Introduction: Research studies show the use of permanent hair dye does not increase the risk of breast cancer.
Prospective cohort studies and a meta-analysis of 14 studies have found no link between hair dye and breast cancer risk.
Learn more about hair dyes, hair relaxers and breast cancer risk.
Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of different types of studies.
See how this risk factor compares with other risk factors for breast cancer.
Study selection criteria: Prospective cohort studies and meta-analyses.
Table note: Relative risk above 1 indicates increased risk. Relative risk below 1 indicates decreased risk.
Prospective cohort studies |
Cancer Prevention Study II (CPS-II) [1] | 573,369
(number of cases not given) | 7 | 0.95 (0.83-1.08) |
Nurses' Health Study [2] | 118,404
(858 cases) | 6 | 1.1 (0.9-1.2) |
Shanghai Women's Health Study [3] | 73,366
(592 cases) | 7 | 0.93 (0.78-1.09) |
Meta-analyses |
Takkouche et al. [4] | 14 studies including 680,633 women
(any hair dye use) | | 1.06 (0.95-1.18) |
| 9 studies
(permanent hair dye use only) | | 0.98 (0.91-1.07) |
| 9 studies
(intensive hair dye use) | | 0.99 (0.89-1.11) |
NS = Not statistically significant
* Study results are from 2 study sites.
References
- Thun MJ, Altekruse SF, Namboodiri MM, et al. Hair dye use and risk of fatal cancer in U.S. women. J Natl Cancer Inst. 86(3):210-215, 1994.
- Green A, Willett WC, Colditz GA, et al. Use of permanent hair dyes and risk of breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 79(2):253-257, 1987.
- Mendelsohn JB, Li QZ, Ji BT, et al. Personal use of hair dye and cancer risk in a prospective cohort of Chinese women. Cancer Sci. 100(6):1088-91, 2009.
- Takkouche B, Etminan M, Montes-Martinez A. Personal use of hair dyes and risk of cancer: a meta-analysis. JAMA. 293(20):2516-25, 2005.