Hair Dye Lawsuit: Does Your Hair Color Cause Cancer?

People love coloring their hair, and this trend is growing so fast. More beauty salons and hairdressers are now offering hair dye services, and it’s not just for women; many men are also excited to try new hair colors.

Hair dye makes people look stylish, but don’t forget that the chemicals in hair dye also bring dangers. Chemicals in hair dyes can be harmful, especially for hairdressers who use them every day. In recent years, hair dye lawsuits have been filed because of health problems linked to these products. Let’s take a closer look at this widespread issue.

Types of Hair Dyes

Mostly, hair dyes are categorized into two types.

Oxidative hair dyes: These are permanent color dyes and work by changing the color inside the hair. This process involves mixing a colorless dye with an oxidizing agent, usually hydrogen peroxide.

Non-oxidative hair dyes: These dyes do not use oxidation, so they do not permanently change the hair color. Instead, they coat the surface of the hair without deeply penetrating it. There are two main types; one is temporary hair dye, and the other is semi-permanent hair dye.

Chemicals in Hair Dye

Hair dyes contain a mixture of chemicals that are designed to alter the color of hair permanently. Some of the most common and potentially harmful ingredients include:

P-Phenylenediamine (PPD)

It is a common ingredient in permanent hair dyes, especially in darker shades. It helps the dye last longer and gives hair a deep, rich color. PPD has been linked to bladder cancer and can form a DNA-altering substance called Bandrowski’s base when combined with hydrogen peroxide.

Due to its health risks, Asian countries, the European Union, and some other countries allow PPD in hair dyes, with concentrations not exceeding 2% after mixing under oxidative conditions.

Ammonia

It helps open the hair cuticle so the dye can penetrate deeply, resulting in long-lasting color. While ammonia helps in color absorption, it also weakens hair over time by making it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Prolonged exposure to ammonia may lead to respiratory problems.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a key ingredient in many hair dyes, especially in permanent and bleaching products. It works by opening the hair cuticle and breaking down natural pigments, allowing new color to penetrate the hair shaft.

While it helps achieve lighter and long-lasting shades, repeated exposure may lead to chronic skin irritation and increased sensitivity over time, especially for hairdressers. It can cause oxidative stress in the body, which may contribute to cancer development.

Resorcinol

Resorcinol is used in hair dyes to help the color develop and bind to hair strands. However, it can cause skin irritation, redness, and allergic reactions. It can disrupt the endocrine system, potentially affecting thyroid function. Long-term exposure may also contribute to immune system issues.

Lead Acetate

It was previously used in some gradual hair-darkening dyes, especially in products marketed for men. This chemical has been linked to neurological issues, including memory loss and difficulty concentrating. It can be absorbed through the skin, leading to lead poisoning over time.

Toluene

Toluene is a solvent found in some hair dyes, helping to dissolve other ingredients and ensure smooth application. However, repeated inhalation of Toluene can cause dizziness, headaches, and nausea. It also affects the nervous system, leading to long-term cognitive and motor skill problems. Pregnant women are especially at risk, as exposure to Toluene can harm fetal development.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is not always directly included as an ingredient, but it can be seen in some hair dyes. Some hair dyes contain preservatives or chemicals that emit formaldehyde over time.

Health Risks Associated with Hair Dyes

Hair styling products like hair dyes and hair straighteners may be linked to causing mild to severe health risks, including allergies to respiratory issues. Does hair dye cause cancer? Many studies have shown there is a link between hair dye and various types of cancer, including bladder cancer, breast cancer, and blood-related cancers.

Bladder cancer: Some research says that a slight increase in bladder cancer risk among individuals who use hair dyes frequently, particularly hairdressers and barbers. A meta-analysis indicated a small but consistent association between hair dye exposure and bladder cancer in occupational settings.

Breast cancer: The relationship between hair dye use and breast cancer has been explored in several studies. A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that women who used permanent hair dyes had a higher risk of developing cancer compared to non-users.

Blood-related cancer: Some studies found there is a connection between hair dye and blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma. Is hair dye carcinogenic? The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified occupational exposure to hair dyes as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”

Hairdressers are exposed to many chemicals, including some that may cause cancer. A study published in PubMed reviewed 247 research papers about the link between being a hairdresser and getting cancer.

The results showed that hairdressers have a higher risk of certain cancers compared to the general population. Specifically, they have a 27% higher risk of lung cancer, a 52% higher risk of larynx cancer, a 30% higher risk of bladder cancer, and a 62% higher risk of multiple myeloma. The risk for other cancers was smaller.

To reduce the risk, the study suggests improving ventilation in salons and taking better hygiene measures to reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals.

Studies Linked to Hair Dyes

A study titled “Hair Dye Ingredients and Potential Health Risks from Exposure to Hair Dyeing” examines the chemicals in hair dyes and their possible health effects.

The study analyzes the health risks and the toxicity of chemicals commonly found in hair dyes. Chemicals found in hair dyes like phenylenediamine, N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, resorcinol, and diamine derivatives can cause harmful effects such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, and cell damage by increasing harmful chemicals in the body. These chemicals can also lead to the risk of cancers such as bladder cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma.

A 2020 study published in the BMJ article aimed to find the connection between using permanent hair dyes and the risk of cancer and death. It followed 117,200 women from the Nurses’ Health Study, who were not diagnosed with cancer at the beginning. The women provided information about their use of permanent hair dyes and were monitored for 36 years.

The study found that using permanent hair dyes did not increase the risk of skin, breast, brain, lung, bladder, and other cancers. However, women who used hair dyes had a slight increase in the risk of basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer).

The study also found that higher usage was linked to a higher risk of certain types of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Additionally, women with dark hair had a slightly higher risk of Hodgkin lymphoma, and women with light hair had a slightly higher risk of basal cell carcinoma.

The study concluded that using permanent hair dyes does not significantly increase the risk of most cancers, but there are risks for certain cancers, especially with higher and longer use.

Hair Dye Lawsuit against Major Companies

On January 23, 2025, Hector Corvera, a California hair stylist, filed a lawsuit against some hair dye manufacturers like L’Oréal USA, Redken, and Wella Professionals. He claimed that hair dye products contained dangerous chemicals, which caused him bladder cancer.

The hair dye chemical exposure lawsuit stated that the manufacturers knew about the risks but failed to warn stylists about these risks. This hair dye cancer lawsuit also alleges that harmful chemicals like 4-aminobiphenyl(4-ABP) and Ortho-Toluidine (both classified as Group 1 carcinogens) were present in the dyes. These chemicals damage DNA, increasing the risk of bladder cancer.

Corvera used well-known hair dye brands, including Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Clairol Professional, Joico, and more. His lawsuit states that these companies misled stylists by marketing their products as safe.

Defendants in the hair dye lawsuit include

• L’oréal Usa

• Matrix Professional Hair

• Redken

• Wella Professionals

• Coty, Inc.

• Kohlberg Kravis Robert & Co.

• Clairol

• Bristol-Myers Squibb

• Procter & Gamble Hair Care, LLC

• Joico

• Henkel

• John Paul Mitchell Systems

• Chuckles, Inc.

• John Doe Corporations

The lawsuit seeks compensation for his medical costs, pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages. This lawsuit highlights the dangers faced by professionals in the beauty industry, who work with these chemicals daily.

More lawsuits are expected to come when people become aware of the long-term exposure to hair dye chemicals.

Update on Hair Dye Exposure Lawsuit

A California judge will meet lawyers on May 5, 2025, to discuss the hair dye lawsuit filed by Hector Corvera. Judge Samantha P. Jessner, who is overseeing the case, issued an order on February 20 to pause all legal actions until after the first meeting. This means no new motions, challenges, or filings can proceed for now. The goal of the May 5 status conference is to create an organized plan for handling the case.

Hair dye chemical lawsuits are being filed on behalf of hairdressers and salon workers diagnosed with bladder or breast cancer after prolonged exposure to permanent hair dyes. If you or your loved ones are affected by toxic hair dyes, file a lawsuit immediately. It will help you get compensation for your sufferings.

Conclusion

Hair dyes are still a popular beauty product. But never ignore its health risks. These researches are also evidence of long-term exposure to hair dyes linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly for those in the beauty industry. So if you are affected, don’t hesitate to file a hair dye lawsuit.