New warning labels are being proposed for hair dyes.
The warnings are to inform consumers about the possible adverse effects of hair colouring and lower the risk of allergic reactions.
Many hair dyes contain chemicals classified as "extreme" or "strong" skin sensitisers – ingredients that have the potential to cause serious allergic reactions. One of the most common ingredients is p-phenylenediamine (PPD). The European Union has classified PPD as an "extreme" sensitiser and a key cause of allergic reactions.
Amendments proposed to the Cosmetic Products Group Standard will require hair dyes containing PPD and other sensitisers to display the following warnings:
Hair colourants can cause severe allergic reactions.
Do not colour your hair if:
- you have a rash on your face or a sensitive, irritated or damaged scalp
- you have ever experienced any reaction after colouring your hair
- you have experienced a reaction to a temporary "black henna" tattoo in the past.
This product is not intended for use on persons under the age of 16.
Temporary "black henna" tattoos may increase your risk of allergy.
New rules will also restrict the amount of PPD allowed in hair dyes to 2 percent; the amount of another sensitiser, toluene-2,5-diamine, will be limited to 4 percent.
The changes follow recent amendments to European standards. Our regulations are based on these standards.
The Environmental Risk Management Authority has been consulting on the proposals and expects new rules to be in place later this year. Industry is normally given a 12-month transition period to comply with any changes.
More from consumer.org.nz
- Hair dyes - our 2008 investigation into hair dye ingredients
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Are the same dyes used in eyebrow/lash tinting? I asked a cosmetician at a hair salon and couldn't get a straight answer beyond her "thinking" that they must be safe.....