Hair dyeing for teens under 16 taboo

Health risk Hair dyeing: Young people should abstain better

05.03.2012

Hair coloring is taboo for teens under the age of 16. Due to the threat of health risks from the substances contained, adolescents should refrain from using hair dyes, according to a European Union (EU) regulation already adopted in November 2011..

However, the health risks of hair dyeing in adolescents in general as well as the EU regulation are unknown to many Germans. The EU had already committed the manufacturers to imprint corresponding warnings on the packaging a good three months ago. The hairdressers have since been encouraged not to accept customers under the age of 16 for hair dyeing.

Serious health consequences of hair coloring
Most hair dyes contain harmful substances such as phenylenediamines, which can cause rashes, redness and swelling. In Scotland, a 13-year-old girl died in Scotland as a result of hair-dye-induced allergic shock. Because adolescents younger than 16 years of age do not yet have a sufficient acid mantle on their skin, they are particularly susceptible to allergies due to the different hair dyes and should abstain from hair dyeing, according to the EU justification for tightening the pan-European cosmetics regulation last year.

Warnings for under-16s on hair dye
Although the EU regulation has been in force for a good three months, there has hardly been any awareness among the population. It is true that manufacturers of certain hair dyes have since provided a warning to make it clear that the product is not suitable for use by persons under the age of 16 years. But a noticeable change in customer behavior has so far not effected. Also the fact that the „Industry Association Personal Care and Detergent“ Hairdressing recommends that children under 16 only dye their hair, if a written consent of the parents is present, is not always considered in practice. Although the hairdressers may make it even punishable and pay for later occurring health problems. However, many hairdressers have already barred hair dyeing for adolescents under 16 years of age anyway. (Fp)

Also read:
Hair straighteners can harm your health
Sleeping behavior in the hair recognizable

Picture credits: NEOS