FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live)– A new study is raising concerns for women everywhere.
Whether it’s a box coloring or a visit to the salon, a lot of people color their hair.
Now, a new study says using products like permanent hair dye and chemical straighteners could increase your chances of getting breast cancer.
“Women who reported using permanent hair dye or chemical straighteners had a higher risk of developing breast cancer over an eight year follow up period,” Alexandra White with the National Institutions of Environmental Health Sciences says.
These statistics aren’t scaring everyone off.
“I don’t feel like it’s because you got your hair colored and that’s why you have breast cancer,” Stylist Jaime Warkenthien says. “I mean there are chemicals in the food we eat. There are chemicals in everything.”
Warkenthien has been a hair stylist for nearly a decade.
She says the best thing you can do to protect yourself is to do your research and investigate the kinds of chemicals in the hair products you’re using.
And just up the road, another stylist, Ashley Trappen says, it’s not just the clients that need to do their homework.
“I use a lot of out of country products,” Trappen says. “I use a lot of European based products because they are a little more natural.”
Both stylists say if you see the words furmethide or carcinogen on the label, run.
“See what your stylist is using,” Trappen says. “If it’s something you are uncomfortable with, ask them to change it. And if they can’t, go to a new stylist.”
If the latest study has you a little worried about the stuff you’re putting in your hair, there are a lot of natural brands out there.
One of them these stylists suggest is Aveda.
In the meantime, as research develops, experts say you should take it easy on some of the chemicals you put in your hair.
Here’s one more thing to consider. Experts say, if possible, try switching to a semi-permanent dye.