Side Effects of Hair Chalking

Hair Chalking is a new trend of hair-coloring. Hair chalk is a substitute to temporary dyes but still gives the same result. In public and especially in teens, hair chalking has become quite popular, as it is less expensive and easier method of hair coloring than of regular hair dyeing methods. With this new method of hair coloring, you just need a hair chalk to apply on the moistened hair. You can use a hair straightener, if you want a longer effect of color on the hair. Generally, after one wash, the color fades away. Thus, teens try out the hair chalk frequently to stay trendy and fashionable. But, as it is said that everything has a good as well as bad effects, the hair chalking also have some side effects.

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An advisory 2013-018 was issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of U.S. on Saturday, July 13; showing concern about the increased usage of the hair chalk, especially by teens. The FDA warns about hair chalk that it may damage a person's scalp. According to the Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go, FDA’s acting director general, hair chalk may cause unfavorable effects on the scalp, eyes, head and skin, as it may consist of dyes or colorants, chemicals, and preservatives. ‘MSN Now’ also presented a report on July 19 that provides information about dangerous side effects of hair chalk.


Side effects of the Hair Chalking are as follows:

Allergy

The Allergic reaction is the most common side effect of hair coloring. The hair chalk may contain such components or chemicals which may impel allergy. Hair chalk may cause itching, swelling, scalp puffiness and even difficult in breathing. In long term usage, it may lead to the problems like development of certain types of cancer, leukemia, hay fever and arthritis, etc.

Asthma and other Respiratory Problems

Chalk dust works as a trigger for asthma and various allergies. When chalk dust inhaled, it gets collected in the respiratory area, including the nose, throat, and lungs. Even if chalk is non-toxic, it can irritate the respiratory system, and worsen existing conditions, resulting in nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose. If you have asthma or any type of allergies, it is best for you not to color your hair with hair chalk. The dustless chalk may also provoke asthma attacks and other respiratory symptoms in people who are allergic to milk, as the dust less chalk are made up from milk protein called ‘Casein’.

Skin Irritation

Skin Irritation is quite a common effect of the hair chalk. Due to hair chalk, mild irritation may also cause on the rims of the ear or eye lids. In severe irritation, tongue and mouth get swelled and that may lead to breathing problems. Itching, redness of the skin and burning sensation may also be causes.

Skin Discoloration

As skin, hair and fingernails are made up of the same type of protein, hair chalk may affect them too. While applying the chalk color on the hairline, certain patches of the discolored skin can be developed.

Hair Damage

As Chalk is water absorbent, it will absorb protective oils and moisture of the hair and make the hair dry and weak that may cause split ends, hair fall and hair breakage problems. Initially, the hair becomes rough and dull at first hair wash after hair chalking. The chemicals in the hair chalk can cover, replace or remove the pigments naturally found inside the hair shaft. The structure of the hair cuticle and hair root may get damaged, due to rubbing of the chalk on the hair.

Tips To Remember:

• Always wear a cape or robe and lay something down on the floor to catch the chalk dust that falls off.
• If you have blonde hair, do not moisten hair before chalking.
• After chalking, deep condition your hair in the next washing. It replenishes the moisture of the hair that hair chalks suck away.
• Don’t apply hair chalk often. Experts recommend to use it once in a month.

Apart from some side-effects, Hair Chalking is a cool way to color the hair. But as it has not been tested for long term side effects, it is recommended to avoid chalking the hair or limit its use. As the agency has not received a notification that the products comply with health and safety standards, so the safety and quality of washable hair chalks sold through the internet is not guaranteed. The FDA advised the public to use only products they have approved in order to ensure the safety and quality of cosmetic products.

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