Knowledge, practice and adverse reactions amongst Hair dye users - A cross sectional study

Introduction: Colour of hair is most conspicuous phenotype of human beings and plays an important role in one's overall physical beauty. Premature hair greying (PHG) has caused the increased use of various hair dyes in population though it has adverse effects. Aim- To assess knowledge, practice of hair dye users with purpose, frequency of use and adverse reactions if any on hair, scalp, skin. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on participants from PCMC region by interview method using a questionnaire (20 questions) specially prepared pertaining to use of hair dye and adverse reactions to it. Statistical Analysis-The demographic data is expressed as mean ± standard deviation, quantitative data expressed as percentages. Results: A total 98subjects including 75.5% and 24.5% females and males respectively. The participants started using hair dye at an age of 25 (±3.03) years. Herbal and Synthetic dyes were used by 36.74% and 63.27% respectively. Frequency of use in a year was 4-5 times in 58.16%.  Adverse reactions of dye on body of hair like dryness46.94%, loss of hair 30.62%, change in texture and thinning were reported. 29.59% of subjects showed ill effects during dyeing of scalp while in 68.36% of subjects after the dyeing process was complete. Conclusion: Majority Population started hair dyeing at very early age using Chemical dyes even though they perceived herbal dyes were safe. They continued hair colouring despite adverse reactions, which indicates aesthetic importance of hair colour and need of research in the field of Ayurveda for developing safe, natural hair dye.