Chinese Woman Develops Kidney Disease From Monthly Hair Dyeing: Health Risks of Frequent Hair Coloring Revealed

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A 20-year-old woman in China has developed kidney disease after regularly dyeing her hair monthly to emulate her favorite pop idol's changing hairstyles.

The young woman, identified as Hua from Henan province, began experiencing concerning symptoms including red spots appearing on her legs, joint pain, and abdominal discomfort. Medical evaluations subsequently confirmed inflammation affecting her kidneys, according to The South China Morning Post.

Dr. Tao Chenyang from Zhengzhou People's Hospital noted that Hua visited hair salons approximately once every month to mimic her favorite celebrity's frequent hair color transformations. The identity of this influential celebrity was not revealed in reports.

This case highlights a growing trend where K-pop idols' constantly evolving hairstyles inspire dedicated fans to follow similar patterns. Particularly popular are rainbow-colored hairstyles, made famous by K-pop stars like Sehun from EXO and Hyoyeon from Girls' Generation.

Health professionals caution against regular exposure to hair dye chemicals due to potential health risks. The American Cancer Society explains that hair dyes come in various chemical formulations and are categorized as temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent.

Permanent hair dyes, also referred to as oxidative or coal-tar dyes, contain components such as aromatic amines and phenols that undergo chemical reactions to create color. Darker hair dyes typically contain higher concentrations of these chemicals, which raise the greatest concerns regarding potential cancer risks.

While laboratory research has demonstrated that certain hair dye chemicals can cause cancer in animal subjects, evidence regarding human effects remains inconclusive. Some studies suggest a slightly elevated risk of bladder cancer among professional hairstylists and barbers, while research examining personal hair dye use shows varied results regarding leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and breast cancer.

The extent to which hair dye usage might increase cancer risk, if at all, remains unclear. Experts recommend precautionary measures when using hair dyes, including conducting patch tests, wearing protective gloves, carefully following package instructions, and avoiding application on irritated or damaged scalp.

According to the National Institute of Health, medical experts emphasize that frequent use of chemical hair dyes can lead to health complications beyond cancer risk, including kidney and respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and hair loss. Pregnant women are particularly advised to limit exposure to hair dyes, especially during the first trimester.