Dyeing to Look Younger?

For many women, dyeing their hair is considered part of their beauty routine. Grey hair is seen as a sign of ageing, something so many of us in Western society are keen to avoid. But hair dyes contain some seriously nasty chemicals, not least PPA (p-Phenylenediamine), which has been banned in Germany, France and Sweden, and 2,4-Diaminophenol. These chemicals seep through the skin and have been found to be present in the urine. A 2001 study in the International Journal of Cancer showed that women who have been dyeing their hair for 15 years or more are three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than women who didn't. This is scary stuff but finding natural alternatives is not easy and going grey is a big step.

We heard that Ally was reviewing how she coloured her hair and thinking about going back to grey so we asked her to write down her thoughts for us. Her case highlights the problems with finding suitable hair dyes...

A huge amount of money each year is spent on hair dyes. For some, it is the ultimate hair treat but, for others, it can be a painful experience and this is what I found out earlier this year. After having my hair coloured by a hairdressing friend at home I developed a terrible itching on my scalp. Working with children I immediately thought it was head lice but discovered that it was an allergy to the hair dye and on reflection, the last few times I had my hair dyed my scalp had got increasingly itchier.

I did some research and read that sometimes the more you use the dye there is an increased likelihood that you will develop an allergy towards the chemicals in it. There is a chemical in most hair dyes, PPD, which is used to help cover the grey hairs, but often causes allergies.

What was the answer? Well I don't regard myself as a vain person and don't spend vast amounts of money on my appearance. I make sure I take care of my skin and teeth, I have monthly massages and have always regarded having my hair coloured as a treat. I started dying my hair in my early thirties and as the years progressed I knew I was getting greyer under the dye. So on 20th April this year I decided that I needed to give the hair colouring a rest. This received mixed reactions from people; my mother was pleased as she had never dyed her hair and was worried about the links between hair dyeing and cancer, my hairdresser was surprised but supportive, offering different ideas on how to cut my hair to help the transition, Jo was pleased as I could write an article about it and my husband just laughed.

It all started well. The first six weeks saw some growth and appearance of grey, which was okay, but I couldn't see how grey I really was as much of it was at the back. Another visit to the hairdresser in May meant some more hair chopped off and more grey showing and... boy was it grey! There was more grey than my original colour of dark brown/black. But I still stuck with it. On the whole I didn't see it unless I looked closely in the mirror, which I decided not to do too often.

By the time I visited the hairdresser in June, there was a lot of grey. The hairdresser was impressed I had stuck with my resolution and managed this long but I was beginning to doubt my choice. I don't know why, but I felt grey inside as well as on top. I know that is silly but that was how I felt. I am only 44 but my hair was beginning to look like my 68-year-old mum's. Added to that my husband kept helpfully reminding me he didn't really like it either. Sadly it was not a grey that I could learn to live with so on 13th July I decided I needed to colour my hair.

So, I have decided I need to colour my hair. I am heading off now in search of natural hair colour products but could do with some help. Any ideas?

Despite our good intentions, for some of us going grey just doesn't feel right but neither does coming into prolonged contact with so many dangerous chemicals.

What alternatives are there?

Have you found a safe natural hair dye product? Or are you grey and happy to be grey? We would love to hear your views and tips and will feature your letters in next month's newsletter so other women can see what natural options are open to them.

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