Insights into hair dye use and self-reported adverse skin reactions in the Dutch general population: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study

Abstract

Background: Hair dyes are widely used in daily life. However, data on self-reported adverse skin reactions are scarce. Objectives: To estimate the proportion of lifetime hair dye use and self-reported adverse skin reactions in the Dutch general population, and to investigate the association between (adverse skin reactions to) hair dye use and contact allergy-related factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected questionnaire-derived data from the Lifelines cohort. Logistic regression analyses were conducted between (adverse skin reactions to) hair dye use and black henna tattoo use, reactions to henna tattoos, patch testing, hand eczema and an occupation as hairdresser or beautician. Results: The proportion of hair dye use was 63.1% of 70 987 participants, of which 6.8% experienced adverse skin reactions, mostly mild (77.7%). Hair dye users and those with skin reactions were both positively associated (p < 0.05) with female sex, middle-age, (positive) patch test results and hairdresser or beautician occupations. Hair dye users were more likely to have had henna tattoos, and those with reactions to hair dye were more likely to have had reactions to henna tattoos. Conclusions: Hair dye use is prevalent among the Dutch general population and frequently causes adverse skin reactions, especially in females who had black henna tattoos.