Safe Hair Dye For Kids: Is There Any?

Coloring the hair can sometimes seem fancy to little girls when the bangs are slowly growing out. But as a parent, you might be worried about the risks of exposing your child’s immature hair to hair dye. Feeling a little leery is completely normal when it comes to coloring a child’s hair. That’s because the harsh chemicals in some hair dyes can be extremely damaging to young children’s hair and scalp. But what can you do if your little girl wants to add color to her hair?

There are a couple of things that parents need to know before letting children dye their hair. Is it safe for young children to dye their hair? Are there any safe alternatives to hair dye for kids? Let’s explore these questions so you can make an informed decision.

Is Hair Dye Safe for Young Children and Teenagers?

Children’s scalps and skin aren’t only more sensitive but also react more sensitively to external aggressors than adults, so it is wise to be cautious when considering using hair dye on children.

While there are hair dyes specifically formulated for children, it is generally not recommended to use hair dye on children, especially those under the age of 16. That’s because regular hair dyes can contain various chemicals that can be harsh and irritating to the scalp and skin.

In addition, there is limited study on the long-term effects of using hair dye on children’s hair. Hence it’s hard to dismiss the risk of potentially harmful chemicals being absorbed through the scalp.

If your child insists on dying her hair, we recommend consulting with a hair expert or a dermatologist. They can provide guidance on the safety and appropriateness of using hair dye on children and suggest alternative hair styling options.

Typical Chemicals Found in Hair Dyes

Although changing the color of the hair seems fancy, hair dye can contain several potentially toxic chemicals. Some common chemicals found in hair dyes include:

1. Ammonia: Manufacturers use ammonia in hair dyes to open the cuticle of the hair so that hair dye pigments can enter the hair shaft.
2. Hydrogen peroxide: It is a chemical compound used to bleach the hair and prepare it for coloring.
3. P-Phenylenediamine (PPD): Companies utilize this chemical for producing different color shades. It is a strong potential skin sensitizer, also known for worsening asthma.
4. Resorcinol: Not so common as the previous ones, this chemical is used as a bleaching agent to lighten the hair. It is highly toxic and can cause skin irritation.
5. Lead acetate: This chemical is used in some hair dyes to create a gradual darkening effect. Several studies have shown that prolonged exposure to lead can affect brain function and the development of children.

Safety Precautions Parents Need To Take

If you are considering using hair dye on your child, keep these guidelines in mind to help ensure the safety of your child:

• Do: Use a hair dye that is specifically formulated for children.
• Do: Perform a patch test on your child’s arm to check if there is any allergic reaction.
• Do: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Do: Consult with a hair expert or a dermatologist.

 

• Don’t: Let hair dye gets in the eyes, as it can cause irritation or a chemical burn.
• Don’t: Press too hard when applying the hair dye to your child’s hair since pressing too hard can cause scalp irritation.

Safe Hair Dye Alternatives for Kids

Designed specifically for kids, there are safe hair dye alternatives. Fortunately, they are made without any toxic chemicals or synthetic fragrances. Take a look at a few examples:

GirlZone Hair Chalk Set For Girls

No products found.

Made from safe and compliant ingredients, the GirlZone hair chalk set is totally non-toxic and non-allergenic. The colors have decent staying power, but they are easily removable with a quick wash.

There are a few shades to choose from, so your little girl can pick a color that goes with her outfit. Overall, this is a great set for encouraging creativity and keeping young children detached from electronics for a while.

Fresh Monster Temporary Hair Coloring Chalk

No products found.

Especially known for its bubble bath shampoo and conditioners, Fresh Monster has a temporary hair coloring chalk set that’s kid-friendly. With no chemicals or harsh smells, it is specifically formulated to be gentler on the children’s hair and scalp.

This set comes with a nice variety of shades, so there should be something for all hair colors. Although it lasts a short amount of time, the colors are vibrant and easily washable with a kid-friendly shampoo.

ALEX Toys Hair Chalk Salon Girls Hair Activity

No products found.

If your little one wants to dye her hair as the new cool thing, get this hair chalk salon set for girls. From dark brown to blonde hair, it works great on most hair types.

The application is easy enough for little girls to use on their own. Also, it takes little effort to remove the color. It’s no doubt that little girls will find it fun to experiment and play like a pretend makeup set.