lead acetate in hair colour

Lead in Haircolor?

February 5th, 1997 Once again the newspapers and television reporters are on our profession's case and putting a scare into the public over haircolor. The recent reports of lead in haircolor are not new. Products containing this ingredient have been on the market for years and are never used by professional colorists. The researchers tested residual lead levels in the hair and on the hands of users, but did not check tissue or blood samples. The affected products were primarily the "gradual color" products that are the most heavily advertised for men (Grecian Formula, Youthair and similar preparations). A spokesperson for the company that manufacutures Grecian Formula issued a statement strongly denying any danger in using the products and asserting their absolute safety. Our resident chemist, Rick, puts it like this:

"Maybe I can shed some light on this subject. Some dyes contain metal atoms. These are known as metallic dyes. The best-known metallic hair dye is "Grecian formula" which contains lead acetate. When lead acetate is in contact with air, it decomposes to form finely-divided metallic lead. Other metallic dyes contain metals trapped or chelated in some sort of organic matrix. Most hair dyes are non-metallic. The problem comes when someone wants to dye hair that has been previously-colored with a metallic dye. Most conventional hair dyes use hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to "develop" the color and to lighten the hair. Many metals will catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. When it decomposes, it forms water (H2O) and oxygen (O2) and when this occurs, a lot of heat is produced. The heat can cause severe scalp burns. There are products that can remove metals and metallic dyes. As Robert noted, they are best used by a professional who knows what to do. It is definitely not a do-it-yourself project."

As the reports stated, Grecian formula is a product that should probably be avoided. Professional colorists have looked for and avoided this type of product for years. Perm solution coming in contact with a lead acetate can literally disintegrate the hair.