| The decision to modify your hair color may be a hard one. Some studies have associated hair dyes with a higher risk of certain cancers, whereas other studies have not found this connection. The largest part of hair dyes also don't have to undergo safety testing that other cosmetic color additives do before attaining store shelves. Women are often themselves trying to understand whether hair dyes are safe. When hair dyes first appear, the main ingredient in coal-tar hair dye caused allergic reactions in some people. Many hair dyes are now made from petroleum sources. Nevertheless FDA still considers them to be coal-tar dyes. This is because they have a number of of the same composites found in these former dyes. Cosmetic makers have discontinued using things known to cause cancer in animals. For instance, 4-methoxy-m-phenylenediamine or 4-methoxy-m-phenylenediamine sulfate is no longer used. But chemicals made almost the same way have substituted some of the cancer-causing composites. A number of experts feel that these newer ingredients aren't totally different from the things they're replacing. Experts suggest that you may reduce your risk of cancer by using less hair dye in time. You may also reduce you risk by not dyeing your hair until it starts to gray.  Is it Safe to Dye my Hair When I'm Pregnant?
We don't know much about the safety of hair dyes during pregnancy. It's probably that when you apply hair dye, only a small amount is absorbed into your system. So very small chemicals, if any, would be able to get to your baby. In a small number of animal and human studies that have been done, no changes were seen in the developing baby. Consult with your doctor if you have questions or concerns.
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