Long-Term Frequent Hair Dye Use May Be Linked to Increased Cancer Risk: Study

Written By :  Dr. Shravani Dali
Published On 2025-12-30 16:00 GMT   |   Update On 2025-12-29 15:48 GMT
Advertisement

Evidence suggests that frequent and long-term use of hair dyes may be associated with an increased risk of certain cancers in specific populations, highlighting the need for cautious use and further research.

The global hair color market is valued over 23 billion dollars with over 2 billion in sales in the United States. Asia dominated the market accounting for over 35% of global revenue in 2021. Hair dyes are classified by permanence: temporary, semipermanent, and permanent hair dye (PHD). PHDs account for approximately 80% of hair dye products on the market and contain coupler m-aminophenols that oxidizes and penetrates the hair cortex. Whereas, temporary and semipermanent do not oxidize therefore weakly adhere to the hair shaft. As a result, more consumers use PHD because it provides a more natural hair color than the other hair dyes. A systematic search of PubMed and MEDLINE from January 1964 to March 2025 was conducted. Articles were reviewed independently by 3 assessors.

Advertisement
Results: The review included 96 articles including 2 on both adults and children, and 5 on maternal exposure and pediatric cancer risk. Some studies suggested potential associations between hair dye use and cancer risk. Trends include increased risk of estrogen receptor + breast cancer among African American women and elevated bladder cancer in both genders. risk in frequent users. Individuals with slow acetylator N-acetyltransferase 2 genotypes or CYP1A2 had elevated cancer risk with dye use. Maternal use during the first trimester significantly increased offspring risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia further elevated by continued use during lactation. Limitations included elements of study design, study populations, and confounders.
There is evidence to suggest possible increased cancer risks for frequent, long-term hair dye use in specific populations.

Reference:

Greene RK, Maghfour J, Nguyen C, Baker G, Mesinkovska NA. Association between hair dye use and human cancers: A systematic review. JAAD Int. 2025 Oct 25;24:205-233. doi: 10.1016/j.jdin.2025.10.009. PMID: 41399670; PMCID: PMC12702374.


Keywords:

Greene RK, Maghfour J, Nguyen C, Baker G, Mesinkovska NA, Association, between, hair, dye use, human cancers, bladder cancer, breast cancer, cancer, hair dyes, leukemia, neoplasm, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, paraphenylenediamine (PPD)



Tags:    
Article Source : JAAD International

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Similar News