Hair Colourants
In Europe, more than 60 per cent of women and between five and 10 per cent of men colour their hair. Hair dyes help us feel younger and more appealing and in doing so increase our self esteem and well-being.
Cosmetics manufacturers are continuously bringing innovation to hair colour products to offer easier application, longer-lasting colour and an ever-wider range of subtly different colour tones.
Safety the number one priority
The cosmetics industry is governed by the EU Cosmetics Directive. This protects consumers by ensuring that all cosmetic products on the European market are safe.
The Directive requires cosmetics to cause no damage to human health when applied under either normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use.
To meet their obligations under the Directive, companies fulfil specific duties before placing a product on the market. These include a safety assessment, provision of product information and compliance with ingredient and labelling rules.
There are some specific rules for hair dyes. The Directive requires manufacturers to give advice about the precautions to take when using hair dyes. Safety information must be printed on labels and leaflets supplied with products.
The cosmetics industry believes in providing complete and transparent information about their products and the ingredients in them. COLIPA has provided recommendations for manufacturers. These suggest the wording to use on product labels and leaflets advising consumers and hairdressers on safe use of oxidising hair dyes.
Handling hair colouring products
Hair colouring products are safe when they are applied as recommended in the use instructions. They are among the most thoroughly assessed consumer products on the market in Europe today.
As with allergic reactions to food, a few individuals may have an allergic reaction to hair dyes and some key ingredients. Some of the substances in hair dyes make it important to handle hair colouring products with care. For example, they should be kept away from children. They must not come into contact with eyes or be used on a sensitive, irritated or damaged scalp.
Consumers and professional hairdressers should wear gloves when applying hair dye. They should not use any metal containers or tools.
Some substances in hair dyes can cause an allergic reaction. That is why a self test should be carried out 48 hours before colouring the hair, according to instructions in the product leaflet. Colour treatment should stop immediately: “If during colouring you/the client experience any stinging or burning and/or rash”.
By providing comprehensive guidance in clear language on product packs and leaflets, the cosmetics industry is continuing its active role in the education of hairdressers and consumers in the safe handling of hair colouring products.