Autoimmune Disease and Hair Dye

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If you’ve ever wondered whether your hair dye could be affecting your health, you’re not alone. For those with autoimmune diseases—where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body—everyday choices like hair coloring may carry hidden risks. While hair dye is a beauty staple for millions, some research suggests that certain chemicals in permanent and semi-permanent dyes might trigger inflammation, worsen symptoms, or even contribute to autoimmune conditions. But is this concern backed by science, or is it just another health myth? Let’s dive into what the research says about the link between hair dye and autoimmune disease—and what you need to know before your next salon visit.

Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your healthy tissues by mistake. Essentially, your immune system goes rogue, causing inflammation and disease. Usually, the immune system can differentiate between "self" and foreign cells. Still, when the immune system loses this ability, it can lead to autoimmune diseases, including: 

• Lupus

• Celiac disease

• Sjogren's syndrome

• Multiple sclerosis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Type 1 diabetes

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis‍

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by inflammation that is often accompanied by redness, heat, pain, and swelling. Inflammation often destroys body tissue, causes abnormal growth of an organ, or changes the way organs function, such as in Hashimoto's, where the thyroid gland's inflammation leads to hypothyroidism. 

People commonly report autoimmune flare-ups, where their symptoms worsen for some time. Autoimmune diseases can also go into remission, where the symptoms improve or disappear. Treating these diseases largely relies on managing inflammation and preventing other chronic conditions associated with autoimmune disease.

We know very little about what causes autoimmunity. Current theories suggest a combination of environmental and genetic factors may cause autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune disorders tend to run in families, so there is evidence for a strong genetic component. Some studies suggest that genetics account for 30% of autoimmune diseases, whereas 70% is environmental. Given the right environmental stressors, people with genes predisposing them to autoimmunity are at a heightened risk for disease.

• Diet

• Toxic chemicals 

• Infections 

• Microbes

• Medications

• Heavy metals

• UV light radiation

• Smoking

• Illicit drugs

A leaky gut, caused by increased intestinal permeability, is thought to be the gateway for environmental toxins to leak into our systems. Our intestines are home to trillions of bacteria that help us digest food, fight pathogens, and maintain our overall health. When something disrupts our gut microbiome, it can cause a build-up of toxins in our body and cause our immune systems to react. 

Hair dyes contain various chemicals that achieve long-lasting color but may pose health risks:

Para-phenylenediamine (PPD): PPD is a common ingredient in darker hair dyes. It is a known allergen and has been linked to inflammatory responses. Studies suggest that PPD can activate immune cells, potentially contributing to autoimmune reactions.

Resorcinol: This chemical reacts with peroxide in hair dyes to develop color. It has been associated with endocrine disruption and irritation, potentially impacting immune function.

Hydrogen Peroxide: Used as a bleaching agent, hydrogen peroxide can cause oxidative stress, which may damage cells and trigger immune responses.

Lead Acetate: Found in some dark hair dyes, lead acetate has been linked to neurotoxicity and hormonal disruptions.

These chemicals can enter the body through scalp absorption during the dyeing process, raising concerns about their systemic effects on health.

‍A Swedish study found that women who dyed their hair for 20 years or more had nearly double the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to non-users. Researchers hypothesized that hair dye chemicals might damage the immune system, although the exact mechanism remains unclear.

Studies have also explored the relationship between hair dye use and lupus. One case-control study reported that hair dye use was more frequent among women with lupus compared to controls. However, the increased risk was modest and not statistically significant in all cases.

Conversely, some research has not found significant links between hair dye use and lupus development, suggesting that other factors may play a larger role.

Hair dye chemicals may influence the immune system in several ways:

Immune activation: Chemicals like PPD can activate T-cells, leading to an inflammatory response. Over time, repeated exposure may sensitize the immune system, increasing the risk of autoimmune reactions.

Oxidative stress: Ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide generate oxidative stress, which can damage cells and tissues. This damage may trigger an immune response or worsen existing autoimmune conditions.

Endocrine disruption: Chemicals like resorcinol and lead acetate interfere with hormonal signaling, potentially affecting immune regulation and increasing susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.

Individual case reports have also highlighted possible links between hair dye use and autoimmune symptoms:

• One study reported on a 50-year-old man who experienced inflammatory arthritis after using beard dye containing PPD. His symptoms resolved after discontinuing the product, suggesting a causal relationship.
• Another study described increased inflammatory markers in animal models exposed to PPD-containing dyes. This finding supports the idea that these chemicals can provoke immune responses.

While these cases provide valuable insights, they do not establish that the chemicals in hair dye definitely cause autoimmune disease.

At this point, there’s no definitive answer, except, “it’s possible.” Studies implicate hair dye products as toxic agents that may trigger autoimmune disease. Toxic chemicals commonly found in hair dye products may irritate the respiratory system, disrupt endocrine organs, and lead to neurotoxicity. Some animal studies have also shown that exposure to hair dye increases the inflammatory response and T-cell activity. 

While current evidence suggests hair dye may trigger autoimmunity, it is difficult to discern the exact role of hair dye in these studies. We know that hair dye contains toxic chemicals that give us our desired hair color. And we also know that women are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases compared to men. Women are also the most likely to dye their hair, and there are numerous different hair dye products. Therefore, we may never have a clear answer to how much hair dye affects our immune system. 

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Our genetics and our environment determine much of our health. Unfortunately, we become increasingly exposed to toxins through our food, water, air, household goods, beauty products. And, people with autoimmune disease are more susceptible to those toxins storing in their bodies. It can feel incredibly overwhelming to get rid of all toxins in your environment. Indeed, it is likely impossible. But, taking small steps to lower your risk of frequent toxin exposure may improve your overall health. Here are some approaches you can try:  

Key points

• Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks the body's tissues, causing inflammation and chronic health issues.
• Hair dye chemicals like PPD, resorcinol, hydrogen peroxide, and lead acetate may trigger immune responses, oxidative stress, and hormone disruption.
• Research findings are mixed, with some studies suggesting a link between long-term hair dye use and autoimmune diseases, while others find no significant connection.
• Women are at higher risk for autoimmune diseases and are also more likely to use hair dye, raising concerns about cumulative chemical exposure.
• Precautionary measures such as using safer hair dye alternatives, limiting exposure to toxins, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help reduce potential risks.
• More research is needed to determine the definitive impact of hair dye on autoimmune disease development, but informed choices can help minimize potential health risks.