Permanent Hair Dye and Cancer Cell Growth
School Name
Chapin High School
Grade Level
11th Grade
Presentation Topic
Cell and Molecular Biology
Presentation Type
Mentored
Abstract
Recently, research has shown that some chemicals in hair dye can be considered carcinogenic. There are three different types of hair dye, permanent, semi-permanant, and temporary. The chemical para-phenylenediamine is used in hair dye to give it a long lasting color. Primarily used in permanent hair dye, but lower concentrations can also be found in semi-permanent hair dye. Many people are unaware of the risks that are associated with hair dye. These prominent and harmful issues help conduct the research question: To what extent do the bleaching agents in hair dye (para-phenylenediamine) -if it comes in contact with your skin- increase the risk of potential growth of cancer cells? This study investigates a potential casual relationship between a bleach agent in permanent hair dye (para-phenylenediamine) and cancer cell growth. Many high school students use permanent hair dye and are unaware of potential risks hair dye can cause. This study will contain a mixed methodology which will include quantitative and qualitative data. For the qualitative part of this study, a correlational relationship between high school students, generally ages 14-18, and their awareness of the potential risk that hair dye can pose will be researched. A quantitative experimentation will be conducted to measure the amount of cancer cells that have grown when the compound is applied, compared to the unaltered cancer cells. There will also be a comparison between the para-phenylenediamine and another chemical to see how harmful the compound is.
Recommended Citation
Florczyk, Olivia, "Permanent Hair Dye and Cancer Cell Growth" (2026). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 10.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2026/all/10
Location
Furman Hall 106
Start Date
3-28-2026 9:45 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Group Project
No
Permanent Hair Dye and Cancer Cell Growth
Furman Hall 106
Recently, research has shown that some chemicals in hair dye can be considered carcinogenic. There are three different types of hair dye, permanent, semi-permanant, and temporary. The chemical para-phenylenediamine is used in hair dye to give it a long lasting color. Primarily used in permanent hair dye, but lower concentrations can also be found in semi-permanent hair dye. Many people are unaware of the risks that are associated with hair dye. These prominent and harmful issues help conduct the research question: To what extent do the bleaching agents in hair dye (para-phenylenediamine) -if it comes in contact with your skin- increase the risk of potential growth of cancer cells? This study investigates a potential casual relationship between a bleach agent in permanent hair dye (para-phenylenediamine) and cancer cell growth. Many high school students use permanent hair dye and are unaware of potential risks hair dye can cause. This study will contain a mixed methodology which will include quantitative and qualitative data. For the qualitative part of this study, a correlational relationship between high school students, generally ages 14-18, and their awareness of the potential risk that hair dye can pose will be researched. A quantitative experimentation will be conducted to measure the amount of cancer cells that have grown when the compound is applied, compared to the unaltered cancer cells. There will also be a comparison between the para-phenylenediamine and another chemical to see how harmful the compound is.
