A 20-year-old woman in China has been diagnosed with kidney disease after dyeing her hair every month to keep up with the ever-changing hairstyles of her favourite celebrity, the South China Morning Post reported. Identified only as Hua, she began experiencing red spots on her legs, joint pain, and stomach aches. Doctors at Zhengzhou People’s Hospital confirmed she was suffering from kidney inflammation.
K-pop celebrity trends behind the risk
According to Dr. Tao Chenyang, Hua visited salons monthly to change her hair colour whenever her idol did. While the celebrity’s identity has not been disclosed, social media users in China speculated that the trend may have been inspired by K-pop stars, who are known for frequently changing hair colours as part of their promotional branding.
Hair dyes contain toxic substances
Dr. Tao warned that hair dyes often contain toxic substances that can cause severe health issues. “Many hair dyes contain lead and mercury, which can harm the kidneys and lungs, and may even increase the risk of cancer,” he said. Repeated exposure to these chemicals, he added, is particularly dangerous for young people who dye their hair frequently.
Online reactions highlighted the dangers of obsessing over celebrity trends. “No star is worth chasing at the price of our health,” one social media user wrote. Another added, “If she dyed her hair to copy a star, then it is probably bleach and dye, which is far more harmful than a simple hair dye.”
A 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that prolonged exposure to permanent hair dyes can be linked to a higher risk of bladder cancer due to carcinogenic compounds like aromatic amines. Similarly, research in Toxicology Reports (2021) revealed that frequent use of hair dyes containing heavy metals such as lead and mercury can damage the liver, kidneys, and even disrupt hormonal balance.
Carcinogenic chemicals in hair dyes
Earlier this year, the dangers of hair dye were discussed in the United States when former hairstylist Hector Corvera filed a lawsuit against L’Oréal and 10 other companies. Corvera, who had worked with hair dyes for decades, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2023. “My urologist asked what I did for a living, and when I said ‘I’m a hairdresser,’ he immediately understood,” Corvera recalled. The lawsuit claims that repeated exposure to carcinogenic chemicals in hair dyes caused his cancer and accuses the companies of negligence in product research, development, and safety testing.
Expert advice for safe hair dyeing
Medical professionals advise moderation and caution. “People should avoid dyeing their hair too frequently and always check the ingredients,” said Dr. Tao. He also recommends wearing gloves, using hair dyes in well-ventilated areas, and choosing products free from heavy metals or harmful chemicals when possible.
While it’s tempting to follow celebrities’ ever-changing looks, experts stress that protecting one’s health should always come first.