Is Your Hair Dye Putting You at Risk?

Researchers have been suspicious about the adverse health impacts of hair dye for many years, and rightly so. Several studies have already revealed a strong link between the regular use of permanent hair color and an increased risk of certain cancers and rheumatoid arthritis in women.

As the largest consumer of hair products, it only makes sense that women would be the most vulnerable to these unwanted effects. Many over-the-counter body and skincare products also contain endocrine-disrupting-chemicals, which dramatically impact normal hormonal balance. So when recent researchers found that there’s yet another class of beauty-care products putting certain women at higher risk, it didn’t come as a big surprise.

According to a recent study that compared the differences in hair care products between groups of sisters, those that were using chemical straighteners AND permanent hair dye had a significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer over their biological counterparts. How does this work if the products only get applied to the hair? How would this increase the risk of breast cancer?

Well, as it turns out, the hair isn’t the problem at all. For these chemical dyes and straighteners to do their job, they need to be applied to the entire hair shaft, right up to the scalp. That’s where the problem lies. As our largest organ, the skin helps to separate things in the external world (our environment) from the inside world. It is also very porous, meaning it will absorb anything that comes in contact with the skin. So, when these toxic chemicals come in contact with the skin, they are transported through the skin directly into the lymphatic tissue, and ultimately, into the bloodstream.

As you can imagine, regular visits to a hairstylist for a routine color or hair straightening every 4-6 weeks will expose the skin to these toxic chemicals for 30-45 minutes, during which time, they are slowly being absorbed. Another clue as to their toxicity should be the distinctly toxic smell that is unavoidably inhaled when being applied. Every breath transports these airborne chemicals to the bloodstream via the lungs. So, between the direct contact on the skin and inhalation through the lungs, the risk of toxicity is pretty high.

Natural brands of hair color may be an option for some women. However, since they don’t contain the chemical mixture that opens the hair shaft, allowing the color to permeate, they don’t typically provide the same results as permanent hair color would. Even the natural brands can contain other toxic ingredients, so be sure to read the label carefully.

What are the options for health-conscious women when it comes to hair coloring or straightening? Well, for those who want to cover the grey or change their natural hair color to a different shade, studies have shown that using semi-permanent hair color doesn’t carry the same risk as permanent coloring does. The less-offensive semi-permanent products don’t force the hair shaft open as drastically, which means they might require a little more frequent coloring. As far as those hair-straightening chemicals, they are best left alone.

Our advice? Be proud of your hair, in whatever shape, style, or color it naturally comes in. We think you’re beautiful just the way you are!

Here’s to aging naturally and gracefully in the way that suits you the best!

 

 

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Happy Patients

I have had back issues most of my life. Since starting treatments with Dr Greg I have had no more issues. It's such a relief to be able to be physical at the high level I want to be. I am able to maintain wellness by seeing Dr Greg on a regular basis. Thank you Dr Greg!!

Michael L.

Hello! I just want to say that you are truly a healer! After leaving your office last Monday, I was more able to breathe, truly breathe - after having suffered all weekend to take a deep breath due to a "rib out of place" OK - if you say so....all I know is that, though I continued to have a bit of pain in my upper back and neck for a day or two, I could take wonderful, glorious deep breaths thanks to your treatment. Thanks again for all you do! Even if I do make many sound affects while you are treating me - "OUCH!!! Hmmmph!! Ughhh!! Really???" I truly appreciate your healing touch....

MMW

I have had Parkinson's Disease for 8 years.  I have developed arthritis in my back and hips. The stiffness of the Parkinson's and the arthritis has caused me a lot of pain. Because of that unrelenting pain I was unable to exercise. Exercise is an important part of pain management for Parkinson's.  Since I have been seeing Dr. Krapf I am feeling much better and his care has allowed me to begin exercising again, which has improved my overall well being. In the past I have been treated by physical therapists and orthopedists. Dr. Krapf's chiropractic manipulations have had an amazing impact on my health and happiness. I highly recommend Dr. Krapf to anyone who needs excellent chiropractic care and the many alternative therapies he offers. I would say he is magical!

When my friend received excellent care from Dr. Krapf, she recommended him to me. I have had gastrointestinal problems for nearly 50 years that have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease with lactose intolerance. All that, including unrelieved stress had made me unhappy and unhealthy. Today I am a different person with the help of Dr. Greg. The Gastro issues are practically nonexistent, my stress levels have plummeted, and my body is changing. I am so grateful for Dr. Greg and his healing hands.

Mary Ann L.

Our family have been patients of Krapf chiropractic for a few decades. We have several success stories archived. The most recent event involves our youngest son who is completing his senior year of high school. He has been a patient of Krapf Chiropractic (KCA) since birth. He has been an avid soccer player since the age of four and has sustained numerous injuries over the years. Dr. Krapf has successfully assisted in every recovery.

Most recently, he began complaining of his feet hurting while playing soccer. Both feet hurt - particularly the balls of his feet while running and cutting. He came to Dr. Greg with his complaint as this was seriously affecting his game. Dr. Greg evaluated the situation and decided a foot scan should be done. The finding was dropped arches. My son was fitted for orthotics. They arrived within days and he wore these as directed. Within a few short weeks he is now playing full games pain free.

SC

I first called Krapf Chiropractic when my back was so bad that I couldn't get up off the floor. It's been a blessing to have Dr. Greg help me with my overall wellness and health! I find this to be a place where you are not a number and everyone cares. Mollie is always cheerful and reminds me to come. Erin is always smiling and helps relax me when I'm in pain. I would not be functioning if I did not have Krapf Chiropractic to keep me going. As I get older my appreciation deepens, especially when I see people around me who are suffering with back problems. If they only knew how helpful this is. I believe Dr. Greg treats the person not the symptoms. Thank you

Debbie B.

I've been lucky to have exceptional health care from the beginning. At the beginning, seventy-six-plus years ago, Hugh Rodgers brought me into the world in mother and dad's second-floor bedroom in our dairy farm home. Hugh's son, Hugh, Jr., practiced with his dad and beyond caring for my parents, he, also, cared for hundreds of others and me. Roughly forty years ago, a friend suggested I make an appointment with Richard Krapf for help with back-pain. Richard treated the pain that, often, was debilitating, and on Richard's death, his son, Greg became the second second generation to help me from one place to another. I'm grateful to Hugh, Hugh, Richard and, perhaps, most of all, to Greg.

N.C.

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