The desire to experiment with hair color is a common one, especially among children and teenagers who are influenced by current hairstyle trends. The availability of various colors, from hot pink to purple and rainbow shades, can be very tempting. However, it’s important for parents to understand the potential risks associated with hair dyes, as these products are primarily formulated for adults and may pose specific dangers to children.
One of the primary concerns with using hair dye on children is the risk of allergic reactions. According to Kate Seymour, M.D., an internal medicine/pediatrics specialist, hair dyes can cause an allergic type contact reaction, similar to a poison ivy reaction. This manifests as an itchy, red rash in the area where the hair dye comes into contact with the skin. Children are particularly vulnerable because they tend to have more sensitive skin than adults.
Sammi Ford's experience underscores this risk. She had a severe allergic reaction to a home dye kit, experiencing intense itching, burning sensations, and significant swelling that prevented her from opening her eyes. Her face became covered in sores that took weeks to heal. Such reactions highlight the importance of caution when using hair dye, especially on children.
Children's hair is more delicate and immature than adult hair, making it more susceptible to damage from the harsh chemicals found in hair dyes and bleach. Joseph Gigante, M.D., a professor of pediatrics, emphasizes that these chemicals can cause significant damage to a child's hair. In cases where dark hair needs to be lightened to achieve bright colors, bleaching is necessary, which further increases the risk of hair damage.
Even for adults, long-term use of hair dyes can lead to hair damage. The chemicals involved are harsh and can weaken the hair over time, according to Seymour. For children, the potential for long-term damage is even greater due to the immaturity of their hair.
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Hair dye manufacturers explicitly state that their products are not intended for use by anyone under the age of 16. This warning is mandated by the European Commission and must be displayed on all hair dye packaging. The Hairdressing Federation, the professional body for the hairdressing industry, reinforces this by advising its members never to apply hair color products to individuals under 16.
Despite these clear guidelines, compliance among hair salons is not always consistent. An undercover investigation by BBC Wales revealed that only one out of 17 salons adhered to the age restriction when approached by an undercover schoolgirl. This lack of compliance is alarming, as it puts children at unnecessary risk.
Donna Wallbank, a salon owner, noted an increase in clients experiencing reactions to skin tests, further highlighting the potential dangers. She expressed concern about the possible consequences if services were performed without prior skin testing.
Both manufacturers and the Hairdressing Federation emphasize the importance of performing a skin patch test before using any hair dye product. This involves applying a small amount of the dye to an area of uncovered skin and leaving it for 48 hours to monitor for any adverse reactions. Any soreness or redness indicates a likely allergic reaction, and the dye should not be used. The Hairdressing Federation considers allergy testing a must for every salon.
Parents have varying opinions on when it is appropriate for children to dye their hair. Some parents, like Kelly King, allow their children to experiment with hair color at a young age, particularly if it doesn't involve harsh chemicals like bleach. King allowed her 7-year-old son to dye his naturally light hair blue, believing it was a harmless way for him to express his individuality.
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Other parents, like Victoria Beach, prefer to wait until their children are teenagers before allowing them to dye their hair. Beach, who often has colored hair herself, sees no reason why her daughter shouldn't have fun with her hair once she's old enough. Carol Stewart Beverly noted that her beautician wouldn’t dye her daughter’s hair until she turned 13.
For younger children who want to experiment with hair color, Gigante suggests using non-permanent solutions that don't come into contact with the scalp. This minimizes the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
One popular alternative for coloring hair is Kool-Aid. However, Rachel Tinsley warns that Kool-Aid can have lasting effects. Her daughter dyed the bottom of her brown hair red with Kool-Aid, and they struggled to remove the color. Ultimately, a hairdresser had to cut and bleach her hair to fix the issue. This illustrates that even seemingly harmless alternatives can have unexpected and potentially damaging consequences.
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