“If you can’t eat it then don’t put it on your skin.”

At the end of July, I was on a Skype consult with my client Renee. We had almost finished our session when she very innocently asked me what I used to colour my hair. I was so busted! I very honestly answered that I went to a salon every 5 weeks and had my hair coloured. This simple question stayed with me long after our session. Why was I still dying my hair?

I hated having those chemicals placed on my scalp every 5 weeks. As a nutritional therapy consultant and lover of all things natural, this just didn’t make sense to me. We absorb everything that we put on our skin. Yet, I myself was placing these toxic chemicals on my scalp. This photo was taken last April 2017 and I was 54. I really enjoyed my long thick dark brown hair. But I enjoy great health even more.

7 Toxic Chemicals in Your Hair Dye

The following list was written by Dr Will Cole

1. Formaldehyde
This common preservative is used in hair dyes and has been linked to cancer and fetal damage in utero.

2. p-Phenylenediamine
Also referred to as PPD, this is the most commonly used chemical and one with the highest health risk. It has been linked to lung and kidney problems and bladder cancer. A 2001 study showed that those who dyed their hair once a month had an increased risk of bladder cancer and this risk increased the longer hair dyes were used. And surprisingly, this was more prevalent the darker the dye was.

3. DMDM Hydantoin
This preservative is a known immunotoxin and has been restricted for use in Japanese cosmetics.

4.Ammonia
This chemical can be combined with hydrogen peroxide to create bleach. When inhaled it can cause respiratory problems and asthma.

5. Coal tar
This known cancer-causer is in the majority of hair dyes.

6. Resorcinol
This chemical is very common in various types of hair dyes. Studies have shown that it can harm normal hormonal function and elevate sex hormones, which wreak havoc on your health.

7. Eugenol
This toxic fragrance is linked to cancer, allergies, immune and neurological system toxicity.

So the decision was made…

Pictured above I am 4  and 5.5 months into my transition. I ended up cutting about a foot of length off in the beginning. My hair was quite dry and damaged from all of the dye buildup. It felt nice to cut off the damaged hair. The white around my temples keeps coming in. At first, I had a tough time with it but now I really don’t care. I have just accepted that it will take me two years to have my long hair back but in it’s original natural God given colour.

I just want to be as healthy as possible and enjoy the “third act” of my life

I mean why do we hate grey, silver and white hair? These are colours just like brown, blonde, red and black. Somehow we have demonized the grey and silver shades as unappealing and something to be avoided. I have seen so many gorgeous women with grey and silver hair. These women are stylish, fit and healthy. So this is my goal. I just want to be as healthy as possible and enjoy the “third act” of my life. I hope to be climbing mountains, dancing, swimming in the sea and travelling. And not worry about poisoning my brain and body with more toxic chemicals.

You can read about everything that I did to overcome 20 years of chronic illness here. I have been in complete remission from Lyme Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, chronic migraines and hypoglycemia since November 2014. I no longer suffer from Bipolar Disorder, Major Anxiety or PTSD since 2009. Let food be your medicine!

If you are interested in booking a consult, please go to this page for nutritional therapy and hair analysis.

Blessings and Best of Health!

Brenda