation routes to achieving this goal and show efficacy on a variety of human hair samples via multiple spectroscopic and imaging techniques. Owing to the mild and inexpensive conditions employed, this novel approach has the potential to replace classical harsh hair dyeing conditions that have raised concerns for several decades due to their potential toxicity.

A Study on Scalp Hair Health and Hair Care Practices among Malaysian Medical Students

Introduction:

Scalp care is essential because it determines the health and condition of the hair and prevents the diseases of scalp and hair. The objectives of our study were to correlate race and hair types, to determine the awareness of hair care among Malaysian medical students, and to distinguish the factors that affect the health of hair and scalp.

Methodology:

It was a cross-sectional study wherein validated questionnaires were given to 240 medical undergraduate students who belonged to three ethnic races of Malaysia, i.e., Chinese, Malay, and Malaysian Indians after their informed consent. The results were then analyzed using percentage statistics.

Results:

Chinese students had comparatively healthier scalp without dandruff. Most Chinese and Indians had silky type of hair while Malay had dry, rough hair. Chinese and Indians colored their hair and used various styling methods; while among the Malays, this percentage was very less. Regarding hair care practices, males used only shampoo and females used shampoo and conditioner for hair wash. Students also faced dietary and examination-related stress.

Conclusion:

Results indicate that there exist morphological differences in hair among the studied population. Since most students color their hair and employ various hairstyling methods, they should be educated regarding best hair care practices to improve their scalp hair condition and health.

The use of personal hair dye and its implications for human health

Hair dye products now represent one of the most rapidly growing beauty and personal care industries as both men and women commonly change hair color to enhance youth and beauty and to follow fashion trends. Irrespective of economic and education status, people dye their hair to emphasize the importance given to appearance. Despite adverse reactions, many people continue dyeing mainly for cosmetic purposes. This paper provides a comprehensive review on various aspects of hair dying products, especially with respect to the hair-coloring process, classification, chemical ingredients, possible human health impacts, and regulations. Permanent hair dye, which is the most commonly used product type, is formed by an oxidative process involving arylamines to bring about concerns with long-term exposure. Hence, significant efforts have been put to understand the possible side effects of such exposure including cancer risk. However, hair dyes and their ingredients are mainly identified to have moderate to low acute toxicity such as the cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Although some hair dye components are reported to be carcinogenic in animals, such evidence is not consistent enough in the case of human studies. Consequently, further research is desirable to critically address the significance of this issue, especially with respect to the safety of hair dye ingredients.

Contact sensitizers in commercial hair dye products sold in Thailand

BACKGROUND

Hair dyes are known to contain potent contact allergens for which sensitization rates have increased over the last decade.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the type and frequency of potent contact sensitizers labelled on hair dyes sold in metropolitan Bangkok, Thailand.

METHODS

During the 2013-2014 study period, labelled ingredient information from home use and professional hair dye products was collected.

RESULTS

Two hundred and fifty-two hair dye products were evaluated. One hundred and forty-nine products from 48 brands were domestically produced in Thailand, and 103 products were from 23 multinational brands produced in countries other than Thailand. Two hundred and fourteen of 252 (84.9%) hair dye products were found to contain strong skin sensitizers, with 118 (46.8%) being found in domestically produced products, and 96 (38.1%) being found in multinational brand products. Thirty-eight hair dye products (15.1%) were free of potent skin sensitizers. The number of domestically produced products (31, 20.8%) that were free of potent skin sensitizers was significantly higher (p = 0.002) than the number of multinational brand products (7, 6.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

p-Phenylenediamine was the most prevalent potent sensitizer found among domestically produced hair dyes available on the market. Our findings indicate regional differences in hair dye allergen exposure.

Hair dye dermatitis and p-phenylenediamine contact sensitivity: A preliminary report

BACKGROUND

The contact allergic reactions from p-phenylenediamine (PPD) in hair dyes vary from mild contact dermatitis to severe life- threatening events (angioedema, bronchospasm, asthma, renal impairment).

OBJECTIVES

To study the clinical patterns and PPD contact sensitivity in patients with hair-dye dermatitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty (M:F 47:33) consecutive patients aged between 18 and 74 years suspected to have contact allergy from hair dye were studied by patch testing with Indian Standard Series including p-phenylenediamine (PPD, 1.0% pet).

RESULTS

54 Fifty-four (M:F 21:33) patients showed positive patch tests from PPD. Eight of these patients also showed positive patch test reaction from fragrance mix, thiuram mix, paraben mix, or colophony. Fifty-seven (71%) patients affected were aged older than 40 years. The duration of dermatitis varied from < 1 month to > 1 year with exacerbation following hair coloring. Forty-nine patients had dermatitis of scalp and/or scalp margins and 23 patients had face and neck dermatitis. Periorbital dermatitis, chronic actinic dermatitis, and erythema multiforme-like lesions were seen in 4, 2, and 1 patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Hair dyes and PPD constitute a significant cause of contact dermatitis. There is an urgent need for creating consumer awareness regarding hair-dyes contact sensitivity and the significance of performing sensitivity testing prior to actual use.