Conventional hair dyes cause allergic reactions because of bleach and ammonia, but melanin for gray hair can make a game-changing difference, according to new study results. In fact, scientists have developed a new type of dye that could be healthier than traditional chemical products, which are known to cause swelling and apotentially increased risk of cancercause.
Effect of melanin against gray hair
In a new study, researchers describe this new method called artificial melanin. It could be less toxic than traditional dyes. Since the body naturally produces melanin, it is believed that an artificial replacement could have a gentler effect on the body. Traditional hair dyes are considered carcinogenic and 5 percent of people are allergic to them. According to the study authors, having a safe and effective alternative would be a blessing for this industry. The new melanin dye method uses enzymes that create synthetic melanin, which can produce natural colors from blonde to black. A color created from artificial melanin can also withstand multiple washes. At a time when people are looking for more and more natural hair and cosmetic products, researchers wanted to get as close as possible to nature's pigment as a new type of hair dye.
Typically, hairdressers apply bleach to remove melanin from hair. This is then followed by ammonia and dye to penetrate the hair follicle and add permanent color. However, these use traditional dyesaggressive chemicals, which can cause allergic reactions and swelling in some people. The chemicals can also cause anaphylaxis, a rare but life-threatening allergic reaction that causes people to have difficulty breathing. Some studies have shown that the dye chemicals are linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly bladder cancer, leukemia and lymphoma, in frequent users. Nevertheless, study results are often mixed and controversial. Artificial melanin can be a sustainable alternative that uses chemicals that the body produces naturally. Since the body also naturally produces melanin, no toxic or allergic consequences are to be expected, according to the study authors.
Future use
Melanin also protects people from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is therefore believed by researchers that artificial melanin could do the same. However, experts agree that further studies are needed. In addition, allergic reactions to melanin cannot yet be 100% ruled out. Although melanin is produced by the body, it is still possible for some people to have an allergic reaction to a hair dye containing artificial melanin, as basically any product applied to the skin can cause skin irritation. The research team will continue to investigate the safety and effectiveness of the dyes. They will first test the dyes on skin cells in a laboratory and then on human skin in a clinical trial. The authors hope once the method has been sufficiently tested and provenof the study, to develop such a dye for commercial use on a larger scale and to define the process as safe.
