Operation Restore
Locks of Love
National Alopecia
Areata Foundation
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THE HAIR RESTORATION REPORT November 2003 Congratulations! You have been selected to receive this issue of the "HAIR RESTORATION REPORT." This report contains tips on how to make the most out of the hair you already have, slow the hair loss process, and more effectively plan and manage the restoration of your hair. In This Issue: DOES DYING HAIR CAUSE CANCER?The question about the safety of hair dye has been around for years with conflicting answers, even though there have been a number of studies performed in an attempt to answer this question once and for all. An increased risk of bladder cancer was found in one study, but the study was small and found to be error prone. Another study in 1994 by the American Cancer Society and the FDA concluded the overall cancer rate was no higher for hair-dye users than for the general public. To confuse things even more, this same study found that women who use black hair dye for more than 20 years were slightly more likely to die from two rare types of cancer, yet another study showed no such risk. If there is any risk, it is likely very small and applies mainly to long-term use of dark, permanent dyes derived from coal, tar and petroleum, such as P-phenylenediamine (PPD), which is used in most standard dyes to make the color permanent. One alternative coloring method is henna, which comes from the leaves of a shrub and is used for a variety of colors. Henna is considered a semi-permanent or "temporary dye," which means it coats the hair but does not deeply penetrate the shaft of the hair. Therefore, it washes out and has to be repeated relatively often. However, henna has been found to cause respiratory allergic reactions in some people. The "all natural products" or "vegetable-based" dyes can contain everything from rhubarb to soy and vary widely in their ingredients. Often these plant-based dyes also contain PPD that is not readily apparent, though they may have a lower concentration of this chemical than the commercial dyes; however, there is no way to be sure. Whatever type hair coloring you use, it is always important to do a patch test first to make sure it does not cause an allergic reaction, and always use gloves. Don't leave the dye on any longer than is necessary, rinse your scalp thoroughly after use, and apply as infrequently as possible. I hope this helps to clear up at least some of the confusion and questions regarding hair coloring. However, if you have any concerns about a product you are using, it is best to read the packaged information thoroughly and call the company with any specific questions or concerns you may have.
Randall Sword, MD, FACEP, Diplomat of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgeons ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- When: Tuesday November 11 - 2:30 to 6:00pm Where: 100 N. Barranca Avenue 7th Floor West Covina CA 91791 Call 1-800-242-6900 for Reservations - By Appointment Only At Sword Medical Center you will be treated by Dr. Randall
Sword himself. Dr. Sword has performed more than 17,000 procedures
and has practiced ONLY hair restoration for over 16 years.
He has treated Over 7,000 patients and transplanted more than
5 million grafts! |
