Does dyeing your hair cause hair loss?

I often see patients who struggle with hair loss. One of the first factors to consider in cases of hair loss is hair care. How hair is washed, combed, styled and what products are being used in it can potentially worsen hair loss. Colouring the hair may exacerbate hair loss. A study published in 2023 discussed an association between hair dye and hair loss. One of the reasons that dyeing the hair can do this is because the chemicals in the dye can cause contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis happens when the skin becomes inflamed after coming into contact with a certain agent. This irritation can then lead to hair loss. Hair loss may also happen in response to dye without obvious signs of irritation but there is not a lot of research to definitively prove this. 

Hair colour may dry, damage and weaken the hair leading to breakage. Even though hair can grow back after loss due to hair dye, if you’re already struggling with hair loss, that extra loss can be stressful. 

So how do we work around this? Going gray is becoming increasingly more trendy but this may not be for everyone. Choosing a more natural hair dye could minimize exposure to some of the more irritating chemicals. Given that “all natural” has become a trendy buzzword that even not-so-natural products carry, it can be hard to find a truly gentle hair dye. A good place to start would be to consult with a hair colourist who is trained in using more natural dyes. Many natural focused salons will carry these products and brands for customers to purchase directly.  

It’s also important to talk to your naturopathic doctor about underlying causes of hair loss like nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, stress and anxiety. You can find out more about these in my article here.