Lind ML, et al. – This trial ascertained how the tasks involved in hair dyeing contributed to hairdressers' exposure to hair dye. The intent was to facilitate the development of well–founded recommendations on working routines for reducing the exposure and for preventing occupational disease. It was discovered that hairdressers were exposed to hair dye ingredients during all steps of the hair dyeing procedure. Cutting newly dyed hair led to a notable contribution towards exposure. As initial steps for the prevention of occupational disease due to hair dye exposure, cutting hair before dyeing it and wearing gloves during all other work tasks, were recommended.

Methods

• An estimation was carried out of the skin exposure to hair dye for 20 hairdressers applying highlights and all-over hair colour with the hand rinsing technique.
• Resorcinol was used as a proxy for hair dye exposure.

Results

• It was reported that the application of hair dye and cutting the newly dyed hair were the tasks that majorly contributed to exposure in treatments for highlights.
• All hairdressers displayed measurable amounts of hair dyes on both hands, after cutting all-over-coloured hair.