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Isabelle Gallay (dermatologist)
In its latest issue, the 60 million consumers association warns users who have the idea of coloring their beard (or any other part of their body!) with hair dye. We also asked a dermatologist. And the idea is not famous.
At war with even the slightest graying hair? You will find in the cosmetics section of your supermarket everything you need to camouflage them: creams and lotions with applicators, spray for touch-ups, mascara-type brushes… But what about other hairs? Those of beard, or eyebrows or even those a little lower, which can also lighten. If products exist, they are less represented on the shelves. Hence the idea among some consumers to kill two birds with one stone, and to dye their beard (for example) with hair coloring. However, 60 Million Consumers recently looked into this thorny question. And reveals that it is not to be done.
Different formulations and concentrations depending on the type of hair
“Hair and body hair do not have the same nature: hair is thicker and drier. Hair coloring products are not formulated for them and risk being ineffective”, first of all recalls the magazine. Each product dedicated to a type of hair therefore does not meet the same criteria.
For eyelashes, the authorized ingredients (or their concentration) are also not the same. European regulations require a specific assessment of the safety of substances applied to eyelashes. “Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) or resorcinol are, for example, prohibited.”
Eyebrow products are well integrated into the hair color category.”But there are more restrictions for eyebrows. recalls the magazine which advises opting for specific products, generally identical for eyelashes, eyebrows and pubis.
On the internet, difficult to read and dangerous products
Do you think you will find a wider and more specific offer of dyes “for all hairs” on the web? Here again, vigilance. Because many sites sell products that are not authorized on the European market, as well as many products for professional use, which are difficult to apply correctly at home.
Irritating compositions in all cases
Finally, in case you find the special beard or eyebrow dye that you need, the association warns against a composition that still leaves something to be desired.
“In theory, these colorings are formulated to be not only effective on hair but also less irritating to the skin. In practice, you should know that the products contain numerous irritating and sensitizing ingredients – the list of which is unfortunately often unavailable or illegible on commercial sites.
The site takes as an example the Just for men Chestnut M-35 coloring which contains 2,5-diamine toluene, resorcinol, p- and m-aminophenols… A cocktail to avoid.
A risk of irritation or allergies for our dermatologist
Consulted on the subject, dermatologist Isabelle Gallay admits that she would never have had the idea of offering a hair product to color a beard, for example. “I wouldn’t recommend it. If certain dyes have been banned in hair coloring, others are still present and expose us to a risk of irritation. On a scalp, irritation is already not pleasant. But imagine leaving this on a face or pubic area, whose skin is thinner and more prone to product penetration… I can’t imagine it. There is a risk of irritation at best and allergies at worst… which there is no point in running. It’s better to choose a suitable product.”
As such, the magazine concludes that it is better to look for a vegetable dye or, failing that, to proceed as long as possible in small touches with beard pencils, rather than applying the dye to the entire area. .
Slide: 10 natural hair colors to do at home