Going Gorgeous Grey.
The pandemic lockdowns gave us countless challenges. It was also a time for many fun and surprising trends; baking bread, adopting a pet, walking, puzzles, board games, drive-in movies, working from home, zoom everything; meetings, fitness, dance and yoga classes. Also, a liberating movement of women ditching their hair dye and embracing their glorious grey hair started because they couldn’t access their hairdresser. Some were also concerned about the toxicity of hair dye.
Early in the pandemic, I was listening to a highly recommended podcast called The Simplicity Sessions. The host, Jenn Pike, was interviewing a holistic nutritionist named Nicole Scott. Nicole started the Gorgeous Grey Movement in 2018 after a health scare woke her up, and she decided to ditch the hair dye she regularly used and wrote a book about her journey. Check out her Gorgeous Grey Facebook Group and see many fabulous transformations.
Many hair dyes contain harsh chemicals that can negatively impact your health.
Here are 9 that you should be aware of:
Ammonia
Ammonia is one of the most commonly known toxic ingredients in hair dye. It’s what gives it that powerful, unpleasant smell. It’s used in hair colour because it allows the colour to penetrate the hair cuticle. However, it can often come with consequences. “Over time, this leads to dry and damaged hair, as well as irritation to the throat and respiratory system from exposure to ammonia,” says Adina Mahalli, hair and skincare expert with Maple Holistics.
Paraphenylenediamine (PPD)
PPD removes hair’s existing pigment, which allows the new colour to take its place. “Overexposure to this toxic chemical, which is also a known carcinogenic, can lead to complications like rhabdomyolysis, respiratory failure, and cardiac health issues,” Mahalli says.
Para-toluenediamine (PTD)
“Research suggests that an alarming percentage of PTD is absorbed through the skin during the dying process,” Mahalli says. Not only is this chemical bad for the person getting their hair dyed, but it can also cause hairdressers allergies as well.
Quaternium-15
Be sure to check the label of your hair dye and ensure it doesn’t contain any quaternium-15. This chemical, used as a preservative in many cosmetic and hair products, is a known allergen. It releases formaldehyde, which can result in a contact dermatitis reaction in sensitive people, Mahalli says.
Resorcinol
Resorcinol is a chemical that is not to be taken lightly as it can impact not just your scalp but your overall health too. “It has been classified as a hazardous chemical because it’s combustible, can cause abdominal pain when inhaled, and causes redness when it contacts the skin,” Mahalli says. “On top of these allergic reactions, resorcinol is also a known hormone disruptor with the potential to cause thyroid dysfunction and affect your central nervous system.”
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide, a mineral used as a pigment in hair coloring products, is not something you should be too concerned about but it is beneficial to avoid nonetheless. “It’s generally considered safe and is often used in sunscreens, but when inhaled in large quantities, as is the case with hair dying, it becomes a potential carcinogen,” Mahalli says.
Phthalates
Phthalates are chemicals found in many different products, including hair dyes, cosmetics, nail polishes, and even food packaging. It helps make plastic soft and flexible, but it’s not something you want to put on your body. “Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, which means they interfere with your body’s regular hormone functioning,” Mahalli says. “Seeing as what you put onto your hair is eventually absorbed into the bloodstream at least to some degree, you’re better off staying away from these chemicals.”
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium lauryl sulfate in hair dye helps clean your hair. “It is also found in household cleaning items which should give you an idea of just how clean it makes your hair—almost too clean,” Mahalli says. “It not only strips your hair of dirt but also essential, natural oils which can leave your hair weak and prone to breakage. Continuous exposure to SLS can even cause skin irritations.”
Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APEs)
“Similar to SLS, APEs clean your hair almost too well, stripping it of its protective oils in the process,” Mahalli says. “APEs are also hormone disruptors which means that they have the potential to have a negative effect on your optimal body functioning.”
Tips for transitioning to Grey
Grow your roots a few inches until you can determine your natural colour. Then you can dye or highlight your hair this colour while you are transitioning.
Work with your hairdresser to help you transition.
As you are transitioning, keep your hair short.
I have some grey hair and I used to get regular highlights. I stopped this a few years ago because I became concerned about my scalp soaking up the dye and distributing toxins throughout my body. I’m sure I will have more grey hair as I age, and I have decided to let it be. If I change my mind and decide to colour my hair, I’ll ensure only to use healthy, non-toxic dyes.
I love that scores of women have stepped out of their comfort zone and embraced their natural hair colour. Why does society think men with grey hair look distinguished and women with grey hair look old and tired? Enough of this nonsense. I know many women and have seen numerous transition pictures of women who decided to go entirely grey, and they look beautiful and often younger.
This movement gives me hope that women are taking their power back and deciding for themselves what makes them beautiful!
Be well.
Anita
Resources
1. Nicole Scott
DISCLAIMER; The information provided on County Yoga Loft’s website blog is for general health care informational purposes only. All information on the site is provided in good faith. However, it should not replace consultation or advice from a physician and/or other healthcare practitioners. The use or reliance of any information contained on this site is solely at your own risk.