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

The objective of the following study was to assess the knowledge, practice, perception and adverse reactions among hair dye users.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients, their attenders and staff of SDUMC.

A questionnaire (28) pertaining to use of hair dyes and reactions to them was administered randomly.

The demographic data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation, quantitative data expressed as percentages.

A total of 263 volunteers responded of which 52.5% and 47.5% were females and males respectively with mean age of 32.40 ± 6.01 years. The participants started using hair dye at an age of 27 (±3.63) years. Synthetic dyes were used by 91%. Frequency of use in a year was 2-5 times in 51%. Instruction of the package insert was followed by 63.5%. Skin test was never performed in 34% prior to their use. Nearly 96% expressed hair dyeing was unsafe during pregnancy, lactation and in children. Adverse reactions were reported by 42%, with headache (63%) and itching (38%) being the most common.

Hair dyeing was started at very early age. Majority used semi-permanent dyes even though they perceived natural dyes were safe. They continued dyeing despite adverse reactions, which indicates cosmetic importance.